yikes! these are gorgeous as is, beautifully done, and probably cost a fortune; have you thought about changing the wall color, or if you must change the wood then perhaps having them stained?

a warm wood like that can also be very modern looking. I have actually been looking at having the kitchen on the new condo we are in the process of buying updated with cabinets similar to those (shaker style?) in a warm medium toned wood much like yours. They have some beautiful examples of modern kitchens in the catalog with warm wood tones that really sold me on them.

It looks like you already have some great ingredients for a modern kitchen, gorgeous appliances, the glass brick window, the pendant lanterns.

I think you could modernize this more with just some new accessories. Like you mentioned new cabinet hardware and glass inserts (maybe ditch the mullions if possible).
Paint the white wall something bold, and maybe redo the backslash something more colorful and with more impact than the navy blue. Finish it off by replacing the rug with something more modern as well.

It would be a lot cheaper, and if you dont like it you could always resort to something more drastic like spraying the cabinets or having them redone and still use your new accessories in the new design.

Perhaps you can get someone to buy the current cabinets (or just the fronts) and get some that are more your style. Try taking some photos and post them on Craig's List along with a price. Certainly can't hurt to put it out there and see what you get for a response. They do look like nice cabinets....it would be a shame to paint over them when someone might like them just the way they are.

NOOOOO Dont paint them! If you want a brighter and more modern look then a) get a high intensity light, like an LED bar, under the stove hood. Those tiles look like they have some pretty intense hues in them and a bright light will pick them up. Then paint the WALLS and maybe the CEILING but DONT PAINT THOSE GORGEOUS CABINETS! I would recommend a screaming primary blue, like Behr Cosmic Blue. Something like this:

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/kitchen-tours/kitchen-tour-harry-and-taylor-of-brooklyn-kitchen-088247

I actually think frosting the glass will look great. But god dont paint those cabinets. I just think you need better, more varied light and a bright color to make it totally modern and beautiful

I agree with the others. Leave them! I'm a huge fan of the modern and my husband and I have been busy painting our circa 1974 cheap-o cabinets white, but wow....yours are gorgeous.

Go with what the posters above said. Change the wall paint to a modern color. Maybe change the backsplash. Throw down a new runner on the floor, etc. But the cabinets are absolutely gorgeous.

i REALLY wouldn't paint the cabinets. they already look like high end, expensive cabinets now with the natural finish and painting will look cheap IMHO . . . meaning if i saw your cabinets painted i would think, "oh cute. they did a nice little DIY job on the cheapo builder cabinets." - they may not look ultra modern but the lines are clean enough to be transitional.

if you have to paint them maybe just do a section like the wall unit or the counter unit in a high gloss finish AND let a professional do it so it comes out extremely even.

anywho, i think changing the hardware should be enough to modern them up :)

I also wouldn't paint the cabinets...but I would suggest you paint the walls and change the hardware on the cabinets to something more modern.

NO!

Get Ikea doors and save the CHERRY doors for the next owners if you ever sell. Or dismantle the whole thing and sell the whole shebang to someone who really wants cherry.

That kitchen looks plenty modern to me as it is.

You could install a lighter floor and counter top to brighten it all up.

I have to ask........why did you buy a 150 year old house if you really want everything very modern? Mix old and new and your place will be fantastic.

I am usually not in the "never paint wood" camp. I think sometimes painted wood is lovely and really lightens and brightens a space. But those are really stunning and not at all anti-modern. Painted wood requires much more upkeep in a kitchen and I just can't imagine what could possibly look better than what you have. Accessorize and add color elsewhere. Do not waste your money painting that wood. The cabinets are perfect as is.

Normally I advocate painting/doing what you want with your own space, but in this instance I say PLEASE don't paint. Those cabinets are gorgeous. Paint the wall(s), retile the backsplash, install a more modern counterop or light fixtures, add accessories...but please don't paint. Or paint. It's your house.

So sad that the previous owner took such pains to keep the character of the home to have the new owner want to destroy it. Why buy a 19th century home when you would have been happier in a 21st century condo? The kitchen looks great - it has nice transitional look with the blue backsplash and modern appliances. Try just changing the cabinet hardware (new pulls can make a big difference).

