First I think you need to address the storage issue. Especially all the wires near the kitchen sink. What are the floors? They look like laminate which means removing them throughout the entire condo

I also like the floor color. And agree to keep it for now if you can. Rather spend the money on the following:

I would make the island one level and remove that corner cabinet to give you a much airier feel.
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Change the hardware. And yes sink.
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You can go with any countertops. But the white of the cabinets are very white so I’d possibly consider a black soapstone.
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I’d also consider adding some backsplash tile but that’s at the very very end of the project.
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Lighting should most certainly be addressed. I would add under and over cabinet lighting. Depending on the budget. Either get it done professionally or go on amazon and do those strip ones. And yes replace the fan.
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All these changes will change the space so dramatically I think you’ll begin to like the floors. And I think it’ll be more cost effective to go this route.
Obviously this is my personal take and you should do what you feel is best for you :)

Is the checkerboard accent wall staying? Any chance your photo gallery would look good there as a pop statement?

I think this would look better in your kitchen than the photo display and properly hung be more useful

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First lighting so an LED track light is the easiest to do in the kitchen get one with 4 heads probably all 4000K LED bulbs. Then family gallery wallsa re best in hallways going to bedrooms. No shelving on that kitchen wall there is no space for one without knocking it all the time. I agree all one level counter and a new sink. A counter depth fridge will instantly make the space feel bigger and honestly that chereeboard wall id not good , a nice large piece of art there would be a better choice. All the rechrging things should be in the bedroom . I think removing that one wall cabinet could be agood idea but storage is a must so you will need to think about that. The sofa in a lighter color would be nice and art that is not bought to fill a space but art you really love. The floors are fine , some fun art piece in the kitchen I see the light for a dining table but no table so maybe show a bit more of the space. I think you need a coffee table and some LR lighting that actully lights the space not the ceiling . I also like a space to workout but maybe in a bedroom would be better . Do you have 2 bedrooms?

Ital Mover, I probably will do the kitchen lighting first, and then flooring, countertops/sink. The living room lighting can definitely be addressed, but I just need to focus on the kitchen lighting for now. Not sure what kind or color of sofa I want. That could depend on the floor color I go with?

Yes, the checkerboard wall in the dining room was done by the previous owner. It's staying for now. It's kind of grown on me a bit I guess.

HU-187528210. I’m not sure on the age of the laminate floors, but they’re looking a little rough. That’s why I thought I’d replace them. Just trying to find out what shade of brown to go with.

I probably don’t want to remove that corner cabinet. It is already a small kitchen, and I’m hurting for storage space.

Thanks for your suggestion on black countertops. I was thinking the same thing, since the cabinets are white. Maybe stainless steel knobs for cabinets? Or black?

I agree, that the kitchen lighting is the first thing to do. Hopefully just get a nice looking fixture that will give me better light.

Hi Partricia. Thanks for the track lighting suggestion. I was thinking about that too. Do you think 4 bulbs is enough? Maybe point half of them on the left side of the kitchen, and the other half on the right?

The one-level counter is an interesting idea, but I wonder how much extra work and money that would involve. I use the tall counter as a standing desk at the moment, since I'm working from home.

Yes, the checkerboard wall was done by the previous owner. It’s grown on me, but if I can find something better for that wall, I’d be open to changing it in the future. But I like the artistic feel at least, versus a blank wall. Was even wondering if I could or should use that as a starting point in designing the rest of the place. The gallery pics are just something I thought of to fill that wall in the kitchen. Didn’t know what else to do there, and I like the pics. Don’t have a long hallway to put them in.

It’s a 2 bedroom condo, but still not a lot of space. I just pulled the coffee table out of the way for the picture and to show the rug. I’ll get a new coffee table when I get the sofa. Should the sofa color be determined last, once I figure out the floor color?

In your case, I kinda like the two -level counter. The kitchen mess can't be seen from the living area and you have a place to stand and work. Darker floors show more dust bunnies, but maybe you don't make any of those. How long do you plan to stay here? Laminate counters aren't the end of the world and are quite versatile as far as styles go.

A medium brown is usually a good choice for a timeless floor