IMo both the fridges need to go and get a counter deph one for sure in that small space. What else do you want to do and what is your budget What is your style we need a lot more info and a floor plan to scale if you are planning any other work.

Will this Reno be for both you and mom? I would begin by removing all current decor such as stuff on walls and window. Sometimes when you can see the bones of a space new ideas come quickly.

updating can cover a broad range of things. Since it's your mom , help her w budget clarification and long and short term goals. Some things are obvious like appliances (no dishwasher, clearing away one fridge , placement of stove and efficiency of hood,) and obvious items like getting a nicer farmhouse or pedestal table w good chairs for immediate use..... other things like window enlarging and lighting and storage /cabinet replacement in kitchen have to planned out. paneling is neither negative or positive..it can be dealt w in a few different ways. .

Update, as in paint, or as in new everything??? If you want B&W, then keep the black appliances and move the fridge to where the table is so the entrance into the kitchen looks more open. You can paint paneling but it must be cleaned and prepped first. Clean with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate), rinse. let dry, lightly sand, tack off sanding dust, prime with 2 coats KILZ or Zinzer and then paint with 2 coats of your color. Once you clear out everything, you will see more potential.

What does your mother want to do?

Just one note: as you clear out all the stuff, as others have mentioned, try to take note of whatever problems led to the stuff being there and what might solve those problems.

For instance, the dishes in the sink probably indicate that a dishwasher would be a good idea. :)

But how about all the decor in the window? Is there to provide privacy from the street, or to block off an ugly view, or...? Why was the second refrigerator brought in - does Mom need more refrigerator space than one regular-sized fridge can provide? All the stuff on the table in photo 3 makes me think there might not be enough cupboards nearby (and, while I'm at it, who let that chicken into the house? ;) )

Disaster? Oh I don’t think so. . .I’ve seen so much worse.

I see that you have some questions that you asked, as comments on the photos in your idea book. FYI, most people wouldn't see these comments, since they don't show up under the photos in your post.

I need ideas on updating this kitchen cover paneling

What color or what to do with these cabinets?