I agree with simstress. Those cabinets are beautiful! If contrast is the issue, change the granite and backsplash.

I agree. A proper professional refinish of those pricey cabinets will cost more than a new counter.

I would replace the granite with soapstone.

Those cabinets are beautiful! I agree with the comments above, just change the counter and backsplash if you want to change anything. Also changing the hardware would change the look drastically.

Your kitchen is beautiful the way it is. If starting from scratch I would have used lighter countertops, but I can't see tossing the beautiful ones that you have. I think they are the same as my sister's, who also has Alder cabinets - one year old home she just built.

This is my light quartz and simple subway tile. It is a simpler look - but seriously - there is nothing wrong with what you have:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

If you do change the countertops - my sink is the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style farm sink. It can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. It has a shorter apron, but is just as deep inside as the "tall apron" style. I do not have Alder cabinets, but was going for the light counter / backsplash look in two of your pics above. I have since added the quartz to my island too.

Obviously a more modest kitchen, but here is the sink:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325

You can have a farm sink retrofitted into your present counters without removing the countertop. Joe, a countertop specialist here does it by removing the cabinet frame, changing out the sink and then putting the frame back on.

Those are beautiful knotty alder cabinets!! I would recommend black leather granite or soapstone. Soapstone counter tops are beautiful as well!! Here is a kitchen remodel in which soapstone was used with our stain grade cabinets.

R Family Remodel · More Info

R Family Remodel · More Info

Lovely kitchen.

I would change out the backsplash -- I think the rest would feel less monotone if that didn't continue the theme. Imagine a shiny white or cream tile back there to bring some life to the space without dealing with the big-ticket items!

I understand what everyone else is saying about the wood. Yes, it IS beautiful wood. But it would drive me up a wall if I had that in my kitchen. I had knotty pine cabinets for 19 years, and it made my kitchen dark and dreary. I've always wanted a light bright kitchen, so I finally bit the bullet and painted mine white, and LOVE them.

Also, lighting in your glass cabinetry to display art glass would be a nice accent in your kitchen . Possibly update the accessories you display on counter tops. There is little wall space for wall covering or paint, correct? Are you opposed to updating your lighting? Lighting makes huge difference with the overall aesthetic look in a space. I think your cabinetry is gorgeous. May I ask what part of the country you live in?

I think we have the same granite! i've had it for 12 years and am so tired of it. my cabs aren't alder, but they are the same tone as yours. And i have that 4" tile travertine backsplash which I hate now! So I get you.

I like your cabs and would change out the granite first. that black soapstone above is gorgeous.

I think changing the granite to something else, changing your hardware and the backsplash would be all you need. Getting those cabs painted would be in the 5K range for an actual professional painter, not some hack.

and if that's an island you have, you could always just paint that piece.

A light, bright kitchen can be achieved with wood cabinets, especially lighter cabinets like you have. I see maybe a bit of gray wall - some of the grays can look sort of drab with warm wood tones. Wall color plays an important role in how dark / light a room is - even just the little bit that is in a kitchen. I actually like your hood because it is different - I'm a little tired of the "white bread" kitchen - not the white cabinets, but that they all follow the same pattern, usually based on lack of creativity due to a fear of being "dated", now or later.

This combination of color would lighten and brighten this already beautiful kitchen. I incorporated eggplant as you mentioned this color in your previous kitchen. Attempted another look to see if this entices you in any way. It sounds to me like you are ready to paint the cabinets or will not be happy until you have done so.If you are leaning towards this then start with counter top selections first and then choose your color. Later you can add rug for texture and accessories. Hey, I understand wanting to make the right decision as the kitchen sounds like your peaceful place when baking and cooking. Small changes can transform into something you like and might surprise you. Color is key.

Update we have moved to Destin to a sixth story condo same thing but Tommy Bahama look cabinets and black granite with gold sparkle but don’t seem to care about the inside when the view and the ocean are already perfect!

Good for you! Enjoy your new home.

So I wonder what the new owners are doing with your kitchen? LOL good for you.

So glad I found this post. I’m in Tulsa and have the same cabinets, hood and very similar granite. My husband is adamant about not painting the cabinets, but I really want to update with cooler tones. Everything in the house is brown/beige/gold. And the hideous hood is attached to the cabinets on either side so very difficult to remove. Starting with new lighting and cabinet pulls...

This post is from long ago

Sara Hart, if you want some honest evaluations and help, start your own post w/pictures. Maybe we can give you some ideas