Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Painting furniture

I have some dark stained oak bedroom furniture. I have really become tired of the way it looks. I would like to refinish it, but I'm unsure if what I want it to look like is possible. I love the country white look where it's painted white, but kind of scruffed up looking. Would it be possible to do this with my oak bedroom furniture? If so, where do I start?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Reach for your sandpaper - that's where you start. I would suggest 180-220 grit production paper. You need to 'scuff' sand the entire piece - that's sand it enough to dull the surface. Prime (2 coats) with a primer such as BIN or KILZ, sanding lightly after each coat dries. Paint with the paint of your choice - oil, acrylic latex, both are compatible with either of the two primers mentioned.

Any irregularities (runs, sags, etc./) in the original finish need to be dealt with before priming - sand them out. They will show up like a neon sign under paint.