This is timely - we are about to start work on a remodel of our 27 year old kitchen, long overdue. We have laminate contractor-grade cabinets, laminate countertops which are splitting apart and a well-worn linoleum floor. For the last 4-5 years, I kept saying at Christmas “this is the last time I will host Christmas Eve with this icky kitchen.” But I was paralyzed by about making all those decisions and moving forward, especially since the contractor who has done all the other work in our house has retired. And like you, the budget isn’t deep enough for those decisions to be care-free. Finally last year I took a step and started interviewing contractors. It took awhile to find the right one, but once I did he then recommended the cabinet source, and then from there everything started to fall into place and it didn’t seem so overwhelming. My advise is to just take those first steps, do your research and make a decision about the cabinets and then your excitement will grow while your fears abate. And I agree with the advise above to not obsess over the details, because whatever you do will look and feel great!