Isn't it funny how we write off dark stains as too much until we see them done right? I had the same flip with my kitchen table, where a rich brown stain turned it from bland to kind of inviting. @eva468 is onto something with how tiny fixes can shake up a room's feel. My neighbor went dark on her porch rails and now the whole space looks solid instead of cheap. It's like our eyes need a minute to catch up to what actually works. Guess I'm joining the dark wood fan club after all.