I'd leave it all alone. It would be shame for your husband to put hardwood down that can't go under the cabinets, and then the next owner rips and the cabinets and re-does the entire kitchen.

I think the cabinets look fine. I would replace the countertops, put in a pretty backsplash and replace the flooring as well. Also, replace dishwasher with stainless steel. I wouldn't excessively worry about what the next owner would do. If you do change the flooring, get enough extra to keep on hand for a potential future remodel if that's a concern.

IMHO, it is the sink, DW, and countertops that are dating the kitchen. I wouldn’t touch those lovely cabinets. It costs a bloody fortune to do it right, and almost no one does, I don’t love the floor, but I don’t dislike it at all. Some stock granite, a single bowel undermount sink, a basic stainless DW, a pulldown faucet and a simple one-color tile backsplash instead of the 4” integrated splash will lighten it up and make it look more modern. If that’s your only countertop run, haunt the stoneyard remnant piles and Craig’s List and you might find some bargain countertop. Good luck. I think it will be a fun project.

I see a black range, a stainless fridge and a white dishwasher. That non-matching issue is dated more than the floor. I would replace the dishwasher and the range with stainless appliances. I would replace the counters with a simple white solid surface product like Corian. Then I would paint the walls and ceiling a color other than beige.
You say the kitchen is small. A buyer will probably rip everything out and start over, perhaps keeping the appliances. The kitchen will not be a sellling point either way, but it will look better. The cabinets appear to be in good condition. You should not spend much money on something which will most likely be torn out.

These responses are so helpful! The dishwasher has been on our to buy list for a while. Just been procrastinating!

I’m thinking we will get that, do new countertops (they look pretty rough up close) and a new sink and see where that takes us!

If we keep the floor as is (should I consider some little rug by the sink?) what type/color counters would you suggest? We only have approx 10 sq feet of counter space (something that we are definitely looking for more of in our next house!)

I’m not looking for a perfect kitchen. This is just a starter home for us. But I do want to enjoy the space I’m in everyday!!

The cabinets look like nice solid wood doors... I would leave them. Fix up the mis match appliances, change the countertop- deck only please and do a nice backpsplash. I would also paint - that color is a little blah - maybe a nice sage green - always pretty with wood cabinets. The floor is even ok - I would redo the grout to something slightly lighter than what is there now so it looks fresher.

Can't tell about the rest of the space...

Good luck!

Not sure why my other photos didn’t post! Really isn’t much more to the kitchen than that picture though! Here’s the rest of what I’m working with...

We previously had a table with benches in the nook. But when my dog was a puppy had a habit of getting on top and dancing on it haha. We also needed somewhere for the microwave since there is limited counter space. Not in love with the nook but not sure of how to fix

Agree with the others. Replace the DW. Replace the sink with a single bowl undermount sink. Replace the counter with a light colored granite and put in a simple tile backsplash.

Put a handle on the bottom drawer next to the sink.

In that nook area, what about a small banquet table with benches? How wide is the space?

Agree: new countertop, DW, backsplash, new wall paint, runner in front of sink.

Good suggestions. If budget allows, maybe a matching stainless fan too? I’m not clear on the overalll size and dimensions of the nook (I’m guessing it’s to the left of the stove). Sounds like you don’t need extra seating or eating space, but would you like more storage? It looks like you might be able to push that microwave cart against the wall, and then perhaps put another piece of storage furniture against the opposite nook wall. Not sure what you need, more “counter” type space (so a buffet of sideboard) or more tall storage, something like a china cabinet (but in keeping with the kitchen). I don’t know if this will fit but maybe if you show us more of the nook (pictures of the whole nook), we’ll have ideas?

The first picture is from when we initially looked at the house with the benches/table

The second is current

It is 7 feet long and approx 5.5 feet deep

Since it is not your forever home, I would leave freestanding pieces in there or do a bench with storage and a table that's easily removable if needed....