Look at steam in the affinity line

I did repaint! Went with SW Silver Strand and am happy with it. It is reading more blue-grey in our adjacent dining area while more green-blue-grey in the kitchen (perhaps because of the undertones in our warm white cabinets?) At first I was disappointed and would have preferred more blue in the kitchen, but now as I am starting to accesorize I am happier with it. Thank you for your help!

Jumping in without having read all the above posts, but here goes: First, yes, I have painted -- well, restained, but the amount of work would be equal -- cabinets. Did it back when we moved into our house 22 years ago. Sooooo much work. I took the doors down in one section at a time, labeled them, sanded and stained them, then sanded and stained that portion of cabinet. Then returned the doors to that section. Trust me, what HGTV can do in three minutes will take you three months. I am not sorry I did it, as it only cost about $30 total, and my results looked good. But I never want to do it again. As for your cabinets, they appear to be in good condition, and they have an interesting wood grain. They have two problems: - You say they're "not your style". You probably mean they're not the Shaker style that is so predominant in today's market. But they are good looking, flat-front Mid-Century Modern, and the wood grain in strong -- they demand to "be the star" in your kitchen. You say you're trying to like them; setting them up in their "best light" -- metaphorical light, not literal light -- will help you. - The speckled countertops are nothing special, but they are "busy", and they are competing for dominance. If this were my kitchen and I had a few dollars to throw at it -- but didn't want to go crazy -- here's what I'd do: - Keep the cabinets "as is". If necessary, give them a good washing to bring out their color and wood grain. - Replace the countertops with something very plain, very simple that would allow the wood to shine. If I were starting a U-shaped kitchen from scratch, this isn't the choice I'd make, but you've gotta work with what you have. White Corian would work well. Stay far-far away from today's trendy marble-and-veining look; that would not play well with the cabinets you have /would be trading for the very same problem. - While you're replacing the countertops, add width to the peninsula so 1) the stove doesn't feel too close to the edge and 2) you can have some bar stools. This, of course, assumes you can give up 1' of space. - I'm tempted to say, Lose the upper cabinets between the kitchen and the table, but that doesn't really work -- the ceiling is unusual, and the soffits may contain actual necessities. And that'd be quite expensive in the long run. In a different kitchen, it'd be a good idea. - If you're looking to spend real money, I'd consider losing the two cabinets flanking the window, then install a larger window. More light, more space, and this wouldn't require any changes in the ceiling, etc. - Add a simple white backsplash. But not subways -- they pair with Shakers and belong to a trend that doesn't go with your cabinets. Consider something with stars or triangles -- white with white grout. Remember, you're trying to let the cabinets be the stars. - Finish your cabinet doors with hardware with a bit of personality -- but keep Mid-Century Modern at the forefront of your mind. - If you ever re-do the cabinets, I'd downsize the ovens. What space hogs in a small kitchen! - I wouldn't do a thing to the flooring. It's nice, it flows with the rest of the house, and changing the kitchen flooring would make the rooms "choppy".

I wouldnt paint the cabinets, and I also wouldnt remove the soffits. I like them. I would like the top lowered on part of that island, but, only if you plan on moving the stove top elsewhere. If you plan to leave it where it is, then leave that part of the island high like it is now. Your counters seem to be in great condition. I would probably leave them alone too. I would add a rug or two with some color, and a few colorful accessories. The kitchen is already very nice. I just do not see the need to change much of anything.