It partially depends on how much contrast you like and how much light you have in your kitchen. I went lighter because I like some contrast, but also because I didn't want it to be too dark. On the other hand I saw my cabinets which are very dark, installed with Uba Tuba granite in another house my contractor was doing, and It looked wonderful and very rich. The difference was I have a single kitchen window and a bow window in the livingroom it opens into, and the other kitchen was completely open to the living room which had a full wall of floor to ceiling windows. You need to assess your own space, lighting and tolerance for darkness. I would certainly increase lighting if I went with dark cabinets and countertop, with several different "levels" of lighting with dimmers, like one or more large ceiling lights, recessed lights along cabinets and UC lights. That will give you the ability to increase the light to a comfortable level on dim, dreary days as well as tone it down when it isn't necessary.

Sue