Walls and Ceilings - kitchen walls

We have just bought a house!!! but it has a horrible kitchen!!! The countertops are rust orange, the appliances are brown, the cabinets are dark brown and the walls are fake brick tiles. I am pretty much stuck with the countertops for the time being so I want to do away with the brick tile walls. They appear to be attached (very well) to painted plywood and removing them would be a huge chore. Can I just paint over this surface? What kind of paint would I use and should I texture it? Note* the contrasting walls in the dining/living/hall areas (all open) are oak block paneling.