Stained or Painted Cabinets?

When I was deciding on how to update this kitchen, I had zero hesitation on painting the cabinets. It was seemingly the easiest way to update cabinets without replacing them. Several months later, I found out one of the neighbors down the street had custom built and stained them and I felt terrible. I can only imagine the thoughts running through his head as to why would I cover that beautiful wood in paint?

Looking back, I probably should have refinished them, because they were solid wood and not MDF. Now it would be almost impossible to return them to the look of natural wood.

What is your preference for cabinets, wood or paint?

Before

Oak cabinets that looked a bit too orange.

After

Cabinets painted in SW Agreeable Gray.