I want to paint my kitchen cabinets a newer modern color

The prep is the most important part. Be sure to clean them with a good degreaser. Rustoleum makes a product just for painting cabinets called 'Transformations'. You might want to take a look at that.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/read-you-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets

I did this to my oak cabinets last fall - a lot of work, but what a difference it will make! Here's the whole process for you:

http://www.rootsandwingsfurniture.com/blog/kitchencabinetmakeover

Here is a response if found about white vs stained. Everything says wood is coming back in. Grey and white has been overdone!!

I think the problem with painted, particularly white, is that food stains them and they also require a lot more attention...have to be wiped more often because every spill shows up so drastically!

"I appreciate the look of white kitchens but I will always prefer stained cabinets. We are building and had planned to do white perimeter cabinets with a stained island but ended up switching and doing stained perimeter with painted island (granite on perimeter and butcher block on the island). We also have solid wood stained trim and doors throughout the house. I do think stain is making a comeback lately."