Nice floors.

Unless you love your layout & cabinets, I would not invest $$$ into a countertop.

I do not suggest painting cabinets. Factory finish is stronger &better

If you decide to paint the cabinets, get a professional refinishing company who guarantees their work. $4000 starting for that. Please do not put $$$ countertop on them for several months until you have used the kitchen awhile to know the paint is holding up.

Do you like the current layout?

If not, new cabinets, then new countertop.

1st easy thing to do, is to change light bulbs to daylight bulbs then choose colors.

For now, maybe a light color backsplash with cabinet lighting under. Paint kitchen a brighter neutral color will help get a new feel fast.

Kristen, I would really think to get some serious help here you need to establish parameters. My first thought when looking at your post is--- budget--. Put up what your willing to invest--not your dream amount, but your real this is it number---and work off of that. One thing about a lot of the commenters in here is they know how to stretch a buck!