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sealedesign I can see a lot of money went into these cabinets when they were in style. Those cathedral top cabinets and so many of them are a focal point. I think you have no other option but to go to Ikea and replace them all or just live with them.

patriciarhall i noticed that the cupboard doors on your island are not like the ones on the cabinets. Do you like the ones on your island?

Jennifer Hayes Painting the cabinets will be approx $100 a door, (if done by a prof) I would change the color on the wall first. It seems to blend w/ the cabinets. Then paint the Island a different color

chillicake Firstly , You have excellent storage space! When I looked at the kitchen , I felt it is lot of orange , especially the paint on top . Painting the cabinets might b cheap but it takes lot of work . And if it were me , I would change the knobs.

Dlyte Interior Design Refacing will generally cost you about 40% of a new kitchen and the results are pretty outstanding. You'll have the ability to change the doors and even the colour and finish if thats what you desire. The space above the cabinets could be concealed with cove moulding (Which is to basically box in the space and apply a crown moulding up to the ceiling) If you know a good handyman or carpenter they should be able to do that for you at a pretty reasonable cost in the same finish. The bones of your kitchen seem pretty good I don't see any need to completely tear it all out.

Best of luck!

carolannr You have such a large expanse of cabinets, I think changing the color could only be to a cream to coordinate with your backsplash. The wall color just makes the cabinet color more overwhelming. I would continue the green over the soffit over the cabinets or open them up and use them for large item storage . That way at least you would have some breathing space above them I would change out the doors with some open glass and some like your island - getting rid of the cathedral tops. And please remove the cutout valance in front of the window. Good luck, I really could use your storage.

mpoulsom I would get my paint brushes out and start painting them, change the hardware, and decide on other options like wall color, (if need be) if you cannot live or afford to replace them. best of luck to you! Look on ebay for good hardware at inexpensive prices in bulk. Hidden hinges as well, if you need those. You could also replace some of the cabinet doors with glass, or remove door entirely for open shelving. If you opt for open shelving in some spots, you could paint the inside an accent color.

peg4lowes Choose an analogus color scheme which includes the color of the cabinets. Repaint the walls in light tan, molding and sofets in darker tan. Use orange as the accent color for kitchen accessories. Replace hardware with more modern look, and the cupboards will blend with the beauty of the scheme and look very appropriate blending with furniture and floor.

giselavaldes repaint the wall in a color that goes with the backsplash and add crown moulding to the wall and it will give it a more finished look and will let your eye travel up past the cabinet tops, change the hardware, and use Orange as the accent color. Sometimes we want something so different instead of trying to work with what we have. good luck

roomi There is often a simple solution and one detail can be causing the whole problem. In this case it is that horrible wooden molded thing over the stove I presume its the exhaust fan. Replace it with a simple stainless steel one and you won't notice the cupboards that much any more and the whole kitchen will look more modern instantly. When you have the money replace the cupboard doors with profile you like better. Replacing the stools with more minimalist stainless steel would also tie in better and how about putting a small matching piece of stone on top of that raised part of the bench behind which I suppose is the sink. Or perhaps lower that barrier hiding the sink. Is it really necessary?

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders You can order replacement doors unfinished and change them out. Then have a carpenter come in and install a wooden soffit up to the ceiling and crown molding. Have a professional come in and paint it all to a cream color. Maybe stain the island a dark java color so the stove doesn't stand out so much.

Beth Kiefer Since you have placed black appliances in the kitchen and the counter tops are white I would paint the kitchen cabinets black and put a damask wallpaper in the middle of the cabinets ( http://totalwallcovering.com/p22760/Small-Damask-Wallpaper.aspx?cid=346 ) and paint the walls white to make the cabinets and appliances pop. I think it also might make the kitchen feel brighter with the white paint. If it didn't seem overwhelming I'd make a contrast wall in the dining area with the wallpaper to tie it all together. Their are a lot of new black and white floral designs in dinner ware that would help tie everything together.

eagledzines The amount of cabinet space you have is truly enviable. Is it the 'look' of the cabinets to the ceiling that you are looking for or more space? It appears to me that you don't have a soffit over the cabinets. If you just wanted the look, you could put in a soffit and cover it with wood to match the cabinet color you choose, then just replace the top doors to match the bottom square doors, with doors that go to height you are looking for. The top part of the door would cover the soffit. The hinges would stay where they currently are. The shorter doors would need a magnet at the top.

If you decide to put any glass in, I would put in the corner cabinet for the most impact.

