Paint it all white and try a fun painted or photo wall mural that appeals to you on the end wall. Prep and priming are the keys to a great paint job, so do it right!

I sympathize with having to deal with an old galley kitchen, as I have one too. I'm on a very tight budget, so some quick easy fixes I chose: paint the cupboards white (or replace the cupboard doors); choose more contemporary, shapely hardware (they look as though they've been added after the fact, since usually that kind of cabinet door doesn't have hardware); lay an indoor/outdoor runner that's easy to care for and will add colour and texture; keep everything not necessary off the counters, and put everything that remains in pretty/coordinated containers; tile the wall behind the sink; repaint the rest of the kitchen walls. I went with grey walls, all white cupboards (b/c my appliances are white and in a small kitchen it's just more streamlined and less choppy), and I had a black countertop I will replace one day. I kept the colour scheme very simple with pops of one main colour (red) and one supplementary colour (tangerine) because the whole apartment is a bit retro, and that's my style. But for you, a creamy white and more natural neutrals with that countertop would work better. The white is too white, perhaps..

I would suggest a good tile backsplash and a large piece of art (as was suggested already). Also recommend you consider running a small crown trim along the top of the cabinets and crown molding at the ceiling if it matches and makes sense with the rest of the house. Good luck!!

Wall decals for the cat (and the back wall)

Or how about a tin backsplash? Not expensive and apparently easy to install. Follow the link under the picture:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/tins-a-win-for-kitchen-backsplashes-stsetivw-vs~5599126

Two narrow shelves on the far wall to hold dishes, glasses etc. so as to not interfere with cabinet doors keep them narrow or a narrow hinged fold down wall shelf same level as counters for extra counter space, new wall paint, repaint cabinets, a mirror, a clock or art work remove cabinet hardware, replace with something more current, consider a backsplash, more ideas here:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12651476/thumbs

I like Carolins suggestions. Painting those strips, the walls and adding some nice lights will make a huge difference.
http://houzz.com/photos/459646

neuro6, I found the close up photo of your counter I think you meant to include here. You have some great suggestions above - looking forward to seeing how you update the kitchen! It can be done :)

neuro6's counters: