Many of today's cabinets look like wood but they're not-They're a cheap material that doesn't hold up over time. My cabinets are about 80 years old and stained a light golden brown color. I'm always tempted to paint them just to enjoy a different look-but know I will be very annoyed when paint chips here and there due to just regular usage. The kitchen probably gets the most use of all the rooms in the house. I did change the hardware years ago for a fresh look. We live in our house 44 years. Vintagebookie

Second picture I posted has a light brick foundation. The stone looks good with it. Just a thought. On the stains, I like the top and bottom ones ( medium and dark)

For those that asked about color scheme & floor...the walls are Accessible Beige, the trim work is painted is Marshmallow (white), and the floor is a ceramic tile in a slate color. My original thought was to paint it marshmallow to match the trim, but I'm ok with stain/poly if that is more durable. @ Patricia, I agree, I don't like the way open storage looks in the real world, but I decided I'd hate broken doors even more. :) My kids and husband tend to be rough on things. When the kids get older we might add doors, but for now it will keep the clutter corralled to one spot that is out of sight and easy to find on school days. I hadn't thought about making it colorful, but great minds must think a like because that is the first thing my son said too! I'll likely do as ACM suggested and put the color on the back wall, so we can change it out as they grow! @ACM, I like the idea of the foam board and color on the back wall. Thanks for the idea! For those that asked here are some pictures. The single door is the garage door; double doors are a closet in the mudroom; and the camera is in the opening from the laundry room. The mudroom is really tucked away, which is why I want to do which ever is more durable.

Do you know what kind of wood it is? Do you have other woods in the same space that you are hoping to coordinate with? Are the chairs and the table the same wood? If not, they will take the stain differently.