What cabinet finishes are sturdy & 'timeless' rather than trendy?

[Johann Jells]

Redoing a couple of small kitchens. 20 years ago there was nothing wrong with basic light oak cabinets. Now everyone is doing painted, but I'm unconvinced that in 10 or 20 years it won't seem odd, and I'm also dubious how it will hold up. Wear and slight distresses on natural wood seems less shabby to me than chipped, flaking and discoloring paint. I have 12 year old semi-custom white thermofoil cabs in my own bath that the white painted carcasses are totally yellowed and disgusting.

So what do people think? These units rent ~$1700. If it were up to me I'd do middle tone natural shaker.

[Brian Phillips]

I am a painting contractor in addition to being an investor. I would stay with the stain/natural finish. As you note, paint will flake and chip. That often requires repainting all of the cabinets. Minor dings in stained cabinets can often be fixed with a dab of stain.