I love it as is. Looks new.

What do you not like about it or want to change?

I want to change the cabinets and countertop.

Is it dysfunctional? Or purely aesthetic changes?

Purely aesthetic. The cabinets are fake particleboard, which I'd like to replace with wood. And the black countertops are hard to maintain. What I am looking for is ideas on how to make better use of the space. I can't really change the layout, but should I have open shelving? Lighter colors? Any ideas on how to make it less boxy without losing too much storage, or any tips at all are appreciated. Thanks.

You have contradictory statements. Unless you change the layout, you're not going to make much better use of the space. Open shelving loses you storage space, not gains it. Looking at your pic, you already lack storage. Do you really want to spend 30K just on changing how it looks?

Post a measured diagram of the space.

Rocky, I totally understand now that you feel the materials aren't the quality you were hoping for, and you feel closed in. Have you considered glass front cabinets? If you can give me an idea of finish or paint colors you like (or don't like) for cabinets, I could look more for backsplash ideas. Do you like modern looks or more traditional?

Try painting the cupboards. Approachable Beige by Sherwin Williams is a new and really nice color, as is Revere Pewter. Make sure it's done right: strip, sand, add coat of material to which paint adheres, sand, paint, lightly sand, repaint, seal if needed. Consult a paint store about products and to confirm that sequence. - Susan

I would turn the door around on the fridge FOR SURE!

Hi there, if trying to stay on a budget I would suggest painting the cabinets in white or in much lighter color. Also, may be do a glass doors over the fridge and microwave to create more open feel in the kitchen. You can also switch the pulls for an updated look.
Regarding the countertop, I would recommend options of granite or quartz in light color scheme as well.
If you want to keep the existing backsplash may be try to choose some light colors from it for the cabinets and counter top, so all the finishes go well together.

Thank you all for your helpful feedback. Unfortunately, I do not think I can paint the particleboard cabinets. (paint may not stick). I will price out options to change the cabinets and counter to a lighter color.

30K?? lol. uh, no. You hardly have any cabinets. If you want to save money, get the wood, ready to assemble cabinets and install yourself (with a friend). There are more options, that's just one.

You could also just get the new wood doors and keep the boxes.Change out the countertop using pre-fab granite or quartz (and then just hire a fabricator) is also a cheaper option.

This kitchen redo really is not that big of a deal and shouldn't be more than 8K.

National average kitchen redo is 60K. 30K is half that. Not a bad number at all for what is needed here.

This thread from Apartment Therapy might give you some ideas.

Here's the link:

Sophie, this is not a complete remodel. There is not that much that is needed here. No major construction, no movement of plumbing or electrical. It's a simple switch out of cabinets and countertops! She hardly has any cabinets! I've done many like these. If she does all the leg work and shopping herself, she can do it for 8. My husband and I did a complete kitchen redo for 10k on our rental house. Here is the pic of it: (yes we did everything ourselves except the cabinet install and the counter top install. and that price also includes those new appliances. You have to know how to shop

He is asking about moving things to gain greater functionality. And not everyone wants cheepchinese cabinets, no drawer bases, and Frigidaire.

They aren't cheap, there are drawer bases, these are solid wood, and what frigidaire are you talking about? All of the appliances are good ,quality makers (GE and I forget what the oven was. But it was 2500 at Lowes and I got it for 800 because it had a scratch in the stainless steel on the side). Get off your high horse. He could have custom built cabinets done in the 6-8K range. Pre-fabricated granite/quartz can be had for $450 for a 22X8' piece. He would need one. 800-1000 bucks for a fabricator. He never mentioned changing the appliances. Even for little extras, 10K is pushing it. Where in the hell are you going to put another 20k?

If anyone charged him 30K for that kitchen, it would be a total ripoff, unless he got Koa cabinets, a Le Cornue Stove and a sliced Agate slab. And read his comment again, "He can't change the layout". The room is tiny. what could you move to gain better functionality?! lmao. I guess you would find something to justify that 30-60K price tag!