First Duplex Kitchen Rehab Small Budget

[Bartosz Rosol]

Hi BP,

I need your help. I recently bought a duplex (house hack) and I looking to touch up the upstairs kitchen before I post the unit for rent. While my ultimate goal is to replace the cabinets I am unable to do so right now. Could you guys please take a look at the photos below and let me know how you would spruce up the kitchen? My wife and I little experience in renovations, but we are willing to learn. Any information to links or articles will be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

Our budget for the project is under $1,000. 

What type of wood cabinet is this?
Would you stain the cabinets or paint them? If so, what stain or paint? 
Would you replace the handles or paint them?
Where can I find similar handles / door fixtures?
How would you fill in the holes (if replacing handles)
How would you fix the wear and tear on the bottom of the lower cabinets (under sink & cooktop)?

[David Silver]

@Bartosz Rosol

The kitchen looks like it is still in solid shape, not too torn up. The wood looks like it could be wood, or veneer.   I would prime and paint white or off white.  It would brighten the kitchen substantially.  Eggshell for the walls, flat white satin for the ceiling. Kilz oil based primer is excellent at covering. It has a strong odor, wear a respirator and open some windows with a fan. Behr “commercial” paint is about $90 for a five gallon at Home Depot. 

I would get new hardware all matching. You can get that at Home Depot as well. Use Bondo to fill in any holes and scratch marks. Use a palm sander with 150 grit to smooth it out.  You can probably touch up all the wear and tear on the bottom of the cabinets with Bondo. Probably want to put fresh kitchen caulk as well before painting. You can buy appliance paint in a quart can if the fridge needs to be touched up.

You could replace the ceiling light and switch and plug covers. Also, maybe consider laying new flooring. LVP or rolled vinyl. All of these things you can do with little previous experience for a budget under $1,000.