No way would I put money into redecorating the space when it has that horribly unsafe layout. Keep saving to be able to do soething beyond the cosmetcs that truly addresses the functionality of the room.

Not sure the orientation of the kitchen, if the window faces north then it wouldn't get much daylight in the room.

Take down the upper cabs on either side of the window, paint the remaining cabs white and get new hardware . New top in a light color. Trim the tree outside back to allow more light to enter. Properly vent your cooktop.

WOW WOW WOW ...WOW...W...I'm speechless

Kitchen not unsafe. Has a downdraft feature to the stove.

I would save money and still do it on the budget all at once.. instead of returning and correcting... has potential! kitchen are number one budget breakers.... when updating color scheme is supper important and functionality as well.. make sure what ever you choose you can stand looking at for next decade or 2

I would probably use the soffit as a platform for downlights (below), to reflect light back into the room. Keep the flooring light also.

I have an older timber kitchen which I am putting new handles on and changing splash back. I'm using this photo as inspiration, don't give those timber doors the flick yet.

For the kitchen, nothing beats natural light. Think skylights (natural overhead lights of which no mgr has even come close to reproducing a lightbulb that matches in lumens)

True limestone is very porous but if sealed properly is doable. But if this just a short term update, I would go with the less expensive laminate until my budget allowed the real deal. Especially if you are not changing out cabinets at this time. Painting cabinets and walls along with the new counters will be improve the kitchen dramatically!

Is your duct work in the soffits? Since a kitchen remodel is such a big, messy job it might be better to wait until you can address the soffit/cabinets. Then you'd only have to endure the process once. Think of taking the cabinets up to the ceiling for more storage and the illusion of height.

Consider soapstone for your counters.

A cooktop 6'' from the edge of a counter IS unsafe. Many localities wouldn't even allow that. NKBA standards for emergency landing spce is minimum 9'' on one side and 12'' on the other. When that hot surface is located towards the end of a countertop run, the larger dimension is the safer one.

That doesn't even begin to address the inadequacies of downdraft ventilation. Combine those issues with the fact that you want more windows, and have the soffits and the dread dumping ground of the kitchen desk, spending money now on cosmetic issues takes it away from the more extensive redo that is in this kitchen's future.

Paint the cabinets, sure. Use a grout colorant on the counter's grout, sure. Put some hardware on the doors, sure. Then STOP spending money and start saving it.