Help Wanted: Your Advice Please

So, these days, Aaron and I are toying with what to do with the kitchen. Here it is in its current state:


One word - YUCK.
So boring and so ... not ... us.
{by the way -- we live here. so don't mind the stuff on the counter or the fridge.}

The stainless-look fridge and microwave are new and eventually we will swap out the range and dishwasher for the same kind. The counter tops DRIVE ME CRAZY. I hate them. I would also LOVE to get rid of the pantry (behind the fabric on the left of the fridge) and add more cabinets and counter top to that side of the room. But that doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon. I just need a better working space...

But here's where we need your thoughts and advice. We don't know which way to go with the new "look". We both have different thoughts on what the final result should be. I won't tell you which of us wants what, but here are the two options we're thinking about.

#1: Do we paint the cabinets and lighten the look -- like this:


or this:



#2: Or do we stain and create a darker, deeper feel -- like this:


or this:


What do YOU think?
{all pictures are courtesy HGTV.com, BHG.com, Kitchen-Cabinets-Design.com and possibly one other site; just so you know I'm not trying to steal anything!}