is that carpet? Remove those sheers, paint the wall a lighter color; if possible, change the counter. As for the cabinets, maybe you can refinish them or just change the hardware

yes we are removing the carpet for sure. any ideas on the color of cabinets and walls. I know it needs a lot of work. just interested to hear eveeyones thoughts!.

do you have a budget, and have you bought appliances.

For the cabinets, you can go any color you like,,you can sand them and then finish them with something such as a polyurethane. If you want them darker, you can stain them. Depending on the color of the cabinets, you can pick the color of the counter and the wall. Usually, if you don't get a lot of natural light, you want to go with something light for the cabinets. I have dark cabinets and I don't like it because the kitchen doesn't get enough natural light.

take of all the decorative trim over the sink including the shelves...dust collectors.
. paint the cabinets, and if you can replace the counter top and sink.
put in new flooring.
. paint the walls.
check out this link!! http://angieinthethickofit.com/2013/02/how-i-painted-my-kitchen-cabinets-chalk-paint-latex-and-benjamin-moore-advance.html

This looks like it might date to the 1960s. If that's the case, my first concern would be asbestos.

Budget? Are you gutting the kitchen or are you going to work with what you have? What is your style?

we are planning on saving the cabinets somehow. we pulled up the carpet and are putting up some kind of bar. I just haven't decided on what color to paint the cabinets yet?!.

These inspiration photos are from your idea book, it looks like you like white kitchen cabinets?! It would sure update and brighten your space :)

What is your style?

There are many different directions you could go with the cabinets:
Traditional paint white or gray.
Modern masculine be brave and paint them black.
Rustic vintage, patina the cabinets with a wash.
European paint them green and sand the edges.

The great thing about paint - it is paint! You can repaint them a different color if you don't like them.

I would remove the scallop over the sink.

If you don't like the detail of the cabinets you could get new doors, the drawers are not that bad but are easy to change the fronts of.

Paint the cabinets and do butcher block - we did our own kitchen countertops for under 200.00, butcher block!

Lose that overhead nasty florescent lighting! So many better options.

The cabinets could be refaced with new doors and drawer fronts for much less than new cabinets. That would allow you to change the style and you could still go with paint or another type of wood if you choose. You may also include soft-close hinges and drawer slides when changing out the hardware if you like. The job would probably cost a little more than half what a new set would cost but it would seem like a new set of cabinets to you.

Do you have a photo showing the full door and hinges? They look like good quality slab doors with a routed-out design. Is that correct, or are they laminated?

What's under the carpet, or rather, what new flooring options are you considering?

The light quality from florescent is superior for kitchens, although it is unattractive, to many holes in your cieling can be too. when you get to the lighting part let me know.