You are correct that if you stain it, it will never look as good as from the factory. I would try to work with it by changing other elements, most notably the wall paint. Post photos so you get better answers.

Lighting can make a huge difference in color perception as well. And while poop brown may not be an official color in English, goose poop is an official French color (caca d'oie.)

Lighting, wall color, tile color, etc can all help change the feel of the cabinets.

Fwiw the photos dont look orange.

Wow. That looks like our cherry cabinets stained in "burnt umber". We love ours but everyone is different. In any case, we were shown two samples one newly stained, the other about 10 years old. Darkened up quite nicely....not that it helps you now.

I think the cabinets look great and certainly wouldn't do anything at this point until you have put it all together with lighting, backsplash etc.

FWIW, I typically suffer tremendous pangs of regret when something new comes in and then a week later I am used to it. At this point I expect visual shock and remorse and just roll with it until it passes. :--)

I'm not great at suggestions, but I want to echo - your kitchen looks fabulous. I think it is easy to feel overwhelmed when it is not quite done. Adding the final touches will make a big difference. And this group is awesome at giving feedback on colors and lighting.

Looks good and will look better once it's finished with floor, hardware, and backsplash.

I think the cabinets look beautiful in the night photos. In the day photos, I think because of the lighting, they look slightly washed out but still lovely and in no way resembling poopy brown (!!) I would not change the colour. I think backsplash, flooring, lighting and accessories can all be used to make it pop in the day like it does at night.

If you want suggestions on backsplash or whatever, I would start a new thread and title it specifically for the help you are seeking.

I agree that your cabinets look great. You said your confidence is at an all-time low. I'd recommend hiring a color consultant or designer just to help you pick your remaining colors and finishes. Their services are much cheaper than picking something you'll regret and later replace.

I'm not a design expert but I don't like the white chair/stool as it just seems to be dark wood and beige. I think you could do far better. If it were me, I would wait to decide on paint and backsplash before deciding on chairs.

FWIW, you might have to go with COM option as I found that most of the upholstered stuff that was available tended to be beige or cream which was not what I was looking for in terms of my chairs.

I would do a colored leather stool. - red, peacock blue, something to coordinate with another color nearby. Ballard Designs has some nice ones. I would not do a fabric, esp. a light colored one....

I like your cabinets a lot! I think they look pretty neutral. You should see my orangey cabinets (that I hate but can't afford to change out). That would give you perspective. Anyway, I think in the nighttime pictures, your cabinets are going a little orange, so I would assume it's the lighting, and that can be changed.

I think it's nice to have a large overhang for the stools, so long as it's properly supported. There are many threads about that issue, and that would be a big concern for me. Are there steel bars supporting the overhang? Or how was it installed?

The cabinets (and your stool choice) are pretty traditional. I think you can really dress up this space with the cabinet hardware. Choose carefully! With so many cabinets, you have an opportunity to add a lot of bling, and perhaps get a bit transitional. I can't wait to see it finished.

I'm glad you've been talked off the staining-new-cabinets ledge! :) I think they're very pretty, and what an amazing space.

Sometimes cabinets are the backdrop for your wow elements - counters, lighting, art, etc. (Not to mention the meals you'll serve!) And sometimes you get your own private wow from great cabinet organization and inserts. Rev-a-shelf, IKEA, Container Store, etc. all have organizers you might like.

I agree you need some glass doors to break things up. Also, if your house is transitional you need to be less traditional in your bar stool choices. I also hope your hardware and lighting leans transitional.