Paint the cabinets, counters look fine. Replace the backsplash tile and kitchen light.

Definitely have them professionally done. Check references, too. Your cabinet style is very up to date. Lucky! Make the decisions on color with sample paint cans painted on poster boards. 2 x 2 size move around the room at different times of the day. I think you should go through Houzz for inspirations. You have a very large kitchen. What size is it. Post more photos of all walls please.

You are not changing the flooring? If so, I would go with a quality cork floor. It may be laid over existing tiles.

This could be a live with what you have until you can or want to spend more on a bigger remodel. I don't love white cabinets with these floors. You could consider two tone if you keep the floors. If you change the counter I would invest in the backsplash as well. It doesn't seem worth it to spend on the counter and then paint over the tile.

I like this color scheme if you would consider staining darker for the cabinets or even just for the lower cabinets and paint uppers white. I like the marble look counters and a light/white backsplash to keep things light.
http://houzz.com/photos/82672

I think one of the problems you might be having with this kitchen is that while it has great storage it also has a bit of a "wall of cabinets" look which will not be much improved by painting the cabinets white. To break up the wall of cabinet look, consider removing the panel from some of the cabinets and replacing with glass. Without seeing the whole space for real, I would pick the three cabinets above the dishwasher to put glass in. I would remove the two cabinets on the other side of the window and replace with open shelving, or plate rack / wine rack cabinetry. I am not a real big fan of open shelves, but a small amount, mostly for display can add interest. See if you can find a local carpenter cabinetmaker who would be willing to help you make these small changes to your cabinetry.

I like the counters. I agree that backslash and counters should be redone together when you have the funds to do what you want and after the cabinets are the way you want.

I would also admit there is a soffit and decorate it - with plates, or stencil a saying or word across it or other artwork.

Your cabinets are not bad. Replace counters and backsplash. It will look great!

If you already paid too much for the house, then finding the 15K for the projects that you listed as wanting to do should be the very last thing you do. You'll never see the return on that expenditure because there is nothing at all ''wrong'' with your existing kitchen. Be grateful that you were able to overspend and get a roof over your head! Cost v Value

The first thing I would do is change the flooring. I would then change the hardware and the backsplash.

I agree that this is a really great kitchen . . lots of storage, and cabinets ARE in style as I was just with a kitchen consultant at Lowes today. To update, I would:

1) Change the hardware . . the ones you have look undersized and monotonous to me. (But I am jealous of your storage.)
2) Change the window treatment. Look at a new Roman shade or a cellular shade properly sized.
3) Put in an over the stove microwave to update, and get a countertop vertical paper towel holder plus some other pretty accessories to add homey eye appeal (no fake plants or silks).
4) Your upper cabinets look like they are floating . . I would consider painting the soffit with a soft beige or beigy-gray.

I think the most egregious thing is the backsplash. If you can, replace it or take it out and paint the space. Or tie in the accent color on the tile with the new shade mentioned above. I REALLY think pretty accessories will help a lot!

Good luck.

If you want to keep the cost minimal and you hate the cabinet color and love white cabinets, – have them painted white, and change the hardware. I would keep the countertops, to save money, and I think you will like them better with white cabinets. Cabinet color could be something like Cloud white or white dove from Benjamin More which have hint of warmth that would go well with the floor and counter tops. All white from Farrow and ball would a nice pure white. I think the lighting is the biggest problem, so I would spend some money on changing / and adding more light fixtures. It's a little hard to tell the color and style of the backsplash, but I'm not a big fan of painting the tile.