Anonymous wrote:Have cabinets professionally painted and update the hardware. This takes some time. Replace countertops and change appliances unless the appliances are relatively new.

agree on the cabs but the counters might look fine paired with lighter cabs and updated hardware.

Anonymous wrote:How would you refresh a 90's kitchen. Imagine whole nine yards including oak cabinets, dark granite counter tops, light tube box etc. AND we need to rescue it for a small budget on a weekend. We don't have time or budget to turn it into flavor of the day white and gray wonder. Thank you for volunteering!

Paint your cabs a lighter color
change the light
consider changing the backsplash or adding one

Anonymous wrote:We did this!
Things that helped:
We changed out the door handles and drawer pulls for matte black, simple ones.
We had that slate gray blacksplash that everyone had, and I added a coating that made the color much less black and more colorful.

We added under cabinet lighting from Ikea.

I would change out your ceiling light if you can, but it sounds like that's beyond the possibility of changing in one day.
I got rid of dated looking wall hangings and went for textural ones.

The bolded is your answer, OP. Under cabinet lighting makes a huge difference, especially when you have dark countertops.

We did this, too. Replaced the countertops with a marble look quartz which made biggest impact. Changed the cabinet knobs from oak to to brushed nickel and installed new, “high arch” sink faucet. Changed light fixture to more modern one. Bought new stools for the island and a sisal rug for under kitchen table (our floor is very 90s, too).

We did this!
Things that helped:
We changed out the door handles and drawer pulls for matte black, simple ones.
We had that slate gray blacksplash that everyone had, and I added a coating that made the color much less black and more colorful.

We added under cabinet lighting from Ikea.

I would change out your ceiling light if you can, but it sounds like that's beyond the possibility of changing in one day.
I got rid of dated looking wall hangings and went for textural ones.

I wouldn’t spend money on painting or cabinet refacing if you are in a hurry and want it cheap. You’ll have regrets.

I would buy a new overhead light and potentially a few additional sconces/task lighting, then new drawer pulls, a rug, and something for the countertop—all in a color or design you like.

E.g., I’d do something like this for me:

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/possini-euro-jevan-18-inch-wide-brass-globe-3-light-ceiling-light__70t82.html

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sumner-Street-Home-Hardware-Ethan-1-1-4-in-Satin-Brass-Cabinet-Knob-5-Pack-RL000922/318541483

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-Micro-Loop-Rabiye-Modern-Wool-Rug-5-x-8/30809907/product.html?refccid=TUVTAM5VY76J7ACF6CXYZNZXBE&searchidx=37

https://www.anthropologie.com/anthroliving/shop/le-creuset-french-press?category=collection-kitchen-accessories-tools&color=043&type=STANDARD&size=One%20Size&quantity=1

https://www.anthropologie.com/anthroliving/shop/modernist-mirror?category=collection-mirrors&color=027&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

https://www.target.com/p/hello-twiggs-blue-vase-with-flowers-18-x-14-large-rectangular-tray-deny-designs/-/A-83587337#lnk=sametab

With that kind of time frame, how about some new hardware, new paint on the walls, a new backsplash (can you do that yourself, or find someone in time?).

I'd go for what you CAN change - some new rugs, new stuff that you keep on your countertops - a jar where you have your spatulas and stuff, etc. If you can hire someone to replace the tube lighting, that feels like it could make this feel fresher.

Anonymous wrote:Take down some uppers and replace with open shelving.

Don't do this, buyers are figuring out that this is a trap and it is going out of style.

If you're willing to spend a few thousand, get new countertops, too.

If you're going to get the cabinets painted, get them professionally painted by someone who will remove the doors, take them offsite and spray them to a smooth finish. Otherwise they'll look terrible.

If you want to make quick, easy DIY changes - change the hardware, get a new faucet for your sink, buy peel and stick backsplash tile, paint the walls, and get a nice rug for in front of your sink.

OP, thanks for posting! Following.