Repainting unless diy is more than your budget. I’d save what you have. And wait till you can go full out. Maybe I’d do the flooring. And stop. With this budget. But that may lead to other issues if you change the layout when you do do a complete remodel. I wouldn’t put hardware right now because the detail on the cabinets hopefully can be replaced with something better soon. If not
The flooring maybe take care of the light. ....

I would get rid of the fluorescent overhead light. Put in canned lights. Change the flooring. What is the flooring like in adjacent rooms?

Also, install that microwave over the stove to get it off the counter.

Hardware is easy. Painting is a lot of work so I'd skip that. I'd get a narrow cart with a usable top to put by the range instead of the baskets. Colorful rug on the floor to work with the green walls.

I'd consider a high shelf over the range, lightswitch level.*

*not to code, watch your sleeves, etc. :)

I would spend the money on a new stone countertop, as that is really the only glaring update needed....the floors look in good shape so i would pick a stone to match that...a stone ledge in the pass thru window would add a nice touch as well.

Wood for cabinetry is very much 'in' right now + is classic. Also, if you paint the cabinets, it will be 1) more than your budget for a decent paint job, and 2) it will give your kitchen a quaint cottage style, versus sleek modern - because of the lines of the cabinets. You would be better off keeping the wood, as is, and adding black hardware.

The floor is fine. The biggest issue is the lighting. The fluorescent should be the first to go. Install a few small, well placed can lights and under cabinet lighting. A new countertop in sink area. And perhaps bring in a warm white or light beige wall paint that will complement the floor. These things would be your most significant upgrades.

@maddieor Does the stove have a hood? That would be a worry... I would attend to that, if necessary, with a dual MW/hood arrangement.

It might not be that expensive to replace the countertops. Unless they are really ragged, I think I would wait for a more thorough do-over. You order those formica tops pre-made to the required length. They would not be expensive, but I have no idea how much.

I would want something more substantial in the way of a work surface to the left of the stove. When you do a re-design, consider putting the trashcans underneath countertop right there; then you won't have to re-calibrate the rest of the cabinets.

Yes, replace the light fixture. You'll have to paint the ceiling

@btydrvn It's kind of a thing here on Houzz to press people towards a stone/quartz (or whatever the clones are) countertop, but for many it's unnecessary. IMO put the money into something else.

@nicoletouk Right on ! Houzzers convinced me to do Basalt Slate Formica with white cabinets. I would never have thought of it, but I love it. My kitchen is even smaller than the one in this thread.

Here's your suggestion in a more revealing photo:

I think Nicoletouk is spot on. Replace the tops with something affordable in black and put on black hardware. Paint the walls a cream/tan to complement the floor and that would make a big difference. If you replaced the lights with LED flush lights it would also look nicer

When you do the full remodel are you going to close up one of the 3 entries to the kitchen?

If not, then your layout is not going to change by much, so replace the doors with something a bit more up to date. Consider reworking the stove side of the kitchen and change the light.

It looks like your floors are in several rooms, so I would not worry about those.

Every kitchen is different but It Is certainly possible to take a few steps ahead of the main remodel. I bought and paid off what for me was a very expensive stove several years in advance of the big project. It was gas and required a gas line and higher end vent hood. it would have added quite a chunk to the financing of the whole remodel and I was glad later that I treated it as a separate package. In your case for an immediate ”fix” I vote for Nelly Bluth‘s suggestion to remove the fluorescent fixture and replace it with can lights. That would be a good self contained project and you could talk with the electrician about what the remodel is likely going to call for in terms of upgrades to meet new building codes. For four or five years anytime I had a repair person in I’d mention that I would be remodeling and ask a few questions. That turned out to be super educational. Good luck on the big project and the mini one :)

Maddie ...it would appear that you are unaware that this is an interactive forum...you have posted maybe 15 dilemmas without ever responding to suggestions?

Get rid of the fluorescent overhead light.

I'd add a hood to the stove since that is a safety issue. If your budget would stretch, I'd shorten the cabinets above the stove and make that a microwave/hood combo. Then I'd polish the cabinets and add hardware if my budget would stretch.

It's so hard when deciding which projects to tackle. I usually start with any safety/functionality issues and then move to aesthetics. Along the way I inevitably fall in love with something - a new light fixture, a rug, etc and I splurge on that and the rest happens over time. It's one of my favorite parts of being a home owner - tackling small projects at a time and watching them transform. Have fun and good luck!

Black hardware on cabinets, do not paint. Buy a kit from Lowe’s, Home Depot or similar store in black and refinish the countertops.Take that picture and clock down, very unbalanced, and give your walls a fresh coat of a warm white or cream paint. Think that might be enough change for now, for very little money. Maybe add a good sized indoor/ outdoor black rug in area I front of cupboards/ sink, black placemats, plain or patterned as well. I love wood and black together. If you are really brave, black walls in a good quality matte or eggshell finish would be stunning. It is easy to paint with, and covers up easier than people think later. Good luck