Well, don't be offended but I don't like those cabinet doors at all. They are different, but to me they look very 1970's. Not that I think we have to give in to the whole "dated = must replace" mindset. I'd get new doors, if you like raised panel doors (I do too, although everyone seems to be doing Shaker today, but I think raised panel, like shaker is pretty much timeless) Your backsplash, appliances and counters look good. You could of course go with the dark gel stain, or could paint them, , white or gray would look great with the counters and backsplash (or even white uppers/gray lowers) If you don't like oak, you can get brushing putty to fill in the grain of the cabinet boxes and frames. But that is a lot more work, and if its going to be a rental, I'd just get the oak doors and gel stain or paint it. The visible grain isn't a deal breaker, especially for a rental. Leave the counters and backsplash, it will look fine.

you're doing a lot of changes comparatively speaking of course..you plan to change some cabinetry and work with new color..you plan to choose new countertop, new backsplash i don't know about costs but I feel starting new will be easier..refacing plus creating new pieces sounds expensive. Countertops, backsplash-all that is disruption and money. If you wanted just to paint would be different story. It can be done of course..purchasing new pieces and all..it just won't be less headache. Or so I think. Can you leave the island as is? The cabinet part? That'd save a lot. as for priorites-right question. say was it me-I wouldn't even touch the kitchen (but I'm obviously less of a cook than you..so that matters too). I'd style it pretty and paint walls a different color and go to Kauai..and buy there an art in Hanapepe..:) But I think it seriosly bugs you probably if you consulted three different pros so choose the option that will allow you for the least headache, with most satisfaction in the end. "Headache" can be money or time or ..you know yourself. Yes, kitchens are usually popular on Craigslist, so selling is definitely an option. BTW granite is too. People buy everything.

My thoughts? He probably has a supplier with a warehouse full of cheap chinese flat painted or high gloss cabinets, that he will make a nice profit on, if you buy them! Unless you really know your contractor very well, I would not be taking design advice from one. What do you like and want for YOUR kitchen?

For the right price custom cabinet shops can order veneer to match any door you present them. Sherwin Wiliams can do the same with color match. As for painted side texture not matching door texture,if I may I'd like to ask you a question. What kind of texture are you accustomed to seeing on finished natural Maple? Truthfully,80% of cabinets I've dealt with have little or no texture regardless of wood species. Of the 20% with texture,some were from not filling grain in Oak before clear coating,some were brush marks form a sorry painter and a few were rustic. I have to wonder whether there's visions of fit and finish found in multi-million dollar homes. That's a tall order for a diyer starting with budget cabinetary and drawing on internet forums for guidance.