First of all, I agree with rachuba (above). Living with it will help you prioritize. Great paint color on cabinets and walls, new hardware, lighting (doesn't have to be expensive- keep it simple and clean) can transform the feel of a room. I have found a company who resurfaces existing countertops for a fraction of the cost and it looks great! Quite a surprise.

If the layout is poor, that will have to wait on your budget. Any left over money? Trim, table or rolling island for center of kitchen.

change appliances, change flooring , new window.

Definitely start with paint (walls and cupboards), then light fixtures in each room (some great ideas on this site), and then the counter top if there are funds left... you can DIY most of these changes... good luck

Paint will definitely go a long way. You can also get a bright runner to put on your dining room table to brighten up that area. A cute idea for your kitchen is to take bandanas in different colors and drape over the curtain rod or even cute dish towels draped over it---a quick easy fix and easily changed when you get tired of it. A rug and some throw pillows to pick up the color will brighten up the living room area. And maybe you will have enough to get some fun curtains to finish it off.

I understand you dilema.$1000 is not very much..I would start with painting walls lighter or mid shade of warm grey.Then add area rugs in same tones.Your furniture is all very dark and large scale.I would for sure beefed up the fireplace.You can try reclimed wood,make it all flat ...no angles as it is now,maybe you can put the Tv above it.Green cabinet is very nice,it should be futher from the fireplace,groundingdining room area.Now there is a lot of competition on that wall.Window treatments will make place look and feel cozy.Simple linen with gromets.Light fixures are next.Maybe mason jars DIY?

Add patern and colour with trow pillows.

Kitchen is a big project but painting it is not that difficult.Home depot has a kit and you can get very good results.Paint however will not last forever.If you are planing to reface or replace cabinets it is a good solution.You can do them off white,darker shade of grey or brown ,but not too dark ,you already have enough dark going on.With new hardware it will look nice.Countertop will be a good update...but I think I spent your money 10 lines ago.Believe me once you start you will want to continue and you will find the way to do it.Good luck.Start painting.

I agree with most posts here- first invest in a good quality paint and brighten up the walls, next take down the valance. Look on line for a really great light fixture above the dining room table. I would not paint cabinets yet- live with them for awhile to make sure you're doing the right thing. If you do paint, Annie Sloane chalk paint hides a multitude of sins and looks fabulous once the wax is applied. Just to test colors and perhaps brighten things up a bit, go to a few estate auctions and pick up a couple of side tables that you could paint in bright colors. Usually if the wood is damaged, these pieces go for almost nothing and your could turn them into something fun.

Paint the walls, change any lighting you don't care for, and add white or off white curtain panels. Pick two new pillows and a new throw for the sofa in your favorite colors.

I love to re-purpose and decorate on a budget. It's a wonderful challenge. I agree with most other posters but I am sure you intend this on a temporary solution as you save for whatever your heart desires down the road. Wall paint is an inexpensive way to change the look of the room. I like texture and fabric to warm and personalize. IKEA has inexpensive area rugs and curtains for the windows. Kijiji or Craig's list also have great buys. If you want cosy, look up warm colours that suit your taste, I prefer colours that brighten the room and enhance out door light, such as warm yellow. One colour unifies the joining rooms. Habitat for humanity has light fixtures. Depending on financing, cupboard door hardware and/or paint will change the look. You can even paint the cupboard door trim and wall paper the panels ( info. Available online). My opinion, blinds are dust collectors, cafe curtains in the kitchen can warm the room and provide the privacy you want on the busy street...... The possibilities are endless. Scour used furniture stores or online for curtains, light fixtures, area rugs, you can buy all for cheap and stay well within your $1000.00 budget. Good luck.

I would paint the cabinets, add some new hardware, and install backsplash (I have seen some with stainless steel tile with other tiles (greys and black) (small tiles thin grout lines), make a chandelier out of reclaimed materials (woods and metal), more lighting (inexpensive "puck" lighting under cupboards), replace tile countertop with stainless steel and/or butcher block) (maybe creating a wider counter to put stools - perfect for entertaining). Brightly coloured light fabric curtain panels and bright accents such as cushions.

Paint the cabinets, change out the hardware, upgrade lights first . Then replace flooring, countertops and update wall paint when you have more money. Don't skimp on cabinet painting; make sure it looks professional when you're done by hiring one or taking time to do it properly yourself.

PAINT! The biggest impact would be the kitchen. Paint the cabinets light and get some neat hardware you agree on. A lot of the blogs I used to follow use D. Lawless Hardware for knobs/etc. Crazy inexpensive. Paint all your walls a lighter color (one to flow throughout) to open it up and eliminate the very dark accent wall. Then when you have a fresh, brighter palette add some fresh pillows to the couch. If you can sew--great! I would make seat cushions ( I have a go-to way I make mine) but if not a sewer then that is out. It would add some color to that area, but I love black in the home. Every room needs some black. The table needs a nice plant in the middle--looks like plenty of room. Not too high so you can see through to the family room. Add plants in general!! When my husband and I started out we "decorated" and filled spaces with plants! And unless you love your fixtures, change out those. Shop around online. I got the best black chandelier years ago for $17 from Lowes--on clearance. And don't forget if you love the lines of a piece but not the right color--spray paint it!! I believe this is the light a lot of bloggers use and just spray paint: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-1-Light-Outdoor-Zinc-Wall-Lantern-HSP1691A/203273428 Here they are in action I believe: http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html (Her site could really inspire you.) If looking for industrial inspiration check out this lady and her more recent homes show an industrial finish: http://itsgreattobehome.net/ Just those little things will make your home feel more bright, fresh, welcoming and pretty.

I'd definitely spend the $1000 towards decorating....paint, rugs, window coverings, stuff to hang on the wall, lights with personality, etc.....Have you seen the show Fixer Upper....I love how they combine vintage with modern.... might be some good ideas

Agree with the other comments. Make your $1000 stretch further by buying second hand furniture. I've gotten solid wood furniture for $70, free, $5, etc., bought a ryobi Sander from Home Depot for 30 bucks (or buy second hand lol), a bit of paint, elbow grease, and voila. Get remnant upholster fabric and recover dining chairs if they have fabric.

Your home is lacking a personal touch--character--to jazz it up. Think color! Look at some design magazines to determine your style. Window coverings, art, plants, throw pillows, rugs--all are inexpensive ways to spruce up the place.

Paint will give you the most bang for you buck. For the biggest impact, start with painting the cabinets (& add crown molding to them). Then walls. A great light fixture over the dining area & some artwork will add personality. Unless you have a pantry unseen in your pictures, keep your storage - I do not recommend changing the cabinets to open shelving. I think with some thoughtful decisions on paint colors, you will be well on your way to creating a fantastic space. Good Luck!

I don't know what your geographic location is, but try checking out industrial and restaurant auction sites. I've seen 6' long stainless steel prep tables go for $150. The only hard part is you need to pick up items fairly soon after auction end. So hopefully you or friends have a truck.

I would get rid of blind and valance in kitchen. Paint cabinets a rustic white finish and remove doors from upper cabinets for open shelving. I would paint everything a warm beige with a white wash on top. In the dining room, the paint and an area rug will help the table standout more and be a nice focal point. At garage sales get mix matched dishes all with a white background. Get the same area rug for kitchen dining and living room to bring it together along with the same wall cover. Go farmhouse rustic and find plans on making a pallet wine rack for the dining room. Definitely a new chandelier for the dining room...again rustic. The living room keep the rustic look by getting rid of the throw pillows and adding some burlap throw pillows. You can add a burlap runner on your bookcase and dining table