I want to paint kitchen cupboards white or light grey chalk paint,

Here are some tutorials on this:

https://www.artsychicksrule.com/kitchen-cabinet-makeover-annie-sloan-chalk-paint/

http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-with-chalk-paint

I love wood, so I stripped and restained my cabinets a Classic Grey and I loved it so much that I did both of my bathrooms, too. This will preserve the beauty of the wood a little longer. Then if I choose to paint, I will know that the integrity of the wood withstood many different trends.

I did this in one of our kitchens and it turned out beautiful. However, the most labor intensive thing for me was the prep. You HAVE to get the cupboards clean of years of built-up dirt and grease that just happen in every kitchen before you put paint on them. Went to hardware store and asked their advice. Used what they suggested, cleaned the cupboards properly and painted with the kind of white paint they suggested would hold up well in the kitchen. It's still a white kitchen and that's been several years ago. Still looks good.

I would go with an off white or light cream. With your wood floors and brown counter, that would probably be best. Personally, I don't care for stark white cabinets, I think they smack you in the face with brightness in the morning. If you decide to go grey, I'd go very light. You want to brighten you kitchen gently. You could also get peel and stick tiles for your backsplash. And a light window valance.

Just remember chalk paint has a dull finish. you will have to put many coats of wax on. I just finished mine in an off white semi gloss

Please - do NOT use chalk paint. It does not stand up well with the constant use that kitchen cabinets will get. Even if you cover it with wax as suggested, it will have to be redone yearly. Clean, prime and use a good enamel paint and it will last for years.

Try Fusion (paint brand) paint. It is an acrylic designed for cabinets and furniture and does not need the wax and holds up much better than chalk paint.

Agree you should not use chalk paint unless you put a clear polyurethane over it. I painted four spindle back chairs with white chalk paint and waxed them and the chipping started immediately! Chalk paint does not require any prepping which makes it attractive to use but will not hold up well with normal kitchen use. Also agree with another comment to not use an optic white as well as DO use a good satin finish or enamel paint like Benjamin Moore which will require you to prep your cabinets, unfortunately, but will look professional. Spraying the doors would be ideal.

Your room appears to be quite dark. I would most certainly go white, then it is going to look so much bigger and brighter.

Thank you. I love the feel that grey gives a room. It softens it. Good luck on your project.