Paint it white, remove the center panels from a few of the doors and replace with glass, then install lights on the inside and glass shelves so you can show off some extra-special pretty things.

I agree with living with it for awhile and saving up for a full gut. The layout doesn't seem great and putting in new materials isn't going to fix that.

Agree with Sina. The space could be better utilized. Save up for a full remodel.

If you're not planning a complete redo, I would remove the upper cabinets on the one side that doesn't have the stove top. Some cabinets around the window with glass would further lighten the look. I would paint the cabinets white and put in a dark floor. The cabinet door hardware I would also replace. I'm wondering where your refrigerator is. A better layout might be the best answer.

I wouldn't bother painting the cabinets, it is an expensive job.

Save your money until you are going to do a kitchen redo.

And think about what you want to do when you do do a kitchen redo.

For example, do you want more of an open feeling where the kitchen is more open to the eating are?

If so, remove the upper cabinets over the range top which block the connection between the kitchen and the eating area.

You can make up for that storage area by removing the desk in the kitchen and putting storage in there, and making it pullout drawers rather than cabinets.

You can re-think the storage all over the lowers, and replace a lot of the cabinets with pull-pout drawers which are much easier on your back and make it much easier to find things.

You might want to replace some of the appliances, replace the counters., replace the hood, and find one that doesn't obstruct the connection to the eating area.

Think carefully about glass-front cabinets, you do need to be rather neat about how things are placed in them.

What's the rush? Have you priced out paint, countertop, backsplash and flooring? Once you invest in those you'll still be stuck with a kitchen that is not well designed and you'll feel too guilty about the money you spent to improve it any time in the next 10+ years. My best friend did the same thing in 2006 and still regrets her decision.

I would agree with the suggestions to live in the space for a little while. You might decide on more extensive changes (layout, maybe even walls, etc) or you might decide you like the layout as it is.

I may be in the minority, but those cabinets look really pretty to me. But I like wood cabinetry. In the meantime I would consider changing out the white knobs to metal (brushed nickel or chrome maybe?) to add a little inexpensive shine. Depending on what is next to the kitchen on the opposite side of the stove, it might make sense to remove some upper cabinetry. Or even the cabinetry over the range if you put in a different type of range hood. I think the kitchen could be stunning with new counters and appliances and floor with the cabinets just as they are. But if you have your heart set on a white kitchen, maybe that won't work for you.

Another vote for living with the kitchen as is for a while, to decide what works and what doesn't, what you like and what you don't.

I think you could change all the little upper cabinets to glass inserts and paint the whole kitchen out yourself. New hardware and leave it at that for awhile. It will make it "liveable" and you can assess it again in a few years...If you love white, go white, but if you have any inclination for a color try it out with the paint!

It seems like living in it for a bit is one of the best ways to know if the kitchen is going to work for you and with you. Then you can really know if it functions well with you and your family. If this is a good option for you, then you can also save up more money, and you might be able to get more things you want for your new kitchen.

Luxury Home Design: Kitchen · More Info

You might want to start hanging out at the Kitchen forum. There might be some ideas you can use, or layouts similar to what you have now or are thinking of for the future,

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath