Is the layout what you want? If not, why redo and spend a ton of money to have something you're not happy with? A new layout would mean tearing out cabinets and likely getting new, at least to fill in. If, however you are happy with the layout, I would only go ahead and keep the cabinets if they are good quality construction and still in good condition. It sounds like they're not. I sure wouldn't put expensive granite on junky cabinets. I think that would be a big mistake. It's easier to change a countertop later, than try to replace the cabinets under an expensive counter. Additionally, you might be able to DIY laminate or, certainly, something like butcher block from IKEA.

For layout help, draw us a layout of the current floor plan...Having it to scale is essential, so a simple, clear drawing on graph paper works great. Then tell us what you don't like and what you might like to have instead. Lots of people here willing to help!

It's good that you've lived in the space for a year. It gives you insights you wouldn't have had if you tried to remodel right away.

YOur kitchen has great bones. The floor is lovely and I think 30K is a reasonable budget if you don't do major changes to plumbing or tear down load bearing walls. IKEA is a great resource for inexpensive great quality cabs; especially if you can find a door style you like through them. The previous poster rhome and others are AMAZING resources for layout advice. Let us know what kind of feel you'd like your kitchen to have. Formal, open, rustic, traditional.... the options are limitless and so are the choices to make it a reality. Read through a bunch of posts and you'll be floored by the transformations done by people just like us! Most of all.... have fun!