For a rental, I would just paint the cabinets, install laminate counters and maybe do a nice tile backsplash of some sort. Something similar to this maybe

I would not paint the cabinets. They will need regular upkeep that wood cabinets will not need. And these look pretty good.

Not a pro. Ordinarily, I would say not to paint the cabinets, but I don't think that they play well with the flooring here. As you don't wish to change the flooring, I would paint the cabinets a slate blue.

I agree with both Lukki, Maine, and Elaine. Ordinarily, I would say not to paint the cabinets. However, they do not look well with the new flooring at all, so recommend painting them, upkeep doesn't matter in this instance, IMO. Also, I do like the photo with the white cabinets and black formica top that Lukki posted. One thing I don't care for in the photo is the one lonely pull on the drawer. In this small place, I would put all knobs or all pulls. One thing I would also furnish, is a a good, folding two-step step stool. Some of the shelves in the cabinets and the cabinet over the refrigerator would be hard for a short person and even some taller people to get to. If they are staying for a fairly long period of time, they will probably utilize all of the storage space.

I successfully painted the same cabinets in another unit at this property, and they haven't needed a touch up for 3 years

(I used INSL-X primer and paint), but I kept the counters in that unit because they were in better shape, and painted cabinets a warm gray to coordinate with the ugly but functional counters.

I really like the black and white photo too. I will keep the current pulls. They were replaced when we did the first round of renovations. I planned on redoing the kitchen but the place rented while we we were renovating and the tenant wanted to move in ASAP, so I left the cabinets and counters and just replaced appliances and pulls.

Does anyone have experience with IKEA counters?

The kitchen is fine. I've had quite a few traveling nurse friends over the years. They LIKE the travel part , meaning the kitchen in the small apt is not all that critical. I'd spend on nicer upholstered furniture , and durable pretty area rugs , lamps, wall mounted smart tv, etc. (these things add up )...But when resting up at the end of a day, nice furnishings including a great mattress maybe blackout shades can make a happy nurse more than the color of cabinets.

I'm not normally in the camp of painting cabinets either, but in this case, I think they would look better with the flooring. I'd pick out a light taupe from the flooring for color. Are the counters themselves in bad shape or just the laminate. You can buy laminate sheets and go right over the existing counter tops. If they need to be changed altogether, I'd do a simple cream color for the top if you're planning on painting the cabinets. If you want something with some pattern, I like Wilsonart Cippolino Bianco.

There is not space to safely hang a microwave over the stove in the kitchen shown -- look at the photo you posted of the other unit: the spacing is for a skinny recycling hood. Anything larger hung there will be too close to the cooking surface for code.

Yours would be super easy to refresh.

The absolute first thing would be to get rid of that florescent light. they are easy to remove and put up a regular ceiling light. (look for a light that can house 1-2 lights w/100-200 watts. use LED's)

Look up, "how to remove kitchen florescent light fixture and replace with ceiling light". it's actually pretty simple.

you can shut off the power from the main electrical panel.

bring in a light like the one in the first pic, or something like this:

you have almost no counters, so look for remnants from stone yards, craigslist, fabricator shops,,or try Butcher block from Floor and Decor/Ikea, or, make your own from Douglas Fir planks. (how to's on that too)

If you're going to paint, think about adding on some boxes up top. it's really not that difficult.

you can leave them open, fit them w/doors, or even doors w/just glass.

The best how to 'paint oak cabs' is these two,,(plus lots of other budget upgrades)

You barely have any to do so it will be a snap

https://www.evolutionofstyleblog.com/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets-like

https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2015/11/the-epic-how-to-paintyour-kitchen.html

check on craigslist for a counter depth fridge. (or, could you move it to that spot directly across? this way you'd get more countertop space

Just changing out the fluorescent light will make a huge difference!

The lighting is the main thing I would change. After that, I would look into staining the cabinets a darker tone that better coordinates with the floor. If that can be done inexpensively, it will give you a durable surface that looks nicer, and still work with your current countertop. Otherwise, just leave it all as it is until you're ready to re do everything at once.