We just updated ours on a very right budget. Here is a before and after. We still aren't done but we used VCT flooring which is inexpensive and painted the cabinets and changed out the appliances which I got on craigslist and saved a ton! Hope this helps

Use a melamine paint:

What is Melamine Paint doing in your kitchen...

Because Melamine is so long lasting - many homeowners have reached the conclusion that if they can't morally throw out kitchen units that are still "like new" then they can at least refresh their kitchen or bathroom cabinets with a new color surface.

Melamine is hard wearing - and way too durable for many people - but it has been know to 'chip' on occasion and you can force a scratch into it if you push hard.

Melamine paint was originally developed to repair or renew a surface by creating a new surface on melamine products and on products that had been laminated, given a veneer or clad in Melamine

Some examples of products are furniture, households goods, electical parts and applications, tableware and more famously for kitchen cupboards. It has also been very useful for wholesalers who deal in clad boards like particle boards or what they call in England -chipboards, and also MDF boards.

From http://www.home-improvement-and-financing.com/what-is-melamine-paint.html

It's self leveling if you paint the cabinets on a horizontal surface

I cannot recommend melamine paint, but Ben Moore has additives the pros use for casework paint to halt chipping. trim the scallop / demo the trim over your sink, save that cool hardware - maybe use spray paint to bring it to pewter .. gray on the cabinets for that style will be better than white, I think . . . paint them white inside. Stainless appliances if it fits the budget, white quartz countertops will be a better fit for the mod result you are going to get with these mid century cabinets . . and it is a clean choice. Consider white ceramic morrocan lantern tile profiles for your backsplash - perfect with the vibe of the cabinets. Use a warm gray tone so they don't turn blue on you . . . consider using vinyl wood look flooring in a washed oak or white washed driftwood tone - pick it out before you pick the other colors and it can help you select things that bring it all together. Don't forget to budget, new sink, new faucet, new lighting , add undercounter lighting and find a place for the microwave. If you have cabinets over a peninsula, this might be the time to take some down / replace with open shelves at the termination point.