Well, it's going to be tough to hide a cabinet colour you despise. What I would do, is look through the Finished Kitchen photos for inspiration. Next, I would try to get my partner excited about making some changes. If you can start with a shared vision of what could be, who knows what might be.

Mike, you have a nice space there. Lots of light and plenty of cabinets for a first home! I think with a good paint job, your cabinets will look very nice. My only suggestion is that if budget allows, you do the floor after the paint job (less prep of the floors!). However, if there is only enough money for one of the three at this time, I think you are right in doing the floors before moving in. Rantontoo's point about the floor being raised is a valid one. I am sure the installers will tear out the laminate, but nonetheless make sure there is enough room under the dishwasher. You could box it in and then if it ever needs to be removed, ruin your new floors (pre or site finished). Also today's refrigerators are super sized and with a new floor, there could be a height issue as well.

I think the rug needs to be larger to get maximum impact from this room. As much as I like color, for this room I would choose a sand-colored or light gray couch, preferably in velvet, and have turquoise accents such as pillows and color in the rug. The couch and chairs look disjointed with two different colors. I think you need a rectangular glass and metal coffee table to go with the length of the couch. You can always have a round table between the two chairs. Make sure the painting over the mantel is striking enough to hold its own with the painting over the couch.

I would start out with a large, beautiful rug in warm colors (terracotta or red Oriental rug mixed with other colors. I feel sectionals often confine you in how to organize your room. I would choose a fabric couch in a neutral, not too dark color (not gray, which is on its way out and not a warm color), and add two chairs in a different color or at least a different material and style. Try to keep the height of these pieces similar. Two end tables in wood (they don't have to be the same, but make sure the heights are fairly similar and a metal and glass coffee table would look great, with table lamps or floor lamps even if you have overhead lighting, which is always harsh. Pick colors from the rug for pillows and you'll have a beautifully coordinated living space. Books, good paintings and some tall plants will add warmth and personality to your room. People too often don't add these elements and then wonder why their rooms look bare and cold. This may be more colorful than you want to go. and this is a small rug because there is carpeting underneath, but it gives you the idea of neutral furniture and how it can be made more lively with accessories, pillows, coffee table styling etc.