i would change cabinet hardware, paint the 2 rooms a warmer color, add some accessories tot he countertops and then wait for the bigger remodel if that's your plan. I prefer a level countertop (when you change that), but it will leave the sink visible to the sitting area.

Can't recommend a paint color without knowing what is going to be in the spaces the kitchen is open to. Do you have furniture already for the family/living room, or will you be buying new? You already have a 3" backsplash of countertop material, so you shouldn't put tile over it. This is a disjointed look that isn't recommended. You can get blinds of some sort for the windows once you know what your furnishings are going to be. This will soften the room. I don't think the counter is that bad. I wouldn't spend money to put a new counter on those cabinets, which are nothing special - as you said, they are builder grade. Once you have pictures with furniture in the room, add them to your post and you will get more specific suggestions.

is the bar top ledge big enough to sit up to?

I would get some colorful stools (with low back support)

change the cabinet hardware if that makes you happy.

change out the curtain rod above the window to extend beyond the casing and add some colorful patterned panels to layer with your shades.

You already have a backsplash. I see you have a nice dividing point between the kitchen and family TV area, I would paint the family area a deeper color that compliments your furnishings.

The kitchen looks fine white, for now, and I'd paint the dining space a color to compliment whatever you choose in window coverings. and a fun dining table light fixture.

If you are a young family, make it fun, your kids will only be around for a short time.

If an empty nester, do whatever you want. Make it yours!

What furnishings are you going to bring in? You have nice gold floors so harmonizing wood table and chairs, wood cutting boards, wood stools, natural baskets will bring warmth into the space. Whatever paint color you pick, coordinate it with the floors first (it's a 4th wall) and furnishings in dining and family room areas.

Add some floating wood shelves, same finish as the floor, on the TV wall for art work, cookbooks, and pottery. The palette in this photo for family room area would warm up kitchen side of things without any change of wall paint.

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Or do an accent TV wall in a color you like that coordinates with your furniture and the golden floor.

Definitely do all of the craft-y design-y stuff you can do to make you enjoy the space, but you have a builder grade kitchen, so what? You have 6 drawers and they are all top drawers, and a microhood, so it looks like what it is. It can be more beautiful, it can definitely be more functional eventually, but consider saving your hard earned resources until you can make a more substantial change. Paint for now if you feel you need to, but you may not want the same color once you’ve replaced the counters. It’s just paint.

What is your budget?

My #1 step would be getting rid of the light grey wall paint, once you have your design and furnishings decided.