Have you thought about white? White kitchens are really big right now and can make the kitchen feel huge. What kind of countertops do you have?

I'd go with a slightly darker shade,

Teak wood shade looks good - what product do I use and do I have to pre-sand?

Can't paint them white! My husband won't let me paint wood :). Our countertops are a terracotta tile but don't love them and they will likely go soon!

Look at the polyshades product and review how John and Sherry petersik used it on some kitchen cabinets (they kept the lower cabinets wood and painted uppers) - it is a tinted final coat - so it won't change it but one shade, but the mission oak tone is probably perfect for what you want. Their blog is younghouselove.com and search kitchen cabinets.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/stepbystep-instructions-strip-stain-kitchen-cabinets-99271.html

have a look at this link too.
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/have-you-re-stained-wood-cabinet-frames-dsvw-vd~380914

so? what did u do with those cabinets?