Trying to save the counters is always a risky venture . I think if you are going to go to the trouble then plan on a good design and to save money find a kitchen designer that works with Ikea I think there could be huge improvements with a new layout and if non wood cabinets are your choice then I would bite the bullet and replace the floors to matche the rest. Maybe you would not get pefect return on the investment but you sure would have a much nicer lkitchen for as long as you are there.

I'd leave well enough alone. New appliances...a large space with counters and storage. 2-3 yrs goes by fast and the planning/toil and expense for another kitchen project would leave me w nightmares. There is nothing offensive but the previous conditions probably could have been left and saved you what you have already endured. Don't pile on. Invest in some shades for the window..maybe a warmer neutral that can tie in w floor. All I really noted when I looked at the space is the size which will appeal to people and they will gut it , truthfully.

If I was going to sell in the next few years, I would just replace the cabinet doors and maybe do nice vinyl planks over the tile and save the big spending for my next house. I think most buyers see a nice updated kitchen and say "oooh" without assessing the quality of the cabinets. Replacing the cabinets could end up damaging your countertops and costs can skyrocket quickly.

Is real estate in your neighborhood appreciating quickly? If you sold today as is,would you make a profit? Does putting more money into this kitchen really make sense for re-sale? Are you for sure selling in "2-3" years or just maybe? Before aesthetics,these are some of the questions I'd consider.

Your layout is not that bad. Your appliances are in a good configuration for flow - one of the layouts I see recommended here often - as long as there is 4 to 5' between sink and range.

Consider refacing the lower cabinets - they might have to strip the paint from the frames - but that is not too hard - I've done it myself. Then you could get new cabinets for the uppers. If you don't remove the lower boxes, you will not risk the countertop and backsplash.

The one area that I would work on is the fridge / pantry area. You may want to box the fridge in and add cabinets above - that space just looks a little awkward and a kitchen designer can advise. Your appliances are new, so this may not be feasible, but I much prefer a hood to an over the range microwave. If it breaks down before you sell, replace it with a pretty stainless hood.

If you did not do the under cabinet lighting before, do it now. It is wonderful functionally and will help your kitchen show as a bright and well lit place.

Another thought is to try to repair - sand down and repaint - those areas of wear and do a better job. Then I would paint the walls a prettier color - if you are set on gray, consider a green gray like Rainwashed or SW Sea Salt. The trends are moving away from the gray and white kitchen to one with some soft color and warm woods. I would still look into making the fridge area look better - perhaps with some added cabinetry.

Rainwashed or SW Sea Salt:

Unless this is a high end house in a high end neighborhood, i'd leave well enough alone. You will never get the return on your investment. Especially new floors and cabinets. Touch up the paint when it's time to sell and be done with it.

also be aware that in most municipalities, once you start tearing out cabinets, you also start heading into the realm of needing permits, and needing to bring the room up to current code - which could mean electrical upgrades, etc.

Please don't believe the HGTV shows where they redo for resale and then get top dollar.

The person to consult is a reputable Realtor who knows the market. I too live outside a major metropolitan area about 15 miles and in my area, the painted cabinets would lower the price. The original cabinets minus the scalloped trim would have been a plus with new counters and hardware. I’m not sure stripping the cabinets is the way to go as it may be cheaper to replace them with IKEA cabinets. Regardless of the paint job, your kitchen looked better with a modern sleek wooden cabinets. Perhaps if “darkness” is an issue address the lighting. This is a return on investment mathematical question, how much is it going to cost versus resale.

Talk to a very active local real estate agent. In my area (high cost of living), new "just for the sale" kitchens are ripped out by the new owners. The dumpsters on the front lawns are full of brand new "budget-conscious improvements". Let the buyers put in the new kitchen. Fashions will be different in three years.

I am assuming that the owners would also like to live in a kitchen that doesn’t have chipping paint. Living for three years in a dysfunctional kitchen is not fun. I chuckled, a new owner can do whatever they want to the house after they own it. Look at a similar houses with similar kitchens and see how long they are on the market and what the price per sq ft sold for. it very much location specific.