I think replacing the countertops and backsplash would make a huge difference and lighten up the space. I got 24”x24” travertine floor tile (24” is standard depth for counters) and butted them up one against another. They were on clearance, so I paid $5/sq ft, of $20 per tile. I think I spent a couple of hundred total, vs $5k for granite. The tiles look like a marble with brown tones. After 2 years, there have been no problems with stains, even the tile guys were impressed. One even did the same thing in his kitchen. Ebay has many tile suppliers who will send a sample for a couple bucks. Contrasting backsplash tile and coordinated edge tile finished it off. It was the cheapest redo and made a huge difference. We used liquid nails and glued it right to the formica. Updated hardware would also help. I would move the microwave into the cupboard around the corner and use the shelf above for cookbooks, removing the glass. In a former kitchen, I used the space on top of the cupboards for my antique mixing bowl collection. I like the basket idea, too. When I redid the kitchen, I put lighted cupboards on the top for the bowls, but stuck with the floor tiles on the counters. We faked tongue and grove on the ceiling by gutting grooves in poplar 4’x8’ sheets, then boxing with 1” strips. Gave it a light blue pickling, and done deal. This is a still in progress pic, but best I had of counters. Cupboards went to ceiling with trim installed.