I would consider painting the island a charcoal or a shade that goes with your new backsplash. I would also consider extending the back of the stove to the short end of the island and topping it with another narrow piece of matching corian. And painting the rest of the cabinets a shade of cream that goes with your backsplash and corian.

I agree with taking off the valance.

roomi Painting those cupboards will not change the shape so in my opinion it's a waste of money however adding a stainless steel exhaust system will match up with the existing silver appliance and draw the eye away. Later when the doors are changed the cupboard storage can be extended up to the ceiling. I have actually done this exact same thing myself. Taken out a country style exhaust and put in a stainless one that matched the oven. This was good value for money in terms of instant effect.
Since the old kitchen was total rubbish and one day would be totally ripped out I painted the "vertical weatherboard" effect cupboard doors cream myself. This was for a rental. However since more storage up to the ceiling would be useful and you would never want to match the existing doors, why bother painting?

GEE Contracting and Development I have seen a black box molding going to the ceiling then beautiful crown molding added in black. You could also then paint your island black to match the appliances. Be sure to paint the back of the island black also to give uniformity and maybe a smaller decorative molding on it.. Even if this is done by a professional you can see how coordinated it would look. Two colors on cabinets are very in style.

dnastrau I would continue the green into the kitchen. You could add cabinets above the existing ones with glass doors, but that could get expensive. Instead you could remove the doors on the upper cabinets and paint the interior a contrasting color to make it pop. I would also paint the island..

Crystal Petersen I think you have to many colors going on, My eyes don't really focus on one thing. I think you should pull a light color out of your tile in the backsplash (which I love) and paint all the walls and top of the cabinet. I have this honey oak color all over my house too and I hate it but I'm really trying to work with it. I'm trying to talk my husband into letting me paint all the trim white. I think it looks so fresh. Good luck.

roomi Eagledzeens. Extending the back of the stove to the short end of the island and topping with a narrow piece of stone is also a great idea. Matching up the finish might be a problem however leading to the urge to repaint or refinish at which point the kitchen will start to look kind of patchwork and the cathedral cupboards will look even more prominent and worse and she's said that the expense of repainting is currently a problem. I think the cupboard door replacement, extension to ceiling of storage or enclosure of the space and re-jig of island bench all need to be done later at the same time. Painting anything at this point wastes money and prolongs the problem...just my opinion.

wghoots Brighten the green paint, paint the island and lower cabinets black or charcoal and the top ones white. Have the cabinet doors cut to a rectangle and replace with frosted glass. If you can do the painting yourself use cabinet paint. Paint your trim white and ceiling white. New hardware.

roomi Sorry that wooden moulded item is not a range hood, I think it's just concealing a light, I see there is an exhaust in the ceiling above the stove however a stainless panel instead of that wooden country style "valence" would still work to match in with the refrigerator.

charlsb I hear you about the valance infront of the sink--I have wanted to karate chop it since we moved in--one day I will. I like the idea of painting the sofit a color to match the backsplash--easy enough and I have that color in my basement. I also like the stainless vent over the stove. We need to address lighting as well in this kitchen--and repair a ceiling where we took out a very strange formation in the middle of the kitchen--it was a floor to ceiling desk they just dropped in the center of the island--weird. Do you think hardware should be heavier--maybe a rubbed bronze--or stay with a stainless? Love the idea for new stools--and never thought of stainless--thats a YES. Thanks for the imput--what a great sight.
I also can see us putting up crown molding over the sofit--although I do not like the sofit--it is all plaster and such a pain to take out and messy. Crown molding may be the answer.

Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design I would go with painting the cabinets and then paint the island another color than the cabinetry.

charlsb here are a couple other pics I coulldn't load the first time. I am def going with a two color scheme for my island and ball cabinets--Darker on the island???

PeterandDeneen Schumacher for a low cost fix: paint all walls the same "light" color. New hardware. Fix the plugins on the wall, they need to be moved down and out of site. Readjust your art work and decorations. New lighting, you do not have high enough ceilings to do bulky lights and fans. New window treatment (no blinds, unless you tuck them up under your window trim.) Clear all the stuff off the top of your cupboards. Your set up is nice, your furniture is wonderful, eclectic. You just need a fresh modern take. If you still hate your kitchen then just paint your cupboards if they are in good shape you can dIY , there are lots of new products to help redesign your kitchen for a really good price. Its the accessories that make any kitchen. Get some bling.

eagledzines Yes. Darker on the island.

jingstad Remove the scalloped trim above the sink...that will open up the window more. Put crown molding at the ceiling above the soffits and paint it white. You could replace the very top cabinet doors with glass...opening up the space and getting rid of the arch. I would paint the back of the island cabinets to match the kitchen or dining room color and add more stools...maybe with backs. Finally, replace the light fixture in the dining room and then put 3 pendant lights above the island. The light fixtures should compliment each other in style. I believe that these relatively small changes will make a big difference in your kitchen.

