How do I choose between painting or staining my kitchen cabinets?

A photo of your furnishings would be helpful, but it's more important for you to select your personal preference. Many decisions on kitchens are based upon what is most popular in your area. In many areas of NY, the preference is for factory painted cabinets with catalyzed finish.

If you will be living with your choice for some time, select your personal preference.

If you'll be selling soon, go with what's popular in your area.

Most importantly, avoid very ornate cabinetry, due to maintenance involved and lower preference amongst younger buyers.

I'm told that it's becoming popular to have kitchen units wrapped (like with cars), the stuff they use is quite sturdy & can change the whole look for a fraction of the cost of new.

William- check out youtube

Marilyn- go to paint store, pick out sample cards you like, tap them to cabinets or walls,walk around them for a week or two , then decide which ones you can live with.

You have to chose what you like. Don't worry about what is being installed in your are. When picking colors, keep in mind the size of the room and how light or dark the room is. I've put in both light painted (cream with a white glaze) and a medium cherry color. I like both in those particular kitchens. The light painted ones were in a small kitchen with one small window. The cherry cabinets were in a large kitchen with three windows. It brighten a kitchen, overhead, undercabinet and in cabinet lighting also helps.