My desperately outdated kitchen has very light-colored wood cabinetry-- They're a fairly ghastly 1980s "pickled" color (vs. oak-y blonde/yellow-toned). Since my house was built in the 1920s, I've contemplated refinishing them in soft black, then rubbing the edges lightly for a more vintage look.

I'd like to know how best to do it. Would it require painting the cabinets a creamy color first (after all the prep)? Or, could I simply prep, apply the black coats, then sand lightly to reveal the light wood? I realize that some sort of final protective coating would be required... Polyurethane?

Has anyone done something like this? Am I nuts to try it myself?
Thank you.