It doesn't sound as though the home has central heating at all? Just individually controlled electric heaters? If so, then it may be time to change the HVAC for the home entirely and install forced air with either gas, electric, or oil heating. Radiant hydronic would be more comfortable, but it would also be more expensive and difficult to retrofit. However, if you are thinking about changing any of the flooring surfaces out in the kitchens or baths, consider putting in radiant electric mats in those areas. It will make you more comfortable. It isn't whole room heating though, so you would still need the central heat.

No central heating. Three zones for electric basaeboard plus two individual oil heat sources - a Toyo direct vent heater in the basement and the Efel auxilary on the first floor. Welcome to Alaska - things can be very different here than what is considered the "norm" down South. ;-) The house was built in 1986 - timber frame, exposed posts and beams, open concept. Running forced air would require a bunch of chases and soffits and would detract considerably from the character of the house. Hot water heat is the only real central heating option and would have to be retrofitted to in-floor or baseboard (which would leave us with the same problem in the kitchen) . Big bucks and very little ROI. Thus my search for a substitute for the electric baseboard we would like to replace AND work well with the cabinet scenario in my original post. Anyone happily running a toekick heater that is quiet?