Wendy Hayden I would reface - I did this myself and the result was outstanding. I had the arched cabinet doors as well and they put new wood doors that were updated (not arched) They put a veneer on the sides and fronts of the cabinets and island. Came out beautiful. You will not be sorry you did this - it will add value to your home. I do not have a before or a full view of the cabinets but the attached is a partial view of the end result.

eagledzines http://www.lightinguniverse.com/products/view.aspx?sku=5217857&af=1525&cse=1525&gclid=CJCSgd-U7rQCFUOK4AodJ0IAvw

sealedesign try taking off the small upper doors only on the tiny cabinets and create open storage. Put silk plants in the area above the sink, hanging down. Crown molding and soffit to the ceiling or match backsplash color with paint..Take off weird trim piece and cut straight instead of curly, fix area around stove. Add stainless color to go with fridge, agree it could go on chairs or maybe island.

Maria Billingsley of J Hettinger Interiors Before you spend a lot of money refacing and repainting, just do a dark glaze over the existing finish and add another finish coat. Also you may be able to pop out the middle of the door if it is a 5 piece construction. In its place add textured glass or wire. I like the cathedral :)

TOM'S WORKSHOP I THINK I WOULD GO WITH PAINTED CABINETS WITH SHAKER DOORS.GO TO TOM'S WORKSHOP IN SOUTHSIDE AL. ON FACEBOOK TO SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PIC.

sealedesign you can probably match the wood well enough with crown molding but you will never match doors. As the wood ages it gets darker.

sealedesign you can get the middle of these doors out and attach something behind the door but you will never be able to get anything flat like wire or glass into the cut out area..

beverlynn The cabinets and the wall color are clashing with each other! Paint the walls; the cabinets aren't so bad! Add some hardware (brushed nickel) and that will be a great improvement!

eagledzines You would need a rabbeting bit to set it into the current panel area. To secure it, use a molding or caulk.

joannamato Looks like a LOT of wood. Almost everything is the same color or close to it. I would suggest replacing a few upper cabinet doors with glass doors and re-staining the cabinets. I would suggest an island that's a different color and style, but I guess that is new. I think you need more variety. I would also paint the wall behind the cabinet a darker green than the other wall. Adding green hanging lights over the bar would also be good.

lisabianco We had the exact honey oak cabinets when we moved into our house. I did not like them either but we didn't have the money to redo the kitchen. We put in new countertops and backsplash and my husband and I refaced them ourselves. It was very time consuming but the only cost was the painting supplies. We first cleaned them with solvent, lightly sanded them by hand, primed them with an alcohol base primer, painted and glazed them. This is what they look like now.

Southern Evergreen Architecture+Design we have been doing a LOT of this lately. My suggestion, have a local cabinetry carpenter buy new doors for you and paint/stain them to the color you like. I recommend a full-overlay door to help reduce the amount of frame you see - and that help them look more modern. Then, have that same carpenter (or his finisher) refinish just the frames. Then, I'd remove the soffit (be careful, there may be electrical and HVAC hidden up there that you will have to relocate). Once the soffit gone, install new crown molding. You can even have that before mentioned cabinetry carpenter build new cabinets above these existing ones with hopper style doors to give you more storage and finish of that space. $2 to $6k investment.

mcbride2304 Adding a flat soffit of either wood or even drywall above the cabinets , several inches wide, and attaching crown molding on top of it to attach to the the ceiling will give it a completely finished look. You can paint it the trim color and adding handles, not knobs, of a pretty good size will break up the solid wood look and update the look. Usually these minor changes make a huge difference without the expense of a major Reno. Find a good carpenter...this is not an expensive fix.

geeideaz Already stated, but swapping a few door panels with glass will break up all that wood. Also flip the cabinet door insets to the flat side. Cathedral tops are soooo 1980's. Then paint or stain to taste. Darker color inn the island and on the frames of any glass doors, lighter on the rest. Just don't get drastic. Maybe a dark and a light variant of the same tone. Love the green.

