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Wait. Don't paint the maple. You'll regret it (maybe sooner than 20 years). Instead, install lighting in the kitchen that'll brighten it up (recessed lighting comes to mind).
Bleach the doors/drawer fronts and cabinet fronts to lighten the wood, then apply some non-yellowing urethane for protection. I'd also update the kitchen flooring (tile?) and replace the 3 windows with a single unit (got a budget?). I can't make out the counter material, but this is also an area you could update. Often times, a kitchen designer can provide good solutions at a reasonable cost.
I know, remodeling is not cheap, especially a kitchen. But perhaps I'm going beyond the "just paint it" threshold.
Unrelated story:
My friend and his wife are in the middle of a kitchen remodel. The hired a design/contractor for $50,000, with some general guidelines, but without a set of plans to follow. Now they're being nickle and dimed (actually more than that) for details because of the open-ended nature of this plan. A common friend is a retired architect and he's shaking his head wondering why our friend didn't bother to ask his opinion. Sometimes folks have too much disposible income.
MHO, but in the end, it's your kitchen. Best wishes,
Sherwood
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