I Need Your Help!

Well Hello.  I have an issue and would greatly appreciate some advice.  Here's the problem.

Kitchen cabinet hinges that I hate.
My cabinet boxes are original to my 1960's house.  At some point before my time the doors were replaced and these hinges were installed.  (What were they thinking?)  Anyway, I am getting ready to paint the kitchen again and really want to do something about these nasty things.

Following are a few more pics of how the hinges look...

Here are my options:

1.  I got an estimate from a local cabinet maker on changing the hinges to the concealed European style.  Including labor for installation it will cost just over $1000.00.

2.  Removing and painting the hinges I have.  I want to get rid of as much of the gold as possible so I could spray them black and get black knobs.  I could also go to more of the antique gold look.  Not sure about that though.

3.  Have my painter just paint over them with the same color I use on the cabinets.  I have seen a few pics in magazines and online where home owners have done this.  It doesn't look as bad as you would think.
Here is a pic I found and I swear the hinges are painted.  In fact the layout and size of this kitchen is very similar to mine.



I know the best option is #1.  I would have to put the project off while I save more money and I'm really ready to get started.  Plus I'm not sure I should put that much money into this fix-up.  Houses in my neighborhood just aren't selling and when they do the buyer comes out the winner.

If you have an opinion I would love to hear from you.  Thanks and have a great day!