I agree with boxerpups! don't feel bad or 'less' (not good phrasing on my part) because it isn't a mega money/size redo! think of all the mess and expense you 'missed' out on - lol! I do think the majority of us out here (even just lurking) are ones who can't afford the big, major, tear down to the studs redo! we want pics and redos like yours - showing what you did for so little and w/o tons of hired people to do it and invade your space. gives us hope for ourselves - things we might really be able to do to update our spaces. I think you did great! the brown of the cabs did look dreary. and look at the money you saved on the appliances! bet they work just as good as full priced ones at a showroom -lol! what a great job!

Those look a little nicer than builder grade orange oak, like maybe maple? The nice range hood also tells me these are a nice grade of cabinetry. Maybe you should paint the walls a light color first and see if that changes your perspective. It's going to take some primer to cover that red first. Something neutral like Kilim Beige would work for the walls. I love white cabinets, but pretty wood is nice too, and lightening up the walls would save a ton of time and money. Please post pics if you paint the walls first, and let us see how it changes things. Please also consider changing out that fluorescent light box. Those can really throw off a room's color. Can you post a closer pic of the cabinets and counter tops?

This is a duplicate thread of https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5882107/kitchen-makeover-on-a-budget#n=2 -- please delete.

Re-staining your cabinetry is probably going to be more expensive than you think especially given your title "Kitchen makeover on a budget." The re-finishing process would be recommended only if your current cabinetry is in excellent condition, suits the layout that you need, and is worth the money to you that it would require to refinish which would be starting around $5,000 USD for most averaged-sized kitchens, likely higher depending on your region. Many homeowners choose the alternative "refacing" method, where the doors only are replaced and face frames, if present, are updated to match. You can probably find refacing specialists in your area to offer you a quote. This would allow you to update with a completely new door style if you desired. Changing the backsplash is a project that will involve some sheetrock repair after demolition of your existing backsplash, if you have one. Sometimes new flooring, especially if existing flooring is a worn laminate, really spruces up the area. New hardware and lighting is also a frequent recommendation for budget remodels. Cabinetry is an expensive component to re-do, so that's something you should avoid given restricted budget parameters if your current cabinetry isn't in dire need of an upgrade.