In order to get the best help you need to post questions, a floor plan, scope of the project, wants and needs. Pictures alone aren’t enough.

you have plenty of room to make a larger island and still maintain the existing flooring.

I wouldn't select a blue countertop, but add in the blues you love in textiles, and decor.

a close up of the floor tile, please. Is there any color other than gray tones?

Look closely at the floor and imagine a blue to mimic any gray and select something in your favored blue for the cabinets. I'd choose a black (or soapstone gray tone countertop)

Is the kitchen floor tile the same as the fireplace tile?

Is there a window over the sink? any other natural light? a patio door?

Yes, same tiles for fireplace as kitchen floor. This

is is an older picture from previous owners hence different furniture than above.

I think it would be shortsighted not to consider running the cabinets to the ceiling. That will make the biggest impact on updating the kitchen.

Nor sure I would spend that kind of money on refacing. I would consider buying IKEA or another frameless box cabinet.

Here are IKEA cabinets in a variety of colors that would work with your existing kitchen flooring.

any interesting Dilemma for sure. I am wondering if I would go to the trouble of refacing cabinets if I wasn't changing the look and layout, even the floor.

I personally would leave the cabinets as is, and change the countertops and backsplash.

if the island is easily squared up, I'd paint the base your favored blue.

The fluorescent lighting changes will be a big mess, and you will be repainting the ceiling.

I'd paint the trim around them to match the ceiling color and leave them until budget allows an overhaul of the entire space. Looks like a lovely outdoor space to utilize in a future reno.

Your quoted price for refacing sounds about right. I would ask if they can change the lower door cabinets to drawers as well. I don’t agree with Beverly about cabinets to the ceiling. They’re hard to access. Rather, I would add storage by customizing a pantry where the desk is.
I refaced two kitchens when the layout was workable and the cabinets were good quality. It is less of a mess than buying new cabinets, but gives you a new look.

This is my current kitchen. I lowered the two-tiered sink area and extended the countertop to have seating. I added more recessed lights and continued the wood floor since this is an open concept house.

the large number of base cabinet w door rather than drawer configuration makes me cringe at leaving them inplace and paying for the transformation w refacing. I would defintely do some editing after I planned a NEW larger island. Removal of the desk area and having the large sq footage means NEW island w drawers will be a transformational welcome . [ both aesthetically and practically for the storage ]. Spend time sketching on graph paper how many potential stacks of drawers and how the island can be greatly improved. On from that 1. nail down the appliances. then figure some editing / this means think about 2. the uppers- removal of some /change to glass doors in the mix etc.... 3. insert a vertical pantry cabinet w rollouts once you finalize # 2. 3. calculate the cost of New DRAWERS using RTA -Ikea or other. This is a good amount of calculations and homework but I think I'd want the more satisfying outcome for the long term. The RTA frameless selections of cabinets is expanding and even online planning help offered , from some of the vendors .....I'd pursue it.

this pushes the boundary of island size , but commit to a new island...the possibilities will expand / you have that connection w the living area already.

A Touch of Grey · More Info

I added uppers to the ceiling in a house about 20 years ago. Seldom used items went there like holiday dishes, etc. I loved not having a “dust collection” on top. Putting seldom used saved valuable space for always used.

Change to the island will probably require flooring change . When you start a post here with all the things you will not do and things already decided we are at aloss to help. I will start by saying 14K to throw at dated non useful cabinets is awaste of money. Paint cheap and do not let it drive the other choices for sure. A to scale floor plan showing all windows, doorways and where those lead is a good place to start any kitchen ideas. All measurements clearly marked and thta plan posted here in jpeg format in a comment . All cosmetic changes without a better layout are IMO a waste of money . The kitchen could be great but needs real work. You need to stop and really work with us to get a great kitchen . I do not think a good cabinet mkaer can do much to improve what is a bad layout The cabinets need to go to the ceiling all the base ones need tobe drawers and IMO real drawers not ones wasting space behind doors . I understand budget but not to the extent of putting lipstick on a pig . Wait to save a bit longer and do it right is my advice . In the meantime post the plan and we can help you get the kirchen of your dreams if you want real help

For me I would want continuous wood flooring throughout the kitchen - we did this in a house years ago and it made the space feel 10x bigger (i was shocked at the difference it made) - the project really wasnt that big of deal, and it was SO worth it

if it was me, I wouldnt spend any money in the space until I could address the flooring - then I’d likely have my cabs painted at the point, reconfigure the island and change countertops

^^

What she said.

I understand you hate it.........

Floor first, and worrying on paint, when you're ready to throw 14,000 bucks on a reface of inexpensive dated storage/cabinetry? Call that..nuts: )! Wait three years, save more money and get a brand new space

I would suggest listening to Jan.
If you still want to move forward get estimates for brand new cabinets, you may find it’s cheaper than refacing; a friend of mine found this out the hard way.
Also, changing the kitchen floor will make a huge difference.

Find LVP flooring that is a close color match with adjoining rooms. Choose a cheveron pattern and the two flooring types will blend better.

I would love to layout a new kitchen, but would paint what you have rather than refacing, it's not necessary.

Off white would be beautiful! There are several granite countertops that have beautiful blue veining in them. I would choose the countertop first and then match cabinet paint color to the granite. You will go gray or taupe depending on the stone undertones.

Backsplash in solid color taken from granite and updated lighting will complete the space.

Final thought, in straightening the island shape, you're going to have to do something with the flooring.

Painting the cabinets will save thousands, as will using LVP. It's waterproof and most comes with a lifetime warranty.

I would