I would probably paint the cabinets, get a counter-depth fridge (although looks like that one's newish...oof!) and add a side panel and full-depth cabinet overhead if space and budget allow, and add a backsplash. I don't love Black Pearl either, especially with that edge profile since it was so ubiquitous in its day, but I think it will look a lot better with a backsplash and maybe isn't worth replacing. If you do replace it, will depend on what color you choose.

in a previous home I had a similar sized kitchen. I had a refacing outfit come to quote.... He ended up pointing out for the size I should consider full replacement. Youll get more what would be considered an update considering drawers is pretty much standard now. Replace with Ikea or other. ....Refacing is not a good option when you consider what you can do that is easily feasible here.

Ikea or similar:

IKEA Galley Kitchen Goes From Cramped To Glam · More Info

Modern Galley Kitchen · More Info

Union Square Renovation · More Info

KITCHEN RENOVATION · More Info

It all depends on your budget and how long you intend to stay in the house.

That being said, if there's nothing wrong with the way the cabinets function, then just paint them (not sure if that's what you meant by "refacing"). The door style is fine as is. I'd do a much lighter color on all the surfaces to brighten up the space. White/light blue/light green for the cabinets, and definitely get a new counter top. The shiny speckled granite was never a good look, so I'd replace it with either a light quartz or solid surface. I'd also replace the double sink with a one-bowl large sink--they're so much more practical. New backsplash tile, under cabinet lighting and a couple of pendant lights, and you're done. No need to replace appliances if they work.

Since this is not your forever home, I would leave everything as is. It is a nice kitchen--it just lacks personality. Depending on your budget and preferrences, you could infuse personality with things like BS tile, hardware, a trendy and more functional sink and faucet, paint color on the walls, a potted plant and accessories. i would go with a creamy subway tile that goes well with your cabinets and existing countertops. (Please don't do a statement BS tile if you are planning on moving.) If green goes well with your countertop, I would consider painting the walls a light green because so many accessory colors go well with light green. Mix in a few cutting boards and small appliances. For my kitchen, I used Clark and Kensington's Heads or Tails (color-matched in Benjamin Moore) and I couldn't be happier with the color. It's not an overwhelming color and reads as somewhat nuetral, but as I said, it looks great with other colors such as red, black, white, blue, orange, other greens, and yellow. Remember to first sample the color before commiting. I'm sure you can make your kitchen happier with the right accessories and color.

As someone else posted you might consider living with your kitchen and save the money on your renovation to put toward your forever home.

not forever home...but some length of time can often end up "longer" than people care to admit.... so I would get a variety of quotes .....not difficult due to the size.

As you said, it’s just a cosmetic update - can you tell us what it is you don’t like? That might help to pinpoint where to actually spend. If it is the lack of a sense of light - try some diy under cabinet lighting first. If it is that it lacks interest - then think about plants (herbs) on the windowsill or window side, or a plant that will drape from the top of the cabinets down, it might even be a good quality faux plant. Or a bright fruit bowl. Thinking in this manner might save some time and dollars if you are thinking that refacing will provide your solution, when it isn’t a forever home.

Maybe start with better lighting

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. In terms of things I don’t like, I would say everything, except the window. The countertop, cabinet style and color, wall color, and lighting all are things I would love to change but I am trying to be budget conscious.

I recently updated the bathrooms in this house with the color Alabaster White and they feel lighter and airy. So this may be an option.

I thought about a couple schoolhouse pendants but am unsure.

Since it’s the first place I see when I enter my home I would like for it to feel light and not so dreary.

I would put the money into paint ( a bright white), lighting and accessories.