A pretty inexpensive way to change the look would be to get different countertops and new hardware for the cabinets.

I've heard you can paint appliances. I think that would help update your kitchens look. I also agree with Shawna, new countertop and hardware would help too. You could always try painting your countertop if you cant replace them on your own.

for now, it's functional. since you don't have a budget, save up and build one. last thing you want do is piecemeal fixes. for instance, lets say you spent 1K on new countertops. but next year you want new cabs. you've just wasted that 1K that could have gone into the savings fund. Because lets face it, those cabinets are old. I'm sure you'll want different ones.

And you may want to switch up the layout.

For now, get a nice window covering, paint the walls, maybe bring in large area rug to cover the flooring.

appliances can be found on craigslist if you don't mind slightly used. (sell yours and get some others you like) Start w/that range.

Or, open an account at lowes or home depot and take advantage of 0% financing for the first year or so.

Switch out your ceiling light to something nicer and use 4000K bulbs

want a cheap backsplash? google, "how to DIY a beadboard backsplash" it's cheap, easy and will make things a bit nicer

We might suggest trying to update the lighting, hardware, and appliances. That might just give you a good start.

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Do not do anything that cannot be used when you inevitably want to redo the whole kitchen. If you buy new appliances, make sure they are ones you can pull during reno and put back in new kitchen. For now, spend your energy giving the insides of the cabinets a good cleaning, maybe change the hardware (check ebay for cheap replacements of standard size pulls), put your cute accessories and decor in there and scrimp and save until you can do a full remodel, to include a more functional layout! Enjoy your new home - live in it for at least six months to a year before you make any major changes. You'll see it through different eyes after living in it a while.

I like Sammy's idea -- imagine how fun this kitchen would be with candy colored cabinets! and then a rainbow curtain to pull it all together. Sunny and happy!

Is it part newly painted? The light switch covers and electrical outlet covers are missing, like someone forgot to put them back. It needs new GFCI outlets. Check the wiring with one of these convenient gadgets: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Gear-Receptacle-Indications-50542/dp/B002LZTKIA.

The fastest change would be to change out the overhead light fixture to a brighter one. Look for one with three LED bulbs equivalent to three 75-watt incandescents. Also take a look at the over-sink fixture to see how it can be swapped out for a new one.

Here's a blue painted kitchen with bright brass hardware:

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