Updating hutch

You might want t strip off the old finish to show off the beautiful wood grain. Of course, there's always paint, but I would hate to see a piece of Pennsylvania house furniture painted.

White chalk paint is very trendy right now

you could paint it, stain it, or chalk paint it- change the hardware out here is more info

https://craftifymylove.com/2019/04/25/easy-china-cabinet-makeover-with-stencil-paint/

Hi Jane; I would not chalk paint it, because chalk paint scratches to easily.I would do one of two things. I would lightly sand so that paint or stain will adhere. You can go darker in stain like an oil rubbed bronze or lighter light a weathered gray. I like General finishes better than Minwax. Then put a poly seal over the stain Or you can sand, prime and paint with a good paint from Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. Do not use a cheap paint as it will streak. Painting needs no sealer. So depending on your color scheme you can go for gray which is very popular right now, or whatever color you like. Good luck

Hi Jane, you have inherited a gorgeous piece of furniture! If it is not working for you then don't be afraid to paint it. There are beautiful examples of cabinets that have been painted. If you use a paint like Annie Sloan (it has no latex or acrylic in it) it can be easily removed at a later date if you (or someone else) wants to refinish it to its original state.

Hi Jane, I think chalk paint is awesome, it would keep the rustic look and brighten it up with a new color, I made a key holder and chalk painted it and it has NO chips or scratches, t has held up great!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RCWEZPFft0

Personal choice on what you want to do and what would fit your taste. You can sand it down to raw wood and stain it. Or just seal the raw wood. It's is cherry wood. You can paint it but I would not. It's a beautiful and somewhat timeless. The arch does date it. Consider it's worth around $1000 to $1800 dollars. Personally I would try to sell it buy what I need or want. And thank Mom.

Trying to transform any wooden furniture is a great deal of work, involving time and patience, and the success of the outcome depends largely on using best quality tools and materials. In the end you will still have the same piece that you may continue to hate, as the outcome may not meet with your expectations of disguising how it looked originally.

I agree with William's suggestion to sell this piece as is, then use the proceeds to purchase other furniture/shelving to display your Mom's china dishes. If it is the dishes that have sentimental value to you, and not the hutch, then this is what you should remain a priority.

You can have it painted white and replace the knobs.