Any particular reason you want face frame cabinets? If not for that, I'd suggest Ikea.

The chemistry of paint has come a long, long way in the last ten years. It may be possible now to successfully paint your laminate (while it might not have worked with old products). I've used paint formulated for plastic with great results, even on outdoor garden planters. If you had time, it might be interesting to talk with the paint expert at a local home store or paint store. Explain that you want to paint light colored laminate to dark brown and see what they recommend.

They are really junky and I need to replace the cheesy white countertop anyway, so it seems best to replace the cabinets rather than paint them.

I think the term I meant to use is FULL OVERLAY rather than Full Frame. Full overlay being a clean, contemporary look since I sometimes have clients in there. I want this to serve as a coffee bar and storage space. I have an ugly plastic laundry sink there now.

Ikea looks interesting but I guess you have to purchase or make a platform for them?

I used Cliq Studios for my kitchen remodel. Check out their birch sable color in the Dayton or Rockford doors. Their website is cliqstudios.com

Here is a link that might be useful: My finished kitchen

> Ikea looks interesting but I guess you have to purchase or
> make a platform for them?

No - they have sturdy adjustable legs that make leveling very simple.