That melamine stuff doesn't take paint well. You could sort of get the same effect by getting a paint to match the faces and painting out all the wood, then adding modern pulls -- have seen that done, and it's a pretty striking change of feel. You'll have to do some substantial prep (stripping/TPS, sanding, priming) on that wood, but it looks like a manageable project on a kitchen this size. After that, I'd consider updating the counters to more modern laminate, which could have a stone look, etc. Small enough kitchen that it would probably be under $2k and add a bit of flash.

Well, yeah, almond is a bummer. But melamine can't be painted in usual ways, which is why I suggested painting just the trim. However, people have done it, so if you ask at the paint store, they may be able to direct you to a technique (Google can help too) for roughing up the surface and using the right kind of paint. I'm sure it would look great white, if you can get a reliable surface. Otherwise, treating the almond color as a cream and choosing your counters, etc., to match would be a decent backup plan.

@misswumble Yeah, that amazes me too. It might just be that the guy you asked didn't want the job -- it's worth asking around for more quotes. I'd have thought $5k or something for all new doors...

I'd expect 10-12K for all new doors, finishing the doors properly, and finishing the box sides properly, and new edge tape for the boxes, with the labor to do all of that. Refacing properly is always almost as expensive as all new.

Time to check out Ikea. It will be about half that, but it will be all DIY labor. It is not worth wasting money for stone counters on the kitchen bones that exist.

Candice Olson was always painting melamine with a specialty paint made for it. I agree about checking into an automotive paint shop. Take off one of the doors and have photos of them with you when you go, so they know what you're wanting done.

Agree with acm's suggestions, the most cost effective. Painting the wood, cabinet pulls & new stone look laminate would make a big difference. I'd also replace the mini blinds while I'm at it.

Like suggested above, I would paint the wood to match the door fronts. Then, replace current countertop with a grey laminate that has NO 4" BACKSPLASH ;) Add an updated tile backsplash. Replace/update blinds with white wood blinds.

(grey laminate counter with square edge)

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I'm sure a little will go a long way for this space. Hope this helps!

If you Google "painting laminate cabinets," lots of Before and Afters for painting them come up.

Glidden's "Gripper" is the primer, but do check at a paint store for detailed advice..

Part of the problem of your kitchen is that the cabinets are almond, but the appliances are white. So paint the cabinets white, leaving the wood trim. Then get wood counters--Ikea's are good--in the same wood stain. Add coordinated wood knobs, and it'll all work. Or just paint everything white as in the photos and install affordable countertops since it's a rental. Some colored laminate countertops look fantastic and hold up well, but make sure to coordinate the new countertops with your off-white tile floor--maybe a pattern of light gray and off-white or black. Walls can also be white or maybe a pale gray.

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Yes, white wooden blinds would add a lot to the kitchen window.

You could buy an in stock cabinet and redo the kitchen cabinets, and new countertops

Paint cabinets white- there's a paint for everything, add contemporary silver hardware, I would honestly go laminate for counters- it has come a looong way! New stainless appliances. For less than $5k you can achieve a wow makeover.

Question: why do you have to replace the white tile countertops? If they're in good condition, just have them regrouted and they'll work fine if you repaint the cabinets white.

Bob Vila's advice on painting laminate cabinets:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painting-laminate-cabinets/#.WJn7mhiZOGQ