Have you considered ordering flat cherry fronts made? You won't be happy with those if you paint them! The beveled fronts will just look shabby. Maybe you're overwhelmed by the dark wood floor and dark granite countertops, and tile backsplash ... all of which help make this room look "traditional". Try some bright colors, too! You can also take out the windowpane decorations on the open cabinets and like you said change all the hardware. But you will kick yourself for years if you try and "spray" these. Please consider some alternatives first! :)

PAINT THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it!
If some day you sell and the new owners want them back to the wood then they can do that! I think it would look gorgeous painted! Besides, it's your house and it's you who should be happy with it- I would get them sprayed - I know that it can be done in a durable finish.
Maybe contact an interior design firm in your area to find out who to go to.

I agree with the others. Do NOT paint them--it'd be a waste. To modernize, paint that white wall a bright color that I see in the photo, get a new kitchen rug, and get new lighting.

paint 'em.

I'm not usually one who's against painting wood on principle, but please don't paint those gorgeous cabinets. They could absolutely work in a modern space. Switch out the glass fronts with frosted, change out the hardware to a sleek pull to mirror the appliances, re-tile the backsplash (maybe some clean glass mosaic?), paint the walls a crisp white or a bright color. Just don't paint the cabinetry, I beg you.

count me in the do not paint camp! i don't even normally like traditional-style cabinets, but these look great quality and can easily be worked into a more modern aesthetic with other smaller changes (backsplash, hardware, wall color, etc)

also, agree with ohjodi. mixing in some modern with some traditional/old will look great and give the place some character.

(also...can i ask about the doorknobs that you're changing out? if the old owner had gone through a lot of trouble to find ones that were period or original to the house, please keep them for the next owner! character is good!!)

I understand what you mean about wanting to make the kitchen more modern. My first instinct was to agree but after looking at the photo in more detail would say keep them. I like the idea about changing the hardware and perhaps switching some of the wood fronts for glass. Perhaps removing a few of the front doors entirely? Your bowls are so pretty and would look nice with open shelving. I'm not a huge fan of the blue back splash (though I'm sure it is also high end quality) and might opt for something lighter and lighter counter tops to brighten/modernize the space. Those wood floors are so lovely; I see it being something neutral but warm.

I think selling those cabinet fronts and getting something that is more your style is your best option. They are really gorgeous and it would be a shame to paint them if you didn't have too.

I can't believe that in todays buyer's market that the OP bought a historic home with custom solid wood kitchen cabinets and is trying to turn it into an IKEA showroom...

...I can only imagine how much better this kitchen must have appeared with color on the walls and period-appropriate lighting instead of the harsh white and glaring light fixtures.

I'm all for painted cabinets, however I have to agree with everyone else about investigating other ways to approach the problem. A different floor color to work in some contrast with the cabinets would help, a more interesting hood, brighter walls/backsplash, new stone countertops and, frankly, I'd lose the stainless steel. Everyone and their mother effuses over stainless these days, and it's beyond tired.

sylvangirl, those were my thoughts exactly.

There is no way those cabinets will look good painted, no matter who does it. And you will be sorry in a year or less when the paint starts to chip or get dingy. I would follow some of the other advice and add modern elements. Maybe a bright area rug would help.

I'm guessing with your modern taste and the home's great "bones," the house will end up looking like a fun mix of old and new. Give it time and it will evolve.

Cherry is never modern.

I agree with the 1st commenter.... the kitchen is great and can be matched with very modern furnishings throughout the house. The kitchen is gorgeous... not sure why you want to change it....

oh, maybe just the backsplash tiles and the glass block thingie..... those are not too pretty.

what about just painting the interior of the cabinets (the glass faced ones) a bright white or other color of your choosing. you could even go for a bold graphic.

I agree... painting the cabinets should be an absolute last resort. Try glass cabinet knobs... that would be a huge help, and a lighter counter top first.

leave the cabinets cherry but change the doors-
a kitchen deisgn shop could do this-

First, it's your home. Do what you want and don't let anyone make you feel guilty about it.

I think you may regret painting them. Try some other changes (paint, backspash, frosting) and wait 6 mo - year. If you still hate them, paint.

Old and new has so much more character and warmth for a kitchen.

There are a ton of awful wood cabinets just begging for paint, but these are not. How about getting a nice white marble countertop and using a modern paint color for the kitchen? Add some stainless bar handles and replace the tile backsplash with something more modern.

