Hold out for your light color. I have dark walnut cabinets and it makes the kitchen feel like you've walked into a cave. If he wants brown, suggest a border or maybe dark hardware like oil-rubbed antique bronze.

Carol

Do a search for girlwithaspirin 's kitchen. She painted her cabs dark brown and they look stunning.

Here's a link to girlwithaspirin's pictures. Look for celticmoon's pictures, too. She used a gel stain to darken her oak cabinets, and it looks great.

Here is a link that might be useful: girlwithaspirin's kitchen pix