You usually can remove the counter and keep the cabinets. In this case, those cabinets appear to be in rough shape (unclear how well they would survive the counter removal), and look like they will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If you replace the counter now, you probably will probably not be able to reuse the counter when you replace the cabinets later. If it were me, I might consider saving until you can replace the cabinets too. Ikea cabinets are relatively affordable.

I agree w/ Smit, although I have no knowledge about Ikea cabs. If you decide to wait, I would replace the sink. It looks too far gone to resurface. You can find relatively inexpensive sinks so if the replacement isn't what you'd want in new cabs, you wouldn't be out much. Your sink is drop-in, so replacement is pretty simple.

That kitchen needs a gut remodel down to the studs.

Sophie is right, but I get feeling there's not enough in budget for that now.

We put off K reno for years b/c we wanted to do it "right" & didn't have budget for right. Now it's right.

Thanks guys for your replies. I will have to create a layout of my kitchen and ask for advice again - if we redo the kitchen, then we would do more than just replace the cabinets I would guess.

Gut and get a designer to help make the most of the space.