How much light do you get in there? You could do something dark for the cabinets.

I like the fact that you are experimenting with color. The wood and detail is absolutely gorgeous. I agree a glaze would help bring out detail.

I am thinking about Ebony for the island. I have several windows in this area.

Those corbels are in no danger of getting "lost". Skip the glaze...it's a bit passe and can make the cabinets look dingy especially if you choose a lighter color.

You basically have two islands--are they going to be the same color or two different colors?

Wondering why you didn't have the cabinets stained or painted at the factory?

They were custom made by an old cabinet maker who's father was a cabinet maker and passed the craft down. He is an amazing craftsman and person.

The island would look amazing in an almost black stain. It would bring out the counter tops and the floor. A stain wouldn't be too much of a contrast with the floor. To lighten up the room you could always paint the wall cabinets and tall cabinets white. I've used Taj Quartzite before in remodels and white and black look amazing with it. It would really bring out the detail in the corbels too. Good luck