Dark will make the space appear smaller.

This is why I'm so confused. I don't want the kitchen to look too dark with dark cabinets and dark countertops. Can't afford to replace the countertops right now. Any other ideas?

Goodness! The cabinets are the best thing about the room! Keep them natural for now. I would certainly change the counter tops and paint ceiling. I think your counter tops have not aged as gracefully and unless you plan to use the dark blue in your new plan, I'd change them out. In the photograghs, I can see the mitered lines in the counters. You can get sheets of stainless to cover them at a relatively low cost. They will scratch and dent over time and "age" along yet brighten up your space. They aren't really long term durable but a creative change for the better. I can see a spruced up look using counter depth black appliances and a bit of butcher block. I think the blending of metals and warm woods would look great. Perhaps change out your lighting pretty soon and painting will do wonders. Your other room looks nice and light but your kitchen just looks heavy and worn right now. I don't think the problem is with the cabinets.
I also love the hardware but you could try mixing handles. If the hardware is original, I'd save it back for when you get tired of the new ones. Seems everything nowadays looks the same. Your cabinets look shiny BUT YOURS...YOURS are REAL, not fake shiny. I want to paint my cabinets white also, but mine are not the real thing like yours. Mine are from a remodel from a previous owner. They did not do a good job at things around here. I sure wish they'd left things mid- century! (c.1953)
I'd LOVE to have your original cabinets. They look pretty tall, to your ceiling, aren't they??? SEE! It's hard to buy "character"! Boy, I am so jealous. I honestly LOVE THEM!!! I would certainly change other stuff that isn't original first, please! :) I'm drooling at this beautiful pine you have :) I hope you grow to love them.

Is there any way to get rid of the orange tone to these cabinets? It's the color that's really driving me crazy.

I hear your frustration but I also see that you have several dragons to slay. Obviously, you will be painting and I know that will help. Orange and blue are considered "complimentary" colors meaning they each intensify the other. In this case, obviously, that's exactly what you don't want. Read info on color wheel charts and you will see where these are opposite each other. Take your photos to the paint store and ask them to help you choose for the wall and ceiling.

Once you price out painting cabinets, you may find you can more easily afford to alter your counter tops. Even if you painted the cabinets white, ask yourself if you want (these) blue counter tops. You could keep the black appliances and only really need to change your stove at this point. For the washer and dryer, you could cover or paint with either black, stainless, or color.

You may never be comfortable with the stain color on these cabinets but tackle the walls and lighting first, at least. You know you're going to do that anyway and it will then give you a better idea of the direction you want to head. I just think you're still going to want to change that counter top! :) Think white cabinets and this blue top...nah. I'd still do a black solid surface or stainless top. Price buying some sheet metal or cover this existing top with black silestone type. Painting over these pine "knotts" in white may prove a bit difficult. Have you seen some of the pretty coloured stains that embrace the wood grain and knotts rather than battling to completely cover them? Painted black is a sharp look. Then of course, it's the counter top problem again.. But wait!!! I'm getting ahead of myself and defending these beauties when I'm hoping you'll love them! I think staying true to the age, location and style of the home has some real merit.

A pretty slate tile with sages and yellows in it would be pretty on your floor unless you plan to put your wood floors in there too.

Your warm light bulbs make cabinets look more orange also.

Best of luck. Have fun and love your home!

yikes..it's the glossy cabinets; so dated and gives it a "cottage-up north" feel. If it were my kitchen and I wanted to keep the counters, I'd strip the cabinets down to the original wood & then tung oil varnish the exterior for a smooth satin finish. It will lighten up the kitchen dramatically & give it a newer feel. Also, add silver substanstial hardware in a matte finish. If you can afford, then I'd swap out those light fixtures for something with a little bling-bling, with glass & crystal finishes. Good luck!!
http://www.lumens.com/Bling-Bang-Island-Pendant-by-George-Kovacs/uu459071/product

Okay I'm thinking of sanding and color washing the cabinets white. I'm going to try it on a door first to see what it'll look like.

Painting them is not hard, but it is a lot of work. I like your idea of a whitewash look. You could also do the wash in a color like blue or green.