It's tough to answer without knowing more. What are your long-term plans for this kitchen? I think the kitchen makeover photo is nice, if you gave your kitchen that makeover how many years do you think it would buy you? It's not a dramatic change from what you have now, but if your counter isn't in good shape then maybe an update would help buy you more time, you need to make that decision.

Do you like your current layout? Have you priced out laminate? It looks like a small area of counter space so maybe a lighter laminate and some hardware would suffice until you make the big changes

Is there a window anywhere? Even if there is, it looks like an exceedingly dark kitchen and I would avoid staining anything black, or getting more dark countertops.

The kitchen isn't as dark as it looks in the picture, but no, there no window...this is the dining area off the kitchen. I have a wired fixture now though, no swagged fixture.

I have no plans to move. It's a one story condo and will be fine for me for the rest of my life. In terms of layout, I don't have much of a choice unless I wanted to dump a lot of money in to it to bring someone in to come up with taking out a wall and redesigning the area but I really don't see that happening. Msteezy, I did think about looking at a different color laminate to hold me over. And yes, definately want to add hardware.

The cabinet colour really doesn’t look bad to me but of course hard to tel from computer screens. Maybe a new wall paint colour with a new laminate could really change their look.

And the white subway tile in your inspiration pics of course :)

In terms of layout, I don't have much of a choice unless I wanted to dump a lot of money in to it to bring someone in to come up with taking out a wall and redesigning the area but I really don't see that happening.

It might be worth saving up for new cabinets, and then you can have base cabinets with all drawers instead of doors, which is a huge improvement for storage quantity and efficiency.

You might also want to consider adding undercabinet lighting. And if you ever replace the cabinets, you can get glass-fronted cabinets with in-cabinet lighting (Ikea offers this).

If you search the Kitchen forum, there are lots of very well done smaller galley kitchen projects for inspiration.

For now....painting them white might be your best bet. Here's loads of choices for laminate countertops.

https://www.cabinetparts.com/c/countertop-laminate-products/laminate-sheets?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4eHp_aD-7AIVwcDICh1uIAbYEAAYASAAEgL1_fD_BwE

Here’s better pics...

We used this pic as one of our Inspiration pics! We got a cheaper quartz, backsplash. and added a new sink (gave the sink cutout to the countertop people and they put it in place, and my hsband actually hooked it up). We already had decent cabinets and appliances from a prior homeowners renovation about 15 years ago (only fridge is new)- just added new hardware to the cabinets. Hope this helps one way or another!

Becca N...WOW such subtle change for a big impact. This gives me hope :-) Thank you for sharing.

Really like shirlpp's link to laminate -- some very realistic white marbles, etc. If you add a white tile backsplash and white laminate countertop, you'll have a much, much nicer kitchen. I'd also look for a stainless-look dishwasher panel cover so that appliances (other than refrigerator) are consistent. I'd also look for a stainless, covered garbage can, if it needs to be visible. There's a lot of appliances on the counters -- depending on use and preference, you might want to store them behind doors. I really like the kitchen and dining floors -- are they terra cotta tile?

It's hard to see the tall cabinet next to the laundry, but I think I would replace it with a nice furniture style armoire or tall cabinet as a large, decorative but functional accent piece. And as someone who LOVES light fixtures, I'd change the boob lights. All in all, I think your kitchen will look great, and I hope you post the 'after' photos to prove it.

With those great floors and chandelier I'd be soooo tempted to do a very outdated talavera backsplash. (Because fabulous is never really out of date.)

Ooh, I like that idea, Fori!

Before painting, maybe look into the restoring products like ones that you see at Home Depot? Rustoleum transformation.