What is that tan color board on the ceiling?
Looks like you need a frig...if you can also buy a new dishwasher...stainless steel for botyh would be an automatic uplift. Looks like the adjoining room has brownish color walls...maybe use that color (if it's going to saty) and paint the kitchen cabinet molding in that same color, including the crown molding on the top of the cabinets snd get new hardware. Use a nice bright color for kitcehn curtains...one that will tie into what ever room it is you took the photo from.
Doen't look like you can do anything with the backsplash until you get going on the kitchen...looks like tiles?

This kitchen isn't ugly, just a strange set up...wish we could see a photo taken from the door also.

Change the appliances to stainless steel, change hardware to a large 6" pull and change the sink as well. Call color to a pale gray will make it look fresh Nd updated. The appliances and sink you can always keep for your final kitchen upgrade. Hope this helps!

agreed on appliances since that investment will work for your redo- for now, I would go for a pop of color on a valance and accent a few things on top of cabinets and on countertop

You can also add color to your windows and door either with roman shades or woven woods. It would definitely add to your kitchen. Roman shades come in a variety of colors and textured fabrics. Woven woods also come in different natural colors such as a bamboo shade. Hope this helps!

I will paint the dark color that is on the back window! Continue same color into the kitchen walls! Install new dish washer stainless steel a microwave stainless steel on top of the stove area and a slide in stove with buttons on the front (flat slide in) install a glass mosaic at back splash! (Stove area)Remove fruit tiles and install same pieces of glass mosaic to replace the fruit. Change the window covering to a nice shades made by hunter Douglas I will use pirouette's they are beautiful!!

just paint the kitchen cabinets in some funny darker color - it is easy, the walls are nice and no need to change the surroundings , neither appliances - we have done this in very small space .was very nice ... for example red or green cabinets , after you have the $ , do all , just doing partially do not work-:) ... seems the cabinets are not decent quality to me and the white seems sort of out of place with the countratop, could be cabinets are simply old ..this white kitchen stinks so much as it is all about the cabinets ....-:)

Maybe you could bring in some stainless steel by putting in a stainless steel backsplash. Looks like you could get some rectangular pieces that can be put over the tile. I would check into painting the countertop. They have some great paints including some with different colored specks in them. I would check with paint store on your options. A dark brown on the walls would be great.

Well, painting the cabinets will be way to expensive than painting walls if you want to spend extra money? I will change the counter top and install quartz like Cambria or Caesar stone!

I just purchased this home, and I will be moving in on Friday. We are in the process of remodeling a bathroom...the cabinet installer comes on Monday. We cannot really go for a complete overhaul as I am still debating over taking out a wall between the kitchen and a "formal" living room.

The tan thing on the kitchen ceiling is an old fluorescent light. This home has been unoccupied for a while, and it is really dingy.

I have been researching painting the countertops, but that seems extremely time consuming and tedious. I am afraid that it might be over my DIY abilities.

Oh yeah, I am purchasing a new stainless steel refrigerator, but I did not plan on purchasing a new dishwasher. I will start researching a cheaper model refrigerator and stainless steel dishwasher. The kitchen also has white double ovens near the entry and a built in JennAir cooktop. Both of these items are pretty pricey, so they will be purchased later as well.

Check into painting the appliances that you have. There are appliance paints that would transform them alot cheaper than replacing them. You could get a stainless panel to cover the dishwasher for now. Maybe do the same for the other appliances at least temporarily.

Hi friends, I went ahead and made some updates. I painted the countertops, purchased stainless steel appliances, updated some lighting, and hung a valence. Let me know what you think!

I think you did a wonderful job! Darkening the counter tops make a huge difference! Congratulations!

The dark countertops really brought the room to life! Love the valances too. Good job!

Thanks @tukasa creations and handyman

how did you paint the counter tops?? i love it. i have formica yellow. id love to change that. was your counters butcher block?

Great job!

@jodyblonde I found this lady on pinterest who did it. I used rust oleum paint, and a product, envirotec lite. I will try to find the link on this iPad.

@angela thanks

@jodyblonde here is the link....
http://www.tipjunkie.com/diy-decorating/room/kitchen/how-to-paint-countertops-countertops/