Plenty of highend modern kitchens have wood cabinets.

I just had to come back here after going home and seeing my endless house to do list. What I wouldn't give for this to be my "problem" room! I just keep looking at that picture and can't think of a single thing that needs changing. That said, I actually think painted shaker style fronts would look MORE traditional rather than less. If you really hate them, switch them out for custom flat front doors, don't paint the shaker style doors.

It's your home and if you hate it a year from now, change it. But since you said you are coming from a very modern environment you might just need a little time. Look at some examples that mix modern and traditional elements. I really think it might grow on you. I'm sometimes amazed at the things that bothered me when I first moved in 2 years ago and hardly notice anymore, yet other things bother me now that I didn't even notice then.

For now, save your money. Wait for real problems. With a 150 year old house one thing you can pretty much guarantee is that there are some real problems lurking behind the walls and someday they'll show themselves.

I will cry if you paint these cabinets! If anything, I'd do something about the glass bricks. Change up the tile backsplash and countertops, but don't touch the wood.

Personally, I wouldn't paint them - I couldn't handle the guilt.

I'd start by changing out the hardware, painting the wall (even if it's just a less stark white) and getting a new rug.

I think those quick fixes would vastly change/modernize the space.

I love the idea of using a worn kilim rug here - like in this AT post: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/kitchen/a-kilim-in-the-kitchen-078635

In fact, that first photo has cabinets that are the same type of wood you have...

PAINT IT, it is your house to destroy, plus they aren't original to the home anyway

or you could just replace the tile back splash with something more contemporary and paint the walls

I am definitely struggling with the same thing right now, the condo my husband and I moved into has BRAND NEW maple shaker cabinets, very similar to yours. But, also like your kitchen, they are very similar to the floor color, and there is just so much wood that it looks overwhelming! I hate them, but everyone tells me that painting new cabinets is sacrilege!

You may feel guilty changing them, but this is your house now, and it should reflect you and your tastes! What's the point of keeping them if you don't like them. I personally do not think they look very modern, though some people have said they do. I think It will be hard to ever get the light and color you're looking for with all that dark wood grain dominating the scene.

Paint 'em!

Crikey, some people really do have more money than sense.

I am not usually a fan of wood kitchens, but I really do like this. It has a very Japanesque feel to it. I would not paint, but consider going for a "warmer" modern via better design and accessories.

--You seem to have a reasonable budget. I would get rid of the dated glass block window, and replace it with something modern and interesting. Like maybe a steel window, or a large, single-paned, wood-framed, tilt-out window. You could even paint the wood frame a bold color; I'd love to see a grass green or mustard yellow. No window covering, please.

--I'd keep the walls white, but insert one bold color via one or two accessories. Keep it very simple.

--The indigo backsplash tile also looks very japanesque. Keep it. It would look good with the grass green or mustard yellow window frame, too. (If you really dislike the indigo, though, swap it out for white or some very subtle glass tiles. No subway.)

--Frost the glass on the doors. Or, remove the 2 glass-front doors (store them), paint those 2 cabinet interiors (grass green or mustard yellow) and display a few modern kitchen accessories there. Keep it very spare. (I saw a Japanese-inspired kitchen with a similar display of iron kettles and it looked very stunning and modern, yet warm.)

--Keep counter top accessories to a minimum. You've got too much clutter for the small space.

--Either get rid of the sink mat, or replace it with a RUG. This (gel mat?) looks like it is uber practical but also uber traditional. Like my mother would have it in her house. If you must have a rug, have a RUG and not a sink mat. No patterns, just texture (and one color if you must)

Regarding painting:
A high quality enamel, sprayed on, is extremely durable. Especially if you live in a state where you can still use oil. A good quality professional painter can do this; do some research and don't let them brush or roll it. It will be very expensive.

But as others have said, you may not be happy with paint. The cabinets will look very shaker or mission-like. I personally think Shaker can be very modern when done well, but I'm just telling you... white paint does not always modernize.

>>Why buy a 19th century home when you would have been happier in a 21st century condo?

Wait, what? Do a Google image search for "luxury condo kitchen" -- go ahead, we'll wait -- and you'll see pages and pages of pictures exactly like that one. Solid wood or not, those cabinets look like exactly what they are: a trendy, contemporary, "luxury" kitchen remodel.

