If you are up for the stripping and sanding I would stain them. They appear very washed out almost pickled --not a look I prefer. Stain will hold up so much longer and is more of a DIY than painting. Dark is all the rage but with your small space I would not be inclined to go too dark. Hardware would dress things up, and new paint on the walls will really freshen.

What is the surface on the cabs now? if it’s the lighter stain w a topcoat and its condition is okay id be inclined to work with that. medium or dark counters maybe granite gives you tons of options. Hardware will help as you can go a bit into a style w that. You might be surprised how stainless appliances and granite will work w the cabs And give a whole new feel. Lighting is essential so get that calculated in your budget w someone out to quote first.

Depends what "very limited " means in dollars.

Get rid of the chest freezer in the space!!!!!!!!!!! That's :'free"

add hardware to the cabinet faces.

Paint the walls

Paint the cabinets white

change the flooring? What is the flooring in the rest of the house?

upgrade appliances to stainless

get a stainless drop in sink, assuming you can not afford new tops

add a colorful rug, and tie in the paint

pick a cabinet stain.
lighten floor grout to color closer to the tile color.
New countertops, even a high quality formica will be an improvement.
Choose a paint color that will compliment floors and cabinets.
Then there are the appliances. Spend the bulk of you money here. Look for savings in getting the whole refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave group together, floor model sales, scratch or dent on sides or back that don’t affect warranty, or can be seen. New appliances can be an energy money saver over time. Also appliances with fewer options save money and futere repairs. Everyone can fill an ice tray and pour a glass of water.

Maybe storage is an issue - but I’d try find a place to put away at least 50% of the items currently on the counters. And especially the pots on the range and the freezer.

White or nearly white paint. Upgraded bright lighting. Color, maybe in a rug as shown in the samples above. Some are a little wild for me, but I can see the advantage of adding the bright colors in your kitchen.

It sounds like you have a budget for new countertops, which is where I would start. Not sure you need to do anything with the cabinets with the right colored countertop. Then the cabinets won’t look as washed out. Maybe add a tiled backsplash after the countertop. Definitely think about some under cabinet lighting. Not a rug that covers most of the floor. Perhaps a runner in front of the sink.

To revolve painting cabinets around the flooring I would go with a color that softens the space without competing with the flooring. Rug will help camouflage and add texture to the space. Limited to coordinate with black appliances, which can be done. Countertops and backsplash neutral and simple. See above for color ideas. New Hardware to update the look. Also, remove the chair railing. Possibly wallpaper for a little pizzazz. Paint is very transforming if chosen correctly. Post photos of the entire kitchen and adjacent spaces to coordinate.

Staining is a lot more work than painting the cabinets, because you have to remove the existing finish right down to the bare wood.

With a limited budget, I would just paint the walls a warm white, add a rug, and update your lighting.

There is no color in the kitchen except the yellow/gold walls and cream-colored fridge and range. Yellowy-cream does not work with beige floors, white counters and pale cabinetry. The black things stand out too much and there are too many black things. Do you have a budget for any changes? The simplest and least expensive fix would be to add a rug with some good colors, including a little bit of black and a bit of white. A solid rug would not be my choice.

I think with a limited budget the cabinets are very workable. I’d add some hardware to them, all new counter tops. Cement is a cheaper option but quarts would def be nicer. Totally Agree about the lighting and the need for a rug if we can’t redo the flooring. I’m excited to see what you do with the space

For a rug, I'd get an indoor-outdoor type that can go in the washing machine. My Ikea rug comes out great.

I’d use Murphy’s Oil Soap to freshen up cupboards and add black hardware. If counter is fine, spend the money on a subway backsplash and a new faucet

I’d paint the walls and ceiling a crisp white and the bifold door black. You could even use black appliance paint on freezer and add some large, fun art above.

New semi flush lighting and a large indoor/outdoor rug

Forgot to mention, suggest a black fridge when purchasing. Changes mentioned in earlier post won’t break the bank and will really transform your kitchen.

With your new information, get the stainless appliances, the new lighting, and paint the walls a warm white to get rid of the yellow. That may be all you need. The countertops look to be in good shape, and it may not be worth changing them. If you want to change them, use a white quartz with a simple white subway backsplash. If you change the counters you'll also want to change your sink and faucet.

Great ideas Calidesign. If I go with a white quartz and subway tile for the counter/backsplash, am I going to want those to be a warm white as well? I’ll also get a stainless sink and faucet, and add simple stainless hardware to the cabinets.

If you are getting new appliances, order them now. The wait times are ridiculous due to covid.

For a rental property, I’d do very little. If you can afford new appliance, that might be nice. I wouldn’t bother with a rug or updating any tile or countertops.

Are you moving in? Or - are you renting it out again?

He should take his stuff with him - no issues there.

If you're renting it out, why purchase a rug. Let the tenant purchase their own rug.

I’m not purchasing any furnishings. I’ve already purchased a suite of all stainless appliances and have a painter and a contractor to remove the fluorescent lighting and put in recessed. The countertops and sink are bad. Those will be replaced. I like Calidesigns idea of painting the walls a warm white. If I go with Swiss coffee for the walls, what color for the countertop? It will probably be laminate .

Yes, get rid of the fluorescent lighting. Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards is my go-to color for the public rooms in our house.....white with a faint hint of gold cream: it goes beautifully with everything.

Wait until the lighting is done to choose the wall color, so you have an accurate look at how it will relate to the cabinets and floor.

Painting the cabinets? Love the rug idea by the way!

Especially put hardware on the cabinets. I have a rental with similar wood cabinets. Tenants usually aren't as careful as owners are and the corners of our cabinets where they opened them (especially near the sink with wet hands) were worn more than the rest of the cabinets. I got orb mushroom knobs (knobs instead of handles so they are easier to install) for less than $1 each from Wayfair and it added a lot and also hopefully protected the cabinets. Also change the fluorescent lights for LED lights.