Do you have a mixture then ie some timber finish (very nice) and then a dresser unit in dust grey?

Hi Daisy yes there is a mixture of both at the moment. Lasted really well it just feel it could look a bit more fresh.

If you are planning on keeping the worktops you will need a colour to go with them. l think a sage green would look nice.

If that is a red splash back, I would suggest a neutral colour like a pale pebble. Your floor has warmth to it so a Greige with a pinky/brown tone, but it has to also work with the blue-grey of your charcoal unit. See what F&B ammonite or Cornforth white is like against that grey.

Thanks Abi. Yes red splash back would also be going, thinking of a tile or brick type one.

I think that these flat fronted units will look featureless and inexpensive if you paint them but could look quite contemporary with a marble style Quartz and splashback and new handles.

If you want a cheaper refresh consider not painting the cabinets but instead reducing the wood in the room by painting the frames of the garden doors and the base of the table and replacing the two stools with pale upholstered chairs. You could also change the overall warm feel by swapping the warm neutral colour on the walls to a more contemporary whiter neutral, getting the floor professionally cleaned (it might well lighten up by a couple of shades), reupholster the banquette and replace the red glass with something crisper. You could also accessorise the island top with white objects so that you reduce the amount of brown that your eyes fall on.

In my opinion the extractor dates the room a little too and at the same time as replacing the splashback consider swapping to a modern clad box to house a canopy extractor

If it was my kitchen, I’d replace the dark red glass and upholstery, and I’d repaint the grey Shaker cupboards in something pale and interesting. But I wouldn’t touch the wooden units - they look very classy and timeless just as they are.

I think painting the cabinets should be a last resort and agree with Jonathan that painting / refreshing other areas would help. I’d def change that splashback to something lighter. Adding a rug under the table may help and bringing some greenery in with a couple of largish plants would break up the wood effect.

The grain of your wood units is gorgeous. I would have to agree with other posters and advise against painting them. I also agree that the red tiled splashback and extractor could definitely do with updating/changing. I would go further and remove the two overhead cupboards on the splashback. They look unnecessary and make that area look cluttered. Obviously that would mean altering the cornice above them too. Overall your kitchen looks stunning.

I'd start by just replacing the cabinet handles

Personally I would selectively paint as I agree with the other comments but understand your reason for asking. An option would be to paint the island and take the chosen colour onto the back wall where the extractor is. This will enhance the beauty of the existing units as the eye takes in less of it and make the kitchen overall look more expensive and well designed. Jonathan’s ideas very good.

The units have a fabulous mid century vibe which is so in at the moment. Looks really good quality too. I would paint the walls white and the window frames too, add a white tiled splashback and if budget allows change the worktop to a simple white one. Rather like this picture. You will be so ahead of the game!

This is why I’m terrible at interior design thank you so much for all your comments. Looks like I will keep the wood and change the splash back and upholstery. Iris a really good quality kitchen can’t believe how well it has lasted either and I want to do it justice. So glad I asked!

The units, floor and worktop work in terms of their colour, they look balanced and timeless. The red is a bit heavy and not doing it any favours. I would look at the dining area and consider splurging there, perhaps losing some of the oak and maybe gettign a lighter table and chairs.