That said, I wouldn't paint the cabinets, either. It's a huge pain and hassle to paint them, and an even bigger one to strip them later if they outlive your current aesthetic. Start with wall paint, rugs, lighting fixtures, art -- relatively simple and cheap changes which might make the cherry cabinets easier to live with.

What a tragedy it would be to paint these cabinets. Get ultra modern lighting or other modern elements. It's nice to have a mix of traditional and modern together. Please do not destroy the character of this home.

omg, from your picture these appear to be the exact same cabinets I painted in my victorian house. They are not expensive and my designer told me not to hesitate. I painted a pale green to make my place look more vintage but at the same time more clean with marble cabinets and stainless and glass tile backsplash. In the end, it looked more modern and more vintage. goodluck!

Stop. Sell the home to someone who loves what is already there.

Proceed to buy something that is much closer to modern, like here:
http://dougnewby.com/acc/archus/Massachusetts_Architecture%20-%20Architecturally_Significant_Homes/

Or here:
http://www.gilman-guidelli.com/portfolio/portfolioS4.html

Find something that is already what you want it to be. Or something that needs direction, NEEDS the cabinet work, NEEDS lighting work, etc.

I think if you change out the hardware to something like the really long brushed nickel handles you will really see a difference. With a few changes that the others have mentioned you will be well on your way to the *more* modern kitchen that you want.

do not paint them - change the hardware and make the best of it. that is beautiful wood. i can see if they were simple pine or plywood - but please use your noggin' and do not paint over those cabinets.

Since you've said yourself that these cabinets are high end finishes and that's pretty much supported by the appliances and counter top - mucking with these cabinets will reduce the value of your house. Straight up. That $26 gallon of paint could take $10,000-$20,000 out of your house. So if you must do something, for god's sake - MAKE IT REVERSIBLE.

Leave 'em-seriously, if for no other reason than resale.

I have to ask a question though-if you love modern why on earth did you buy a historic home? I have a historic condo and a townhouse. I've tried very hard to modernize while respecting the fact that they are old, beautiful but old.

For something really zingy have you considered the awesome recycled aluminum subway tiles?

You know, I live in a 100-year-old building and when we moved in, I immediately wanted to paint the cabinets, which were new but plain old oak and not as high end as yours. We decided not to do it, at least not immediately, and now I find these cabinets are actually growing on me. I am appreciating not having rushed into the trend of the moment. I figure that in a few years, the painted high-gloss cabinets may actually seem like the trendy formulaic solution. So my proposal is to live with them for a year or two and adjust the fixtures (door handles, lights, etc., if you need something to change) and see how you feel about it later on. You may find that you come to appreciate them.

I think if you paint those cabinets, they will look more cottage-ey and vintage, not more modern. If you really can't stand the cabinets, just replace the doors. Save the existing doors and store them securely, because if you ever sell the house later on, they might be desirable to buyers.

I agree with others that these cabinets could look quite modern if you changed the surrounding decor, but it's your house and if you really can't stand the cabinet style, just replace the doors.

Also, maybe remove that 8-drawer cabinet unit to the left of the stove, and do something about that undersized glass block window.

DONT DO IT!!!! painting those cabinets would take away that great warmth and character! i would kill for that over my 1970's cheapo wood cabinets painted bisque to match the appliances. ugh.

YIKES! No, don't paint them! If you really hate them... and don't mind spending money needlessly... take off cabinets from wall above stove and install open shelving. This would take away from darkness of room.

But really... no paint. There is a great possibility that you will really mess it up badly.

I generally prefer white cabinets, but I would leave those as is and put the money towards installing windows all across the wall (is that glass blocks in the wall?). That would make the kitchen feel less heavy even with all the wood. If you changed the blue tile to white or clear glass, and switched the cabinet hardware, it might look more to your taste. Also, I can't see the faucet, but putting in a really nice modern one that you love might help as well.

That wood is so beautiful to paint it would be a crime.

If you want the room brightened or moderned up, then change the tiles, change the benchtop, paint the walls something other than that boring flat white - but that wood should not be destroyed. IF you absolutely cannot live with them then advertise your kitchen for sale. You'll get a mint for it.

For all of those in the 'it's your house do what you want' camp, one of my friends just bought a 120 year old house with original beautiful warm oak floorboards. But the previous owners painted everything white and I mean everything - INCLUDING the floor. Now she has to spend hours and thousands restoring the floors. Sure it was the previous owners' choice to do that, but it would just make you cry to see it.

