Is that the only eating space in the home or can you eliminate the table? I'd head to the Habitat Restore for some used, inexpensive cabinets, painted to match the others in the kitchen. An Ikea butcherblock top on any new lowers you get. You'll probably get more ideas when you can post more pics and a floor plan.

Paper plates and plastic for eating - since - I don't see any space for a dishwasher.

Try to get the cabinets back on their hinges and put hardware on them.

A rolling cart for storage on that wall where the microwave is.

Put baskets on the top of the cabinets for extra stuff.

Sorry I’m of no help, but extremely curious - where in the world are you located? And why are there two sinks?

I need a floor plan to even begin to give help. I am curious about the 2 sinks too. BTW 2 yrs goes very quickly so don’t get too stressed.What does your landlord think about any changes?

The only ‘dishwashers’ available for this wannabe-kitchen are 1....a portable dishwasher, but there is no space for it, and 2....you. The refrigerator needs to come into the space even if you have to get rid of the craft supply cabinet next to the wall A/C unit. Neither of those bathroom sinks qualifies as a “kitchen” sink. If there is a Habitat for Humanity outlet in your area, they may have a lower cabinet with a countertop you can use for preparing meals, and a tall cabinet that fits where the fridge is now to hold your kitchen gear and dry food supplies (once the fridge moves to the kitchen). I would suggest paper plates, too. Water to wash dishes probably costs more than paper plates, but reusable plates are sturdier. I did not cry. I tried to be brave and think of temporary solutions which won’t waste money.

I wouldn't do anything except try to get the appliances into the kitchen space. How old are the family members? A tried and true way to handle dishes is to allow each person a plate, cup, bowl, fork, knife and spoon. As they finish, each washes their own and places them in a drying rack between the sinks. And with two sinks, two people can wash up at a time. Buy some TV trays and eat in the living room, so the table can be replaced with the fridge &/or stove. Put storage pieces where the fridge and stove have been.

I went for years with no dishwasher, no microwave, buts lots of spelling words, multplication tables, and other “games “ while even very young children helped with dishes.

Did you buy this house or is it a rental? I am curious as to why you’re doing “a 2 year plan”. Many of us have lived in sub-par kitchens. I would make different recommendations if it is a rental.

We're buying it. There's space behind to extend the kitchen but between budget and legal forms (apartments need government approval to expand here) it will likely be about two years before we begin the project. The two sinks are for kosher--meat and dairy. This is in Israel. (Can I tag people on here? Doesn't seem like it, but thank you all for your replies!)

Do you have 2 stoves/fridges too?

You didn't answer the question about weather the table needs to stay there. If not, put the frig there. If table can't move, take down that cabinet next to microwave and place frig there. You say you need storage but the open cabinet hardly has anything in it. Seems like you need to organize your space better. What's in the bottom left cabinet? Looks like a dishwasher could fit there. Just store seldom used items in the room where your frig is currently. Light fixture can easily be taken down and replace with a few recessed lights, you may even be able to place them where you would want in a new kitchen.

This picture is the previous owner. We aren't in the space yet, but yes making sure to organize well will be important. I'm leaving the table (rather, replacing it with our own white one) because with 4 young kids it's the best thing about this kitchen right now.

And to answer about appliances, most kosher kitchens will have 2 sinks, and ideally 2 ovens and dishwashers (or if they have only one it's just for meat or dairy plates). One stovetop though. This family that lives there now just uses the toaster oven for dairy and cooks mainly meat or parve (things like bread that are neither meat nor dairy) in the oven.

Do you all think painting the walls a bright color like a light teal will make it all stand out worse or cheer up the space? Otherwise I think we'll just do white and bring in some color with art and decor.

I would keep it white. Use colorful kitchen linen, a colorful patterned runner rug in front of the sinks, some colored dishes like Fiesta ware if you need some or have access to similar. I think this could be a fun direction for you.

I would not do a thing. Post an inspiration picture of what you want the kitchen to look like on the wall and put the $2,000 towards your renovation. Two years will go by very fast. Make do till then.

I agree with njmomma. I also know you'll need more storage space in the meantime though (we also keep kosher and have five little ones). I would suggest getting as many cheap pantry type cabinets as will fit on the wall for storage. Then I see two additional options, either get some sort of island that can double as a table (not one that has storage, just for more counter space) or use your table or buy a table that can double as a counter. That's the cheapest way I see to make it work until you hopefully get money to do the kitchen the way you really want it. Hatzlacha with this!

I would get some ikea wall cabinets - enough to span the cabinet and microwave area, mount them on the wall about ten inches off the floor, top with wood counter(12-14 inchesdeep) this little bit of counter and storage space will make a big difference. Fix the other cabinets as much as possible with fresh inexpensive hardware. This will work for a while and yes brighten up with colorful rugs and chairs etc. I would also suggest getting some sturdy cloth baskets for above the cabinets for things like spices, misc light kitchen gadgets, extra paper products.

Can you replace the 2 small sinks with 1 double bowl sink?

Task lighting is very important in a kitchen, so it may be best to wait until you are all moved so you can see if the fluorescent light casts shadows over your prep area. If you keep the upper cabinets, add LED under cabinet strip lighting.

Hang 2 pot racks from the ceiling to take advantage of vertical space, provided the ceiling is high enough you won’t bang your head on the pots and pans.

When packing, do not take kitchen stuff you don’t need. Make full use of vertical space, storing things you occasionally need up high. Examples are replacing the upper cabinets with taller ones that reach the ceiling, or turning a standard size cabinet box on its side and installing it above the existing cabinets, or adding a shelf above the window and wire the shelf for a recessed light or mini pendant light
centered directly over the sink.

No wonder

Add a new light!!!! And hardware! Possibly new sinks match it to the hardware. I’d also maybe cover the counters with faux granite looking contact paper. Something! Idk!!the backsplash isn’t bad. Very classic! And I agree about the undecabinet lifting

Lighting

Posting a measured floor plan will definitely help. Start looking for inexpensive stand alone pieces. For years, I had one tall pantry that moved to every apartment I had that had inadequate cabinet space. The open shelving idea from Marylut will also be useful after your renovation and a lifesaver for now.

Have some serious fun. If you know you are on a 2 yr schedule, go colorful and inexpensive...paint, textiles (rugs, tablecloths, curtains), thrift store finds. Enjoy!