"Stripping and sanding" is the process for refinishing wood furniture, of course, and those same techniques can be used with solid wood kitchen cabinetry. The challenge of course is accomplishing all of this messy, air-polluting and dusty work in the home. It's also amazingly labor-intensive and time-consuming - more so if your cabinet doors are detailed with raised paneling or moldings.

This can be a labor of love for a dedicated homeowner, but the arithmetic doesn't always pencil out when you start paying others to accomplish this work. Before embarking on this journey, make sure the cabinet quality warrants this work AND make sure you're happy with the layout.

Because of all the work involved with refinishing, many people decide to prime-then-paint, reface, or replace their existing cabinetry.

Marie has highlighted several excellent points. I have personally refinished cabinetry and it is very labor intensive indeed! The only real benefit of stripping these cabinets is not waiting for new cabinets and countertops and the associated time and expense associated with a true remodel. But as Marie stated, if you are happy with the layout and functionality of your current kitchen then refinishing might be a good option for you.

Have you considered enhancing in the light levels in the room to counter balance the light absorbing dark wood?