DON'T PAINT THEM.

You don't need to paint the cupboards, they look so great as they are.

If you want to modernise do the following:

1) Frost the Glass

2) Change the door knobs to modern ones

3) Get Stainless Steel or whitish composite stone benchtops (the ones with sparkly quartz in them)

4) Replace the backsplash with glass with a metallic sheen.

5) Add some downlights or spotlights that will make the backsplash and benchtop sparkle!

If you paint them they will look shabby chic and cottage, not modern. Do you want country instead of traditional or transitional? If so, paint away. Also add those darling hole-punched tin or copper where the glass is. And get a ceramic rooster.

If that's not what you're going for, get new tile and a new window and nickle hardware and those cabinets will transition far better than they will painted.

Are you seriously painting the whole house white?

i quite like your cabinets, but i think the problem in the room is that everything is so warm. some modern, industrial bits would really contrast beautifully with the warmth of the cabinetry. if tweaking the smaller stuff doesn't help, address the cabinets then--and even then, i would try removing the doors for open shelving before considering paint.

try switching out the lights for something a little more industrial.

i generally shy from carpet of any kind in a kitchen (even the mat in front of the sink), but perhaps some flor tiles are called for here?

although others have pooh poohed the stainless, i think you could even use more. it's a big change, but a stainless countertop would cool the space right down. i also like the previously mentioned idea of switching the blue tile backsplash to a metal tile.

the white wall needs...something. some huge, graphic, hit of bold colour.

this is a tough one because honestly, that kitchen is quite delish as is. best of luck, and i'd love to see some before and after shots (of the rest of the house as well!)

I have a modern home myself, and I can see where the cabinets might not fit your vision in their current state. That said, I do think you can work with this space as is.

What about painting the floor stark white and doing a play on light and dark? This isn't the best shot, but if you search google images for white and brown rooms, or cherry and white rooms, you'll get some ideas.

http://www.thefurnitureworkshop.co.uk/uploads/images/433batiente13.jpg

I also like the idea of taking the faces off some of the cabinets to open things up more, and changing the window.

Good luck!

While my first instinct is the same as most others ("nooooooooo!"), it is YOUR home and you can do whatever you want!

That said, I too don't think they'll look very good painted. I'm assuming you're going for a more sterile modern look; I really do think these will look more cottage-like if painted white. It would actually be helpful to see some inspiration photos of modern kitchens you want to imitate, to get a better feel for what you're going for.

Paint them if you want, but I don't think it'll look how you're expecting/hoping.

Paint them. But definitely look into having them sprayed. I don't have any advice about where to go for that kind of service (maybe contact a local decorator). But if the cabinetry is high end now, the only way to ensure the look remains professional and high quality is to have a professional take care of it.

I wouldn't paint them white or cream. I think that would still feel traditional. I would paint them a light-to-medium grey. I don't think you risk shabby chic or a cottage look at all by painting them. If you're into modern, you're not likely going to distress the edges, so no need to look for a ceramic rooster as someone else suggested.

I love your lights.

Oh, and it would help the change to a more modern look if you replace the backsplash. I find that colour of blue to be quite traditional. And I think a tile of a different shape would be nicer. Something wider and linear.

Beautiful space!

NO - just change the hardware.

Why would you buy an old house if you want a modern style? Leave the old stuff to people who really want it.

I would not paint as it would probably lessen the value. I don't think painting them any color will maket them look modern. I think they are transitional and will remain transitional no matter the color.

I would change the backsplash & change the hardware. Maybe change the counter but I can't see what color/material it is. I agree, frost the glass on the cabinets.

To make the room feel less "woody", I would buy a modern rug possibly from FLOR...they have some good rug kits that are geometric and modern. I just did the tailor made kit in my kitchen and it really brightened it up.

What if you replaced just the doors on the very top cabinets? Something white or brushed aluminum? It would brighten it up and perhaps make it feel a bit more modern.
Then take the glass doors off the cabinets that have those. Put brightly colored modern bowls in those.
It could be a good compromise.
I happen to love the cabinets but it is YOUR house.

