How about dark base cabinets and white/light wall and tall cabinets?

I have been looking through the "Basement" section of Houzz, trying to find the best colour combinations for making a basement apartment not look low and ... basementy.

Something I've discovered is that dark colours often make a room look bigger, taller, and I think contrast helps a lot. White walls, with dark columns/dressed posts, and/or dark floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can look elegant and heighten the appearance of one's space.

I'd go for a combination of dark island and light wall cabinets, or the reverse.