I would leave them alone. Make sure you have enough lighting, under counter, ceiling potlights etc. Maybe a lighter paint colour on the walls will add the light you are looking for. Are there some upper cabinets you could have glass installed in the centre panel to reflect more light, it doesn't have to be clear glass.

try a mid-tone distressed look to complement appliances, flooring, countertops and back-splash see: habershamhome.com

I would try sanding and using a lighter stain first. You can always paint over the stain if you don't like it. It's harder to strip off the paint if you decide to stain.

Good luck!

I'd leave them alone, and change the backsplash.

They look very nice as is.

I like your cabinets as they are. Maybe you could try a less saturated color on the walls. I think the teal is making the room feel a bit dark.

Although painted cabinets are quite the trend today, I really think it will be short lived, and there will be a move back to wood cabinets. Wood has such a warm, inviting feel. It appears that you have a nice quality cabinet based on the look from the photo. If I were you, I definitely would not paint them. Perhaps some of the dark stain could be removed to lighten them up a bit. Maybe experiment with a small drawer front somewhere in your kitchen. Good luck with your decision.

Thank you all for the great suggestions.

Definitely paint the wall instead! An ivory would compliment what you have there very nicely.

You should buy custom powder coated doors from Integra Doors in Greer, SC. They can be made in any color you wish, but since white is in right now . . . . These doors are sprayed with an epoxy powder, which makes the finish very durable and water resistant. It will not yellow, fade, peel or wear off. And there are no chemicals to out gas into your home. It's hard to tell from your picture, but it looks like your cabinets may be frameless, in which case you could just hang the doors and not have to paint your cabinets at all.