I would start by painting the cabinets (maybe cream) and changing the hardware for a cheaper fix if you can't do a whole remodel. Then change the light over the sink to something with a farmhouse feel. Throw rug in front of the sink.

It depends on how much you want to spend. For quick fixes you can do as jeribowman suggested and paint the cabinets, change the hardware, paint the walls, add a backsplash, and lighting. Redesigning the kitchen is the other option. You definitely have more room for upper and lower cabinetry which is great. It has a lot of potential to be more functional. The problem is this room is very brown, you are missing some pop in the space. The cabinets blend in with the flooring and is lacking in contrast. I would suggest getting a few quotes from contractors to see how much it would be to rearrange your kitchen the way you want it so that you can see if it's in your budget. It will definitely up the resale value! Below are a few inspiring kitchens. Try the dark cabinets below(to hide spills) and lighter cabinets up top! Bring the cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

You can always do as follows:

paint those babies. Then add some stock cabinets. there are many options for discount cabinets. Paint them all in the same color. maybe add an island and house your cooktop in it.

Show us some pictures of the whole room all walls and maybe a sketch with sizes. This could be a great kitchen.
What is your approximate budget.

Boy this spell checker re-writes my stuff and eats things

Painting these cabinets in my opinion will just be a band aid. I think groveraxle is right, I would talk to a local designer get an idea on replacing and adding some cabinetry. One thing you could do that would make a huge difference would be to have an island with a cook top in it. If you can afford to invest some money in your house though go get a good cabinet design that would be the only right way to fix this and make it great.

if you go the way of replacing use those cabinets in your basement, your garage or in a pantry. do not let go to waste.

I wouldn't paint either. I'd focus on updating the backsplash, countertops, and pulls. If you've got the budget, a reconfiguration would definitely be helpful!

You could also use the Ikea kitchen planner to get some good floor plan ideas and see what can actually be done with your space if you are a do it yourselfer.

We agree with Circle Goods Reclaimed, painting the kitchen cabinets will just be like putting a band aid on it and a kitchen island would be an amazing addition, especially with a cook top! Do you have a design or style in mind that you're going for? Cabinets like our Montauk Cherry Shaker Style are modern and so versatile: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33478904/thumbs/simple-shaker-style-with-montauk-cherry-kitchen-cabinets

The cabinets are nice. Your big problem is layout, which I'd suggest tackling first. You need new locations for the range and fridge, at least. Other costly changes (floor, new appliances and sink) could be done gradually if you don't have a large budget to start with. A new paint color on the walls would brighten the room immensely!

I was actually going to suggest looking into cabinets to go. Even if you leave your existing cabinets, or re-work them as a island, they seem to be a good source of cabinets (I am not affiliated in any way.)

could you take pictures of all your walls and work on a sketch with measurements?

Painted cabinets are so 1940s! A good furniture polish would help. New wallpaper that cream or white might help. A good scrubbing also helps.

if you are in the area where Green Demolitions are, take a look. if not they might be something like this in your area., they take kitchens from showrooms, from houses where people just change them if they do not like them and you can buy them.

http://greendemolitions.com

Green demolitions
http://greendemolitions.com

here the white kitchen is 17,000 and the wood is 10,400

remember you can work cabinets in different ways. they usually include countertops as well