Also - I think one part that looks the least modern is the paneling on the side of the fridge. You could get a big poster on foam core or paint a panel with chalkboard paint and put it there. Then the rest might bother you less.

no question generates as many replies as "what color do i paint my kitchen cabinets?" it's amazing.

i'd say: "do you color coordinate your books?" is a close second, though.

Take the doors off.

I've already posted (I said paint them), but I wanted to note that I agree with some of what has been said about those cabinets being transitional. Painting them will reduce the effect of the wood, but they will still read transitional.

Also, don't know what's on the other side of those glass blocks, but someone suggested replacing them with a bank of windows. That would be so lovely!

Otherwise, I'd add some contemporary artwork to the space if possible.

And my first post suggests getting a professional to spray them. I really can't emphasize the importance of this enough! We've sprayed our (very crappy old) wood cabinets at home, and they look it.

Seems to me that it's 85-90% "DON'T PAINT THEM" advice here on AP, and considering the varied (and professional) opinions here, that's saying a bit.

And I say keep them as is too. :)

I'm going thru the same issue but my inexpensive maple cabinets--not high end like yours--will definitely be painted.

I sometimes wonder if we shouldn't post a warning on "Good Questions" items. Something along the lines of...

Warning: If you have a perfectly nice, expensively appointed room, but you want ideas on how to change it because;

1) it simply isn't "you",
2) you have a very particular idea of what you like and you're not prepared to let the style or era of your house dictate anything,
3) you have money to burn,

then please be prepared to be SCORNED BACK INTO THE STONE AGE.

It might help.

Does modern mean modern or contemporary? The kitchen is far from modern. If you paint, paint them black, red or orange not white. As stated before, get rid of the glass blocks. Do a back splash out of contemporary wall paper covered in clear plexiglass.

"Why buy a 19th century home when you would have been happier in a 21st century condo?" Seems a bit judgmental. Sometime home buyers don't seek out an old house but end up with one, because it is what one can afford, it is close to work, etc.

If this was my place, I'd do what others have suggested:
Changing the hardware and accessories makes a big difference. I'd do that, and live with it for half a year. If I still hate the cabinets then, and also found that the kitchen layout doesn't work well for me, I'd make plans afresh.
In general, I always think that merging and uniting styles is what makes a home look unique, loved, and lived-in.

Well, you bought this house, right? Have the doors removed and the cabinets refaced, and replace with new doors that you like more.

Or remove the cabinets entirely and carefully, sell them on Craigslist to someone who will love them for the inherent beauty of the wood. Don't paint them, though. What a waste.

We just moved into a house. The kitchen wasn't terrible, but it wasn't quite my style either.

So I began painting. The cabinet doors had already been painted a sage green, but the cabinets were still the original wood. It looked a little bit country to me, but I thought it was the colors.

I have always wanted white against slate blue somewhere in the house, and what better place than the kitchen since I'd never get away with a white couch and our living room is too dark for slate blue.

So the doors were painted white. The walls were painted steely blue. Not as slate as I was envisioning. But still a nice color.

It looks horrendous. Remember those terrible 80's country geese (ducks? swans? whatever they were)...well that's all I can think of now. It's terrible. Ugly.

So what I'm trying to get at is that if you are going to change your doors, like some people have suggested, just be careful.

Those cabinets that you have are really expensive and appear to be in great shape. I'm a believer that an owner of a house should do whatever they want to be happy, but just don't regret anything later.

Personally, I'd change the stove backsplash and counter top first to see if that changed my mood any.

I do wonder why you bought this lovely old home when you really wanted ultra modern and now are complaining about what most of us consider a beautiful kitchen.

I'd say change the floor and backsplash.

The cabinets are very restrained—almost Shaker-style—and could work in a modern interior. But the wood floor is just too much matching wood for the space and the backsplash is just "meh".

Consider tiling the big white wall over the counter with the same tile you'll use on the backsplash to really tie the room together. (There, I said it.)

This is just tragic.

I couldn't imagine painting that great wood - if you must do a thing, stain them. Please do not ruin them with paint. You can always change out drawer pulls and cabinet knobs.

I'm going to add my voice to the hundreds that are already saying "DON'T"! The kitchen is lovely. Work with it and see how it goes.

I would not paint. The kitchen not only already looks completely contemporary, but looks very high end on top of that. This is the kitchen most people would kill for. Once you get new pulls on, you're done. Frosting the glass is just icing.

