White on the cabinets and a richer wall color would be very nice. The yellow is just not doing the oak any favors. Don't do the cabinet paint yourself, unless you have the patience to de-grease, strip, wipe, prime, paint in several light coats, and seal in several light coats, all with appropriate drying time in between. They will chip, peel, scratch and otherwise give you trouble if you just try to slap up some white paint, so consider a professional painter (not a contractor or handyman).

I agree with sooz001 about hiring the cabinets painted if that's what you decide to do.

Since you're on a budget, focus on replacing the countertop, backsplash, sink and faucet. That will go a long way in updating the room along with a different color of paint that needs to work with the floor so be sure and match your colors.

Have these cabinets been refaced with new doors - on maybe just new doors? I am wondering because I see what looks like a different door style above the sink and the wood insets in the cabinets don't all match either - at least in the photo. The color on the side of the cabinet that is peeking out under the stove hood looks cream. The cabinet boxes might be a laminate - not sure. Before you paint, find out exactly what you are working on so you can use the right primer and paint materials.

Hmm, the color variation did not look apparent in person but yes, they replaced the doors but the insides are old. I'll investigate more on the type of material.

It definitely needs a new backsplash... New sink... New faucet... Okay, new everything! I guess it will need a major facelift. But that will be in the future. I just need to change it up a bit.

I like the soft black cabinets on bottom with off white on top cabinets look...would pull countertop and appliances together nicely