Perhaps I wasnt clear. I'm looking for layout suggestions because Im aware that I need to add countertop and cabinents. L or galley? I like this color, I'm not repainting. Kind of pointless to add a backsplash when money needs to be spent on cabinets. no? The color is not an issue it's the lack of cabinets and countertops. Pantry cabinets to the left of the fridge would extend into the doorway. So you would turn into the kitchen and into the side of cabinetry? I'll add additional images with measurements. Currently there is a double sink and the plans reflect a single sink. Yes the stainless appliances are the new pictures.

@Steven Funkhouser - we did a similar thing in our kitchen when we first got our house (our kitchen wasn't too different from yours). We actually had painters spray the cabinets - cost was about $1500, I believe - but that was a few years ago. People on here will flip when they read that, lol, but it worked for us. The cabinets were old, ratty and smelled bad. Folks will say that the wood grain will show or that the paint will get scratched over time - all true, but we didn't care. We just COULD NOT live with it as it was. We also removed a cabinet hanging above the peninsula and that made a huge difference in terms of light! Previous owners had penny round backsplash that I hated with a passion, so I used the leftover paint and at least made them not brown. Oh, we also changed the hardware on the cabinets - I found some straight-handled ones we liked on Amazon - something like $30 or $35 for a bag full of 'em. We also painted the walls. Anyway - all that made everything nice enough that we just left the laminate counters and the floor alone, until we could one day demo everything and remodel it all. So, for about $2k we did a "refresh" that was nice enough to get us through a few years until we could do the "real" job and it worked out great. I personally don't think it's an "all or nothing" proposition, imho. If you're interested, I can try to dig up photos.

May be a simple redo but you did some great things like rid yourself of the arched doors . Went ahead and upgraded to at least a wood look on floor ( this being the best thing you did) ... and found a great cab color w enough interest yet reads neutral . It will endure. you must be so happy W the finished space now!!!!

I wouldn't do a thing except change appliances to stainless steel if you are getting more functional appliances. Possibly improve lighting if that is the issue. I certainly wouldn't eliminate the upper cabinets that divide the kitchen. Not only do they provide storage but the side facing the living room has a nice kind of MCM feel to it. You don't have pictures but I suspect there are few drawers in lower cabinets and so your actual cabinets aren't that functional - do they at least have pullouts? You can retrofit the lower cabinets so at least they are more functional. I am sure there are other ways you can use $15,000 or save it and use money for something else. Anything other than a professional paint job or restain will look worst than what you currently have and a paint job won't be as durable as your current finish. Your wood cabinets are rather nice - while they may not be the ubiquitous white Shaker style they are also not builder grade golden oak cathedral doors.