Don't know if you'll read this far down, but I'll add my voice to DON'T paint... and I've painted cabinets before and have nothing against it.

To me, it's the navy-white-brown combo that makes this look a little country. Paint the white wall in something that contrasts with the blue, such as an orange or light, bright green. Then pop that as an accent color through the rest of the room, and DEFINITELY change out the blah gray runner to something that draws in these more modern colors. Good luck!

I'm looking at the photo more (desperately trying to figure out why you feel like you can't live with the kitchen as is!) and something occurred to me - if you don't need them, I could see removing the cabinets around the stove above the countertop. Put in a new, sleek vent, and have that wall basically bare. This will give you more counterspace to the left of the stove, and will remove some of the fussy-ness of the glass cabinets meets wall-to-wall wood cabinets and little drawers. I like those blue tiles, but you could also choose something "sleek" to serve as a backsplash across the entire newly exposed wall. The cabinets are so nice, you could probably sell them and have all the costs for a new vent and backsplashed covered!

I prefer white kitchens, so I'd be tempted to paint the cabinets too, but these are beautiful wood cabinets. Another alternative to update the kitchen is to: paint the walls, replace the cabinet hardware, and update the backsplash to something more modern. I think then you'd have a kitchen renovation that would add value rather than detract (as I suspect painting the cabinets would).

also, paint them. it's your house.

ugh I wish I had the money to BUY a 150 year old house in Cambridge and love it, but instead I'm stuck in the 3rd floor of a 100 year old house in Cambridge and I can barely afford THAT! Sorry, I just had to say that first!

That said...

If you removed all the original doorknobs and replaced them, I HOPE you saved them or at the very least donated to an architectural salvage! However, as much as I would kill for this kitchen and absolutely love the cabinets, it is not at all original and though I feel it would be a waste to paint such lovely wood, I'd rather have you go to town on this than the rest of the house and whatever original features I hope it still has. I'm thinking that the floors may not be original...if they aren't, I'd go with replacing/covering those to really change the feel of the room a lot. As others have said, replacing or removing some or all of the current doors and saving them in storage may be a great choice to modernize the room reversibly. Also, have at it with different counter and backsplash finishes, and do nix that glass block window, which indicates past unfortunate renovations to the house are probably present. And whatever you do to other parts of your house, pretty please make it reversible so someday someone who really wants a 150 year old house because it IS 150 years old can love it too.

it seems a shame to paint over the cherry. i would start with changing out the knobs/pulls to something more modern. then change out the glazing in the doors. then i'd change the backsplash. you could also paint the floor, which would be easier to reverse, than painting the cabinets.

have you considered removing the doors and going for the open shelf look? you could also replace the doors with something more modern.

good luck!

OMG this is crazy.
I couple of things

The cabinets look high end but in fact they where bought at home depot. That not to say that they are not good quality cabinets. The counter is soapstone.

I also would like to live in a fabulous modern house, but I can not afford to do this in Cambridge ma. That being said I do love the contrast of old and new and bought this house because the house lends itself to this. The cabinets, trim and doorknobs in this house are not original to this house, so I have no guilt changing them and making them modern. I think that this can be pulled off in a very non-cookie cutter way.

I'm thinking that replacing the shaker with flat front cherry is a great suggestion. I'm going to price this option. The hardware to be invisible pulls. I'm going to re-tile the blue to a white glass stacked rectangle tile, and wrap to the current white wall up to the ceiling. The glass block is going to be replaced with a window. I think that all of these things will get me the look that I need without spending a crazy amount of money, and maybe not painting.

Thank all for your suggestions.

@sienaburn: Your tile plans sound great!

The comments on here are ridiculous. I have no money either and would love to have that kitchen, but it still isn't my style, and if I had been the previous owners (who probably replaced the original 150 old kitchen with this for all of you scorning siena for wanting modern in an old space) I would have done it differently. So if she has the opportunity to get exactly what she wants, then all of you saying nasty things to her for it are just bitter you can't. It's one thing to be cash strapped, it's another to be cash strapped and bitter.
PS. To all of you wondering why she didn't buy a modern place, pick up a magazine. They are filled with gorgeous heritage homes with gleaming white beautiful 'modern' kitchens.

To all of you who posted nice "no don't do it's", you're awesome.

