I am not a designer, nor a pro, but I always thought certain maple or maybe all maple was good for paint, not stain?? hopefully some experts will chime in

UGH!!!!!!! Maple is a very HARD wood, it is light by nature and can result in blotchy results. A "professional painter" is usually not someone who routinely stains any wood. And I am very sorry to say the cabinet itself does not represent that of a quality craftsman. Is there a paint color you like? : ( and I hope this is not your entire kitchen). Double WAH. More below

http://www.cabinetdoors.com/pages/Staining-Maple-Doors.html

Double post. Just paint it.

a wood finisher knows how to stain properly. he didn't. and it's a pretty bad job. yes maple can be blotchy. I don't suppose he used a pre-conditioner before staining, did he? it can't be fixed without completely stripping off the current finish.

If you don't like it, paint it. and next time have an actual wood finisher do the wood finishing . Hopefully he's a better painter.

I've stained and distressed furniture to look rustic, but this is too much. It's not attractive in my opinion, even if you were going for a rustic look. Best solution is to use a walnut or darker stain after sanding a bit or paint it.

DIY chalk paint is for people who don't want to bother with too many steps in reviving old & tired cabinets. I wouldn't use it on new cabinets, especially ones that have been ruined by a professional painter who can fix them himself. That is, unless he is actually a house painter and is going to make a mess of painting them too. Better check first.

Also distressed chalk painted cabinets is so 2014/15 and for those who are into shabby chic.

I would have to agree with you however Chalk paint was never classic, but an actual short term trend. It's also has a very specific look. 1 Gallon Advance is still cheaper than 1 quart of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I think a better comprise would be Milk Paint., which is still expense if you buy name brand.

Maple is notoriously difficult to stain. You could try doing a gel stain which I think is easier to apply. It would need several coats to look good.