Adding additional pics...

I like the lighter too, but that could be because I have similar to the lighter and wood cabinets similar in color to yours.

It took me a few weeks to get used to the change from a light floor to a wood floor, but I love it now. I also have some darker wood pieces (like your dark shelves) throughout my house, not so much in the kitchen, but other rooms with the same floor. Pics of my kitchen in my "my pics" idea book.

The lighter panel is the more consistent color and would be my preference.

I also prefer the lighter.

Lighter!

Lighter provides more contrast.

What kind of wood are there: cabinets and the samples? Is it just me or would it be nice if cabinets were as rustic as 1 floor seems.. ?

I like the lighter color as well. One question for you--what kind of flooring is it? If it's laminate, I suggest you go with wood--either real solid wood or engineered hardwood.

Light light light!!!

How is the lighter floor "rustic"? It looks to have the same grain and knot pattern as the darker one. Maybe you should look for a floor with no grain and no knots, like ash or birch, in the same light color. I think a wood floor the same or similar color to the wood cabinets would look very boring.