I would absolutely hold off on a big reno and just make it so you can work with it for a bit. We just bought a house a year ago and the kitchen really needs remodeling, but I wanted to live in it first to see what really needed to be changed - it's a great layout, but the cabinets really stink. (Too bad,because like you, I think anything can be salvaged!! Not these!) If I had started the remodel before this past winter, which was so bad here in the northeast, I wouldn't have realized that I need to have some place to put boots and coats in the winter as the door into the kitchen is the one we use the most. Just an example of something that won't necessarily occur to you before you do some living in the space. Your temporary solution sounds great-wish I could do that! Not a waste of money at all. Especially if you can reuse the appliances.

That kitchen sounds grim, and I think you should be happy living there while you make a plan, but I'd try small changes before completely replacing anything (unless you think your remodel might not be for years...then a tiny kitchen might be worth cheaply swapping out, depends on layout).

I'm painting my cabinets and probably replacing counters, but when I got around to finally texturing and painting the walls, I was amazed at how much better everything else looked. If I'd done that first, maybe I could have lived with the rest a little longer. Also, some counters can be painted...not a great long-term solution, but possibly enough to get you by until you can completely remodel. The backsplash can be simply covered up, too; The Nester hot-glued beadboard panels to tile in her rental house, and there are adhesive stainless steel tiles that might work, too. IKEA can be great if it's close to you, but some have had issues getting the butcher block lately. If you won't be waiting too long to remodel, many live with plywood countertops while they're waiting.

Do a cost benefit analysis of the different cheap fixes and compare them to your timeline, and you'll know what's worth it to you to change. Sometimes things look worse before you're living with it (maybe because it seems ugly & alien when it's still someone else's, but more familiarly quirky when it's yours?). I'm also really trying to remember Nester's motto: "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful". Helps me keep perspective when the potential wants, needs and costs are adding up.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Nester's Beadboard Kitchen Make-over

Another perspective - do you really want to go through a renovation twice? Renovations are stressful to say the least. If you can do the current renovation before you move in, it will be a lot smoother. Personally, I'd do it all at once and get it over with.

Ditto to weissman! I had something similar written that I apparently edited out, but the less time spent living under renovation, the better! Spoken as one who is currently dragging out a paint project and stressing DH to the max...

If you rip out your cabs, I would go with unfitted Ikea kitchen pieces. They have the Varde freestanding series which can keep you from the hassle and expense of replacing later on (and you can sell or repurpose them throughout you house). Of course, you can just go for a fitted Ikea kitchen and not replace them later. The costs are low enough that you may be able to afford what you want sooner than waiting for a second step.
You could also try restaurant style fittings from salvage places. The long ss tables with shelves below would keep you from worrying about counters. You can also resell them when you are done or put them somewhere else.

Keep an eye on CL and visit your local Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Since you are not ready to remove walls for a major renovation but need a functional kitchen now. You also are not sure how you want to reconfigure things. My suggestion is to get the best kitchen you can for what you can afford. In other words, if you go super cheap now it might not last for as long as you need it to. You will need to live in the house to get a feel for how to rearrange things. My experience has been that you usually live with things longer than you think you will. Price local cabinet stores. Habitat for Humanity? Lowes and Home Depot, but I would recommend them for installation.

I agree with dianalo. I think something like the unfitted ikea pieces would make more sense than installing cabs just to rip them out again.

I meant to say I would not recommend Lowes or HD for installation.