Paint them. You only live once. :) (But I hate cherry) You can get them sprayed for about $20 a door. White marble counters would look awesome with the white cupboards. I love the appliances too.

Wow, lots of comments and I was going to say that after reading the comments and the OP's comments back, part of what I think the problem was, was how the OP brought up the subject, making it seem like she was crazy to buy a 150 YO house and want modern and all that.

And upon reading her replies, it's clear that the previous owner had replaced what would've been a much later kitchen most likely, meaning that today's fitted kitchens (as we know them) didn't really come into existance until the early part of this century to begin with and therefore had probably been fitted years after the house was built and more than likely it then got remodeled sometime after WWII and was probably now over 30 YO before this current remodel so what original details may have disappeared years, if not decades ago to begin with.

And if it were me, I'd leave the cabinets but put on more modern harware, replace the dark counters and unless the floor is prefinished (a definate possibility), I'd have then sanded down and a lighter finish applied and would then replace the tile with something lighter but the kitchen itself will work in a modern setting, just by changing a few of the items mentioned and then add color to the space.

It now seems she's on the right track with this house.

And I would say if one HAS to paint the cabinets, especially good quality or high end ones, use laquer(sp?) paint in a very high gloss for that expensive look, otherwise, regular old paint may just look cheap with better cabinets.

sigh! I would love a kitchen like this! That being said I think that painting would not be good! They look high end and gorgeous! I would make all the accessory changes, frosted glass, hardware, those glass blocks, and then see how you feel. Perhaps new paint on the wall, backsplash and lighting changes and possibly a change to the flooring just for the kitchen.

Egads, a simple black colored backsplash behind the stove, a black rug running right up the middle of the floor and long rectangular ceiling mounted light fixtures in brushed aluminum would dramtically modernize that kitchen.

I am going through the same thing, altho my cherry cabinets are not as nice as yours. I want to paint them white and all the wood worshipers (including my husband) are ganging up on me.

The problem as I see it is the big, dark cabinets overwhelm that narrow space. No matter whether you like modern or traditional, it's just too much cabinet. How about painting the top ones white and leaving the bottom ones like they are? The top cabinets wouldn't seem so looming that way. A lighter floor would be good too. Then it would be like a light space with a dark horizontal stripe (the bottom cabinets) which might visually broaden the space.

A washable Flor rug done wall to wall with horizontal stripes (subtle) might help too. I think you can take up individual squares of that and wash them.

On the subject of resale value, I hate that, because it's like the house isn't yours. But it depends on how long you think you will be living there. If you will be there till they haul you out feet first, then do whatever the heck you want!!!!!

I agree with colormusic- if you'll be there for a while and hate the cabinets- do whatever you want! Paint them pink if you feel like it! But do it well- ie: get a professional to do it with the spray for high gloss.. not the DIY paint streaks method.

BUT

I also think you need to settle down and give it some time before making a decision like that. It's like getting a new haircut right after a bad breakup. Most of the time... it is a very bad idea. Take a look at modern kitchens with cherry cabinets (there are a lot out there that are very well done).. Tweak the small stuff first.. live with it for a bit.. and then if you still hate it- paint them white.

My suggestion is to remove the upper cabinets which would give your kitchen a sleeker look. (and possibly the tile over the stove) You could add additional modern elements with shelves and splashes of color from carefully chosen objects. - It doesn't have to be totally modern to look modern. - You would have earthy modern eclectic design.

If you want to make it look modern, lose the glass block. It always looks 1980's dated unless it is in a house from the 20's.

Do not paint the cabinets. And please, please do not think of substituting Ikea ones if you do. At least buy something of quality in its place if you do decide to remove them.

Instead, take out the tile backsplash, and put a stainless sheet in its place. Remove just the glass cabinet doors, and leave as open shelving. Remove the glass blocks (although I personally love them. Also, I suggest a nice saturated hue of paint on that wall.

I love painted cabinets but I think your problem is NOT your cabinets - it's your floor. It's too close to your cabinet color and detracts from them. Don't paint because you'll regret it. I say put in a white PERGO "whitewash" or even light painted floor. I had the whitewash pine in my old house and it was gorgeous. Then do a bright backsplash, oversize lighting. Possibly trade out glass of present doors for recycled waterfall glass. Even a faux-ivory tin ceiling. Work around your lovely cabinets.