Ideas to update kitchen counters and cabinets on a shoe string budget?

How about contact paper? You can get a whole new look without spending very much at all!

Paint cabinets. Simple and cheap.

You can decoupage pictures or papers of your choice on the counters. I have included a website showing all you need to do it and how to do it with pictures!

http://thriftyrebelvintage.com/2017/02/kitchen-counter-makeover.html/

Good Luck! Show us pictures of your completed work okay?

It depends on how long that shoe string is. You could use stainless steel sheeting to go over the existing counter top. I've seen copper pennies used set in acrylic. I saw a really nice wood counter top. Going over the existing counter top would be the most economicaI I haven't priced the trendy concrete counter tops. You can have it dyed any color or stamped. I've seen all kinds of tile used even the tile that is advertised for floors. The floor tile might be a good choice. There is one that looks like hand carved wood. I've heard bamboo is nice and sturdy.

It comes down to what you like and fits your budget.

Measure your countertops but don't subtract for gaps and notches, or even the oven. Then go to a big place like Lowe's and see what's there. You may find floor tile, a remnant of linoleum or laminate of some kind, leftover backsplash in a color you happen to like, a marked-down paint or two, Contact-type paper, or who knows what else? Since you have accurate counter measurements, you can see if there is enough of what you like at a price you like. You can use the cheapest paint possible for your cabinets. You can even paint the floor. When you can afford it, you can do a more thorough job, but for now, enjoy your pink, purple, orange kitchen and make apologies to none. You are decorating in Bohemian, eclectic, shabby chic or maybe exotic style. You are ahead of the trend. Best wishes 😇

I personally wouldn't use 'the cheapest paint available' but WOULD definitely consider paint for cabinets. It can also work for countertops if done properly or can cover countertops with contact paper and then top with 3-5 coats of clear acrylic finish. Yes, floors can also be painted. Google some of these things for directions and help. If your budget is larger, IKEA has some of the best prices on butcher block countertops. Not sure if they still carry the one I used about ten years ago, but it was beachwood and only $10 LINEAL FOOT...$80 for 8 ft. piece. Good luck and have fun.