hi Houzz community! We have 14 year old cabinets and we are planning a kitchen remodel. I'd need some thoughts from y'all (yes, we are in Texas)...husband and I both agree on that we will be knocking out that back staircase into kitchen, removing both little islands, and making one large island. Will be lightening things up with light granite and walls and backsplash. Cabinet colors at an impasse: he hates white, cream, etc. Doesn't want to paint....we want to see the wood grain. How can we brighten up the kitchen with "dark" cabinets? And how difficult will it be to match the island that will be all new wood? I'm trying desperately to get my very traditional husband to come into something more updated. Interesting enough, he likes the whole "hill country" feel and has mentioned putting a cedar beam across the top part of the load bearing columns. I think we are stuck in a style conundrum! Thanks in advance!!