Cabinet Contest

I would love to win the cabinet painting contest. I purchased a home a few years ago and it's time to give the cabinets a makeover! I live on an island and would love a coastal color. I believe the cabinets are birch and was wondering what I need to do to prepare them. I would also love to replace the old hardware and knobs. I would love your thoughts on if I can move the hardware to the inside of the cabinet without messing them up too much before painting them. How would I need to prepare them? Thanks for your help!