jennijacks I think that you have been given a lot of great ideas so far. Many of them do involve a lot of time and some involve a lot of money. In my opinion, the cabinets are not horrendous. I feel that the wall color is making them appear much more orange than they actually are. Yes, the cathedral tops are dated. But they look like well-made cabinets and it would be a shame to paint or replace simply for vanity's sake. If you add updated hardware, that will make a huge difference. As for the paint, choose a colour that is complimentary to your backsplash (which I love by the way) and paint the entire room....including the green colour. I would personally lean towards the creamier color but that is up to you. You can add punches of color to your room by way of accessories. The cabinets will look completely transformed when surrounded with a more neutral wall color and the entire space will be much more cohesive when painted all the same. The valance above the kitchen window should be removed. I had the exact same one and once I removed it the difference was amazing. Much more updated. All you need is a screwdriver and some wood filler ;) You have a wonderful space. Before you invest a ton of time and possibly money in refacing or replacing cabinets I highly recommend trying out a different wall color and new hardware. I guarantee that you will love the change and the cabinets will not look so dated. If you still absolutely hate them then unfortunately replacement will be the only option. But, as my husband tells me, if the worst thing in my home is cabinets that someone says are outdated... things really cannot be that bad ;) On a side note, I would also replace the vertical blinds on the windows with some beautiful drapery and hardware.

Denise Boldt_Fick I am anxious to read all of the feeback you're getting. I am in the same boat with my kitchen - oak everywhere and I'm on a budget with remodel and upgrades. Good luck!

charlsb just a note on the cabinets--they do picture well and look better online that in person. They are gummy, and the quality is akin to Menards--Medallion is the name brand. I have no issue painting or staining because of their lack of their value. They are worn out in my book.

Jean Tuck Im thinking , intrduce only one pattern in area 9countertop my pic) then paint outAll cupboards to same color(I in this area would use almond, tto allow color introduction for other furniture pieces to somewhat be seen in countertop, using onlt 3 colors in this pace basically, and leavedesign for countertop and small toppers for curtains to reflect your tastes, country or eleghant.
Remember my thoughts only .

carolannr Then, I do think your best and least expensive option is painting them. If you know a good carpenter, he can investigate those soffits. Contractors do usually use them for wire runs, etc but usually they can be pulled down to the top of the existing cabinets so they won't be seen and the soffits opened. Done this a few times with inexpensive kitchen makeovers - it does seem to open up the kitchen and give some breathing room. Those cathedral doors could still be replaced - ck your local Habitat resale outlet, if you have one. Ours carry an extensive collection of cabinet doors, usually unfinished, to replace them at a lower cost especially when you are trying to match the style of an older cabinet design such as yours. They have been a lifesaver for me on some jobs. You have so many cabinets It only makes sense to try to salvage what you can without replacing them. Unless you have an unlimited amount to spend, working with what's there and making them the best you can is the most economical decision. I've even opened some up by removing the doors and exposing, say the daily dishware/glassware storage to make it more convenient.

Granite Transformations Hey Charlsb,

I think refacing could be the way to go if you are really unhappy with your cabinetry. This process is more affordable than purchasing new cabinets, but gives you a completely new look. I'd go with a professional though, this really isn't a DIY job.

You can learn more about the process here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/cabinet-refacing-page

Basically, you'll get new doors, drawers, drawer pulls, hinges and hardware. You can select wood doors or RTF doors depending on the cost. This basically provides you with new cabinetry at a fraction of the cost of ordering new cabinetry.

Good luck with your project!

eagledzines Be careful when repainting if the finish on them now is sticky. If after cleaning them up they are still sticky, you will probably have to strip them before you paint them to get a good finish on them.

lessismoore lisabianco - your cabinet redo looks fabulous... Especially note what was done with the soffit and moulding there! That said, charlsb still has to deal with the cathedral arches. Can one actually "flip" the doors on something like this, and have it work? As suggested by geeideaz ?? Have you done this? I would love to see some before/after - If they are really poor quality, re-facing would be the way to go rather than flipping.
While you are painting, make sure you catch that honey oak window and door trim too. Here is a quick look at side by side with the white/cream/ top cabinets - dark (charcoal/black) bottoms. Beef up the soffit moudlings.

lessismoore and of course, take an ax to the curvy thing over the sink!

woofwoof I had very similar looking white oak cabinetry in my old kitchen and light colored countertops, and I also had all the walls a similar terra cotta color. When we sold the house, we painted the walls a tan color called Chapparal by Dunn Edwards --you know the whole "neutral" color scheme buyers want to see. It transformed the kitchen to a light, bright totally new space and everything sort of blended better. It would de-emphasize the features you don't like w/out the expense of re-facing or replacing perfectly good cabs. But yeah, do get rid of the curvy thing over the sink.

