I do not know your budget, but remember good lenses stay good. ( if you not drop them too hard)
An investment in a good lens is something you will not regret. Fortunately there are also some good lenses that are not expensive.
I would say try the new Nikkor 1,8 50mm G lens: it is worth every penny and makes a good low light lens as well. Use it wide open and see if you like the effect of the beautiful unsharpness.
I f you are sensitive to the quality difference with the kit lens maybe more expensive lenses come into play. I find the nano coated lenses a great step forward in the Nikkor Line-up.