Hi,
I have 20 years old kitchen with Oak cabinets (in good shape). I am not planning to major changes in layout. I do not like Oak look now.
I would like to make it look more Contemporary such as Maple. I thought about reface but it is very expensive also.

any idea about how to make old Oak cabinets look
more like maple or Contemporary?

Thanks
pam

Strip the finish off the cabinets and re-stain using a sealer and Maple finish.
BUT,
Do a small spot first. You will find this is a LOT of work to do it properly. After doing just one drawer front or door, You may wish to just paint them white and leave it at that.
Also may I suggest that you toy with new hardware first. New drawer pulls and door handles and perhaps hinges if they are exposed. This type of change is easy and can make the entire kitchen look entirely diffrent without all the work of painting and staining.
Changing the backsplash, is another easy way to spruce up the look without a lot of effort.
Still another idea, lighting. using new fresh fixtures, under cabinet lights make a dull tired kitchen look bright again.
Also changing stove tops, ovens and dish washers also make the kitchen look fresh again. Counter tops do this as well.
Think long and hard about changing your existing cabinetry finish.

One downside of oak (and it used to be an upside) is that the wood grain is unmistakable. You can sand and refinish to a lighter color but I can assure you that it won't look like maple. The oak grain will still be there and unfortunately will always be there. If you do find a way, I for one would love to know so please post back if you do.

Refacing your existing cabinets would be the easiest way. I purchased all of my refacing items in a kit form (doors, drawers, veneers etc.) from www.taylorcabinetdoor.com it made my refacing project go really smooth and when I did run into a problem I just called them and their staff helped me through it. The cost was under $1500.00. Check them out.