SFGate

spmm Maybe pick up the ivory from the island base? Would be much brighter and match your appliances.

spmm

rinqreation Don't you like the wood or do you just want a lighter kitchen?
A lighter counter on the kitchen (ivory?) might make the change you were hoping for (if you do like the wood).

olldbobbi I wouldn't replace the cabinets, but I would paint them as spmm suggests. If you can, have the doors professionally sprayed (much better result) and you can easily paint the boxes yourself. This will make a world of difference!!

Dytecture Do you have photos showing the dark maple wood in the family room ?

2mch2du Thank you all for your comments. The family room and kitchen is one open space. I am considering new white custom cabinets in the kitchen to brighten the dark space, but I am not sure how that will look with the dark cabinets in the adjoining family room. I'm attaching a photo of my entertainment center with dark maple cabinets. Thanks for your help!

gail_account Have you decided I am in a similar dilemma

eztia The dark maple in the family room is nicely finished.
I think a Shaker white kitchen would be too jarring for a couple of reasons - one in terms of color, and two in terms of style.
The kitchen cabinets have a lot of "movement" in the wood grain. I would have the cabinet doors professionally sprayed in a color two shades lighter than the kitchen floor. Paint the cabinet boxes yourself.
Paint inside the cabinets with bright white semi-gloss paint.
Install under-cabinet warm LED dimmable light strips.
Replace your existing light bulbs with bulbs that have a high lumen (about 2500 for "warm" white).
If you still want to replace your countertop after the painting and lighting changes, choose a color similar to your flooring.
What are your thoughts?

olldbobbi It's hard to tell true colors from a picture, but, will pale yellow cabinets work with the redish tones of the family room media center?

2mch2du Thank you for your comments. I wish I had the time and skill to save some $$ and repaint the cabinets myself. They are not good quality anyway, so we are definitely replacing them with new ones. My island has a pony wall (you can see it in the picture), which looks yellow in the picture, but it is actualy a neutral green. We are planning to take down the pony wall and completey replace the island. I am considering a warm brown on the island cabinets with a lighter granite or quarts, and off-white cabinets with a neutral/ lighter backsplash on the walls.