A tan color would be nice on the kitchen walls.

Boring and bland, perhaps. But ugly? not in my book. As long as you are convinced it is ugly, nothing will change that, regardless of how much effort or money you expend. If you can walk your opinion around to at least neutral, then you can begin to think about paint colors, pictures, accessories, rugs, etc.

Hi Linda - I know you're right! I was thinking maybe a stick on backsplash? The living room is most likely going to be gray with purple accents, so I want the kitchen to make sense with that...I just don't the eye for these sorts of things, so it's driving me completely insane.

I am sure you can paint the cabinet doors. As I can see from the pictures, they are wooden doors, so I am sure you can brush it (remove the upper layer of paint or laquer) and paint it in another colour.

Here is an example with buttery cream walls.

A new wall colour will go a long way to warm up this space. I would even consider wallpaper if you are permitted. A pattern that picks up from the wood tones and introduces some personality would cheer it up. Add some functional styling items to add to the personality like attractive canisters etc. I added a photo to my ideabook called palette to warm up kitchen. Have a look:
If they would allow you to paint the white appliances that would be really great. Check with Benjamin Moore about the type of paint to use. Pick a wallpaper and let that guide you.

Are you familiar with "Wall Pops"? They are a removable vinyl peel off stickers in different shapes. Google their web site. You could paint the walls, and apply those to the cabinet doors to add color or even a design. They do not damage surfaces.

As a landlord myself, you are lucky that you are allowed to paint the walls. I can't imagine your lease agreement would allow for painting appliances or cabinets, especially when they look to be in very good condition (at least from your photo). Be careful--you don't want to violate your lease. Also, do you need to repaint to the original off-white color upon vacating? If so, think about that when you choose your color. You will want to choose something that will be easy to cover over.

Don't overlook the power of window treatments and accessories. It looks like you have an nice open floor plan and high ceilings. Bright accents of color can add interest from every view. That along with a nice accent color along the back wall could do the trick. Plus you can take your accessories with you when you move.

kind of depends on the view from other rooms. I would paint it an exciting color, or even a dark color. work with the floor and the counters as your color palette and the wood will start to seem appropriate. Walk out of the space and look back and see what frames the view. then choose colors that coordinate with that frame. It helps the kitchen disappear for m seeming different from the rest of the house, but tucks in with the overall decor. I like paints by Behr at Home Depot.

you know its really not the cabinets that are ugly: its the white appliance faces that seem out of context.