We are buying a new townhome to retire in. The already existing cabinets are made of birch, and now we have to pick a stain. I would like cherry, but when the painter made me some samples, they were too light, and showed too much of the grain, making the wood look blotchy. He then mixed one part cherry with one part walnut. It was dark enough to cover the grain, but not red enough. I asked him if he could try some combinations with more cherry and less walnut. He stated he would try, but it is the walnut that covers the grain.

He uses Sherwin Williams Wood Classics Interior Oil Stain. The painter is the builder's not mine, and I have to make a decision in the next couple of days. The cherry stain he used was Classic Cherry. One of the walnuts was, I think, Bistro Walnut.

If anyone knows how to make the cabinets look more cherry-colored, while still covering most of the grain, please let me know. The countertops will be black, and the walnut does not contrast enough, in my opinion. Thanks for your help!