What a fantastic space! Allot of your natural light seems to be in the dining area of the kitchen, your floors are really nice and light however so you could easily go for a very dark door colour, I don't think you would ever be in danger of making the overall space dark and small. stick with a very light coloured worksurface and keep the walls simple with maybe a feature wall colour on one wall. good luck with your project!

What direction is this room facing? If it's facing south, you could get away w/ darker cabinets, but if it's facing north, I would reconsider.

What an opportunity! Once you remove the wallpaper, the ceiling fan (blowing air over your hot food?), the dated curtains and that unfortunate light box in the ceiling, you will be able to bring the refrigerator into the kitchen and reconfigure the counter space. The fridge next to the oven/stove seems odd to me. There should be a work triangle composed of sink-oven-refrigerator. Instead of keeping the L shape near the window, what if the counter against the wall ran longer toward the large window? That would certainly open things up. Maple or cherry cabinetry would be beautiful without being too dark. A complementary color should be used for the counters. Install hard wired under-cabinet lighting above all work surfaces--it will transform the room. Recessed lighting in the ceiling will modernize things.

If you feel darker cabinets are more user-friendly then go with a light counter and backsplash that ties in with the floor. Good luck from Montreal!

Here are a few of ideas. A medium to dark maple cabinet would look wonderful in your medium sized kitchen. I agree with Rebecca Mitchell, in going with a light counter top and backsplash if you decide to go with the darker cabinets. In my opinion, you have enough natural light coming into the kitchen that will enhance the space and keep it from looking small. I hope I've helped. Contact me if further assistance is wanted or needed! http://themrene.houzz.com/

You have those great windows that will bring in plenty of light. You may want to consider replacing your window above your sink and have it meet your counter top. That will bring in more light as well. Go with the darker cabs.