I would leave them as they are (de-clutter, repaint walls) BUT if you are feeling energetic, see this post and read all comments: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/my-1980-kitchen-cabinets-dsvw-vd~462142

If you are interested in a cheap, but effective DIY job refacing your cabinets, here's a blog that shows how to transform cabinets exactly like yours into Shaker style cabinet doors step by step.
http://simplychictreasures.blogspot.ca/2013/02/a-little-more-on-process-of-how-we.html

I find your kitchen (what I can see of it) very interesting. It looks neat and clean and in good repair. Sometimes looking at all the latest styles and materials can make us very discontented and not see the value of what we have. Just because it is old doesn't mean it can't have wow factor. I heard laminex is making a comeback too so you could soon be very back in fashion again. Agree with TanCalGal, declutter a bit, and repaint. While I like yellow, that shade looks a bit dead and doesn't do anything for your cupboards. Go for a real contrast - a green or a blue or even an orange - or settle for a soft brown to blend with your timber, and splurge on a couple of really nice accessories.

Can you take some more photos of the whole room, perhaps we can make better suggestions that way.

Yes, de-clutter, fresh paint, a nice backsplash and if feeling ambitious stain the exposed wood. But starting with the cleanup/paint/backsplash part is inexpensive and can make you at ease about your kitchen.

Painting the cabinets can definitely help breath new life into a tired kitchen, here's a blog that may help: http://budgetmybuild.co/remodeling/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/

What about doing the Shaker update on the lower cabinet doors, but removing the doors on the uppers and using the units as open shelving? Paint the cabinets as well, maybe with different shades on lowers and uppers?

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I can identify with your dilemma. I had the same cabinets until by kitchen remodel was recently finished. (Attached are my before and after.) I just chose to ignore mine since they worked until I could replace the cabinets. I decided that I didn't want to spend time and money on the old ones until I could replace mine.

You are getting some good ideas. Hang there as you work through the options!

I'm curious what the OP decided to do? I painted mine (see TanCalGal's link) because I knew it was going to be quite some time until I could do a complete overhaul and I'm a very aesthetic person in that I like my surroundings to be calming - and my original kitchen was stressing me out. Much better now.

I can't seem to find anyone who has a before and after photo of these white 80's cabinets(which I have)being painted. Do they just paint the doors? I need to see pictures to know it will work and look better.

J. Gross: see this link I posted above: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/my-1980-kitchen-cabinets-dsvw-vd~462142

I am looking for some uppers in this style to add some to the ones I already have. If anyone wants to ship me the doors at least, I will buy them.