I agree with the advice to live with them as they currently are. Don't feel you must rush in to make a change the minute you move in. You might end up seeing value in what you have, and be glad that you didn't make a change. You could always update the cabinet hardware, if you feel you must do something different right now.

I would paint the walls a color that you love. Get some great textiles in the space (roman shades on the windows, rug under the table, etc) and a big pot of flowers on the island. It will start to feel like home. Then, wait for quite a few months to see if it is worth additional small changes, or if a complete remodel is in order.

may as well get a big area rug some sort of old wood farm table and chairs and use that dining zone. put a little stand over there for coffee maker. Start making meals and see how the kitchen works. seems like coming from hallway you might want to cut right into kitchen instead of around the bend in the peninsula. that is a whole redo. Thus the sentiment offered to WAIT has logical reasoning.

I, too, would paint. ASAP. IMO the problem isn't so much the cabinets, it's that wall color. I could see a soft light green color looking quite nice in there.

You might want to try looking at images on here of cabinets that are the same wood tone to see what you could do to make them work. Below are some kitchen examples from designs of ours.

Alpine Ski Home · More Info

French Country Inspired Kitchen · More Info

Check this article out. The author had the same problem and made updates without touching the cabinets for an awesome (and much cheaper) end result:

https://www.coppercornersart.com/ideas/2020/3/21/how-to-make-an-oak-kitchen-cool-

I suggest switching to stainless appliances first. It will improve how everything else looks. Then paint the walls. Then decide what you want for everything else.

Don't do espresso. It's dated, and also won't be a good fit in that space.

I would not spend time and money painting the cabinets. I'd save that money toward an entire kitchen redo when you have accumulated the funds. You would then install taller cabinets of 42" height, have them be frameless cabinets, new sink, counters, appliances, and lighting. I know - easy for me to recommend how you spend your money. I am only saying what would be the better solution in the long run.

That kitchen is poorly laid out. Especially with no space between the sink and the stove. It has lots of wasted space that will be only good as dumping grounds. Do yourself a favor and live with it for 6 months-year while saving every dime you can to redo it later on.