What is the top of your island, is it maple? Are your cabinets oak, and if so, did you say you darkened them? Thanks for the info and pics, looks nice!
 

Very nice - I looked at the other pics of your kitchen, and who ever did your kitchen in the 80's did mine too! Same white tile, same exact cabinets. I am in the process of having my cabinets refinished and getting tan/brown granite- your pictures are an inspiration; gives me a good idea of how mine will look when done.
 

Thanks for the kind comments. Yes, the cabs are oak, about 25 years old, and they used to be that orange oak color. I rubbed on some Minwax polyshades in bamboo mahogany with an old tee shirt, rubbing the stain in and wiping the excess off as I went. (I practiced first on a lower area). The can says to use a brush and paint it on, but I had no control that way and the stain went on very streaky. The rag rubbing went very quickly and I liked the results--a subtle darkening and the minwax has it's own polyfinish. I cleaned the cabs well first, but didn't have to sand at all.
Island top is that rubberwood stuff. I bought it unfinished from an unfinished furniture store and had the guy paint the bottom black and stain the top to match the cabinets fairly well.
It's still an 80's kitchen, but we think the updates help it have a more 21st century rustic look.

Red
 

Thanks for the kind comments. Yes, the cabs are oak, about 25 years old, and they used to be that orange oak color. I rubbed on some Minwax polyshades in bamboo mahogany with an old tee shirt, rubbing the stain in and wiping the excess off as I went. (I practiced first on a lower area). The can says to use a brush and paint it on, but I had no control that way and the stain went on very streaky. The rag rubbing went very quickly and I liked the results--a subtle darkening and the minwax has it's own polyfinish. I cleaned the cabs well first, but didn't have to sand at all.
Island top is that rubberwood stuff. I bought it unfinished from an unfinished furniture store and had the guy paint the bottom black and stain the top to match the cabinets fairly well.
It's still an 80's kitchen, but we think the updates help it have a more 21st century rustic look.

Red