Barbara Griffith Designs Yes to removing wood valance over sink, yes to painting walls the green tone, yes to painting the back of the island black. Yes to pendant lights, yes to removing verticals on windows, yes to drapery on windows, yes to stainless handles/knobs. But keep the cabinets, paint them a creamy white..please look at Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation Kit. Works incredible and is easy to use. Best part it looks like a professional job. http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=561

carbary I think the terra cotta paint color does not showcase the cabinets well. I would pick a grey tone that would complement your counter tops. The backs of your island appear to me, not to match the cabinets. I would consider painting just the island. I think it would break up the woody feel. This dragons breath is a great color it is a grey brown and would look great on your Island and blend with your walls.

carbary I think the terra cotta paint color does not showcase the cabinets well. I would pick a grey tone that would complement your counter tops. The backs of your island appear to me, not to match the cabinets. I would consider painting just the island. I think it would break up the woody feel. This dragons breath is a great color it is a grey brown and would look great on your Island and blend with your walls.

baon I've seen these doors with the inserts flipped so the "cathedral" points downward plus paint/stain. Killed the 80's look.

carbary Pictures of cabinet display of collections

Sharyn A lot of good suggestions here. Have you considered simply painting the back side of the island, the laminate wood tones conflict with your cabinets. Also try removing the cabinet door above the appliance garage. Store pretty pottery or dishware there, it will help break up all the wood tone. Start with just one or two changes and see if that helps. Removing the scallop edging is an easy and updating option. A pretty roman shade would look nice and bring in some pattern. Overall you have a nice kitchen, just needs a few tweeks.

charlsb update--just finished painting the cabinets. Thanks Houzzers--I took your advice and LOVE it--sure brightened it up in the kitchen. Now to finish the ceiling, install new lights and hood above stove. It looks GREAT.

charlsb now there is a debate on replaceing the orange color--with a off white seems to be too much white, carry the green on through this area---not my fav idea. Anyone else have suggestions. The orange doesn't bother me but I am not in love with it either.

chillicake Wow....ur effort seems to pay out...it a huge change...and for replacing the orange color...I would choose some earthy tones..or even beige shades...something not too dark , or too lite. Good luck...would like to see the finished output.

lessismoore Very Wow! - what about a gray with a green undertone? Like BM Aganthus Green 472?
http://www.benjaminmoore.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/1/9/1962.jpg
1. Will pick up gray from island, 2 pick up green tones from rest of room, 3. Look great with backsplash.
Imo :-)

jhperree Paint top part above cabinets same as wall color.
Paint island white, cream, or lighter color in back splash,.

Lightly sand edges of island for patina, or leave solid for more modern look.

beverlynn What a difference!! it looks fabulous!!

remick First, change the colors on the walls. The current green has too much yellow in it. You need a light green that has more of a "forest green" flavor. The burnt orange over the cabinets needs to be changed to a different lighter color - that compliments your back splash. You can also add matching crown molding to either the top of the cabinets or white crown all around the room. Refinishing cabinets is a lot of work - easier to replace doors, or spraying a darker lacquer by a pro.

roomi I really cannot say that I think the changes are successful in bringing things together in a stylistic sense because the work you have done creates other problems. The shape of the door insert panels still clashes with the style of the splash back in my opinion. Maybe this could be considered to be not a tactful thing to say since you have to live with it and have put money into the painting but this is an online discussion and it is interesting to see the results of everyone's advice. Thanks for posting the 'after' pics

Sharyn Your room looks great with the white cabinets. I did the same thing and can appreciate all your hard work...it's not an easy task. For wall color I would simply get paint chips representing all the colors from your counters and backsplash. From there pick 3 that you really like then buy samples. Apply paint to poster board and hang in areas of the kitchen and see which one you like best. I'm thinking a rich brown to go with the white...stunning

Crystal Petersen Good job! I also like the idea of the rich brown paint color also.

amymccull i would paint the cabinets white then take the island and paint it black add white bar stools or even do an expresso color to match the table. I would paint the orange above the cabinets a light tan i would change the knobs and add stainless steel counter appliances or vintage pieces then above the cabinets i would add dark color baskets or oldglass bottles then for the wall with the pantry i would paint it a dark color also to match the island then maybe add stainless looking bar stools.

betsyjustis Wow! What did you do with the window trim on the opposite wall? Did you paint that white, too?

charlsb I am going to paint the door trim to match, the window will be replaced in less then a year so I wasn't taking the time to do that now. I did paint the little closet door and the entry door to match and their trim--just ran out of gas. It took a lot more patience then I ever could imagine to do a good job. I am realy feeling the brown color but am going to take the backplash in with me and get a corresponding color my next trip to Home Depot. You have all been a great help. Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas. I was truley stuck and you helped get those creative juices flowing.

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