Golden Oak cabinets

I hate oak cabinets. Just not a fan of the grain. I would paint but that's just me.

I bought a house with the same color stain as your cabinets and was in the same predicament as you are. Darkening the stain wasn't going to be as expensive and can be done by yourself. It's as simple as sanding them down and restaining them. I just couldn't bring myself to do it because stained cabinets just don't look as good to me, not to mention the "in" stain color changes so often because the stain colors get "stale" so much quicker. Ended up getting them redone in the same color oil base as my trim (crown moulding and baseboards) and I'm very pleased with them.

Also, oil base last a good while and if I want to change the color again, it won't be near as difficult.

I'd go with painting them if I was you, it'll pay off in the long run.

We chalk painted ours. Very easy. Took the doors off and sprayed them with a cheapo gun from harbor freight and brushed the frames. Used valspar chalk paint in a whitish color for cabinets and a nice grey color for the island.

both painting and staining cabinets are big projects if you do them the correct way. you are on point with wanting to update the golden oak cabs, they will date your kitchen. if you are set on staining, go with a black stain. it is a classic color, will never go out of style, that also acts as a neutral base for almost any other color you might want to use in the kitchen.

White has been around for 100 years baw.

Paint.
You can strip them if you ever wish to.