Thanks, Herb - would you leave the backsplash as well?

Oh and in case it makes a difference, there's actually a ton of natural light in this room. Almost the entire wall that you can't see here is made up of windows - one of the things we love about the space. We already plan to change both fixtures for aesthetics, but I wonder if that changes your opinion on prioritizing lighting.

https://www.hunker.com/13724320/painting-laminate-countertops-what-you-should-know

Do you have photos of the other sides of the space? Sometimes there are tweaks in other areas that pull the eye away from the problem area. Here are some ideas in addition to removing wallpaper, changing out fan, backsplash, and getting Ikea countertops.

--Replace wine rack with open shelves or some other cabinets with open shelves between two cabinets:

--We don't have views of the space, but maybe you could get a stand-alone small island (check Craigslist and Habitat for Humanity stores) and paint it white to echo white appliances or an accent color.

You could get this effect with some simple changes until you do a reno. White subways tiles are a classic backsplash look. Simple white countertops or with some gold streaking or pattern could look great.

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Ikea has great pendant lights for not a lot of $$$ though, of course, it's the labor, not the light.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/pendant-lights-18751/

I had the same idea about keeping the counter top and backsplash. It will save you for when you do do a full update. Once the wallpaper and lights are replaced and the walls painted it will look fine.

i kind of like the counter and splash but i cant see it close up. get a new faucet maybe traditional hi arch and the dark green is a nice backdrop...white ceramic canisters etc.can be pretty actually. lighting : if you want to wait because there is enough ...you'll find out if you want can lights on a dimmer for the evening, for example. ..oh wait there are recessed lights in the soffitt.thats good...pic of dark green with a few pops achieved w faucet style..white accesories etc. dont cast off the green..it'll work for you for a while.

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I think it's a bad idea to spend anything on new counters unless you get something inexpensive like Formica. If you're eventually going to replace the cabinets and maybe change the layout you will be wasting your money. I think the other posters have made some good suggestions. Pursue some or all of them and it will look a lot better. Getting rid of the wallpaper will be huge. Everyone who comes to see your house will understand when you tell them you are saving for your dream kitchen. We've all been there. :-)

See if you can easily “peel” off the backsplash by testing an inconspicuous corner. If you can, take it off and live with the counter. As a horizontal surface, it is less bossy than the backsplash. If not…it isn’t horrible. Once you do everything else that you plan to do to the rest of the room, sit back and reassess. Congratulations on your new home!

Save you money for the real update. Remove wall paper and paint. Add lighting. Maybe paint the laminate backsplash to lighten things up a bit.

After living with the kitchen for a few years, you might decide that it needs to be re-configured, which is why I would not spend any real money on temporary updates. The last thing you want is some quick impulsive updates dictating what your choices are for future updates.

I like the green, too! And it looks like a bright room--lots of task lighting that isn't even turned on in the photo. It's overall pleasing.

After the wallpaper goes, reevaluate.

I suspect laminate is an excellent surface for peel'n'stick fake tile backsplash; you can also tile over it. Not the you necessarily should. Not sure which is cheaper, but tile will look better. Peel and stick wallpaper could be a fun way to deal with the backsplash too.

Lots of great advice here. And, Lauren, I want to congratulate you on choosing your home’s location as your priority! You can’t ever update or renovate that - so you made a great decision. I, too, suggest spending as little as possible on interim updates. Good luck to you.

Thanks Connecticut Yankee - that was the idea but it's hard not to second guess yourself. One day we'll have our dream kitchen in our dream town :)

You will, Lauren. My first and current homes were in so-so neighborhoods (no children home then). In between we made our “imperfect” homes in perfect neighborhoods work perfectly for us 👍🏻. My kids are all on their 2nd and 3rd homes - being in a top neighborhood was number #1 on their lists.

Lots of great ideas here. Depending on exact actual dimensions, you might want a moveable island cart. You could get something inexpensive in white to coordinate with the table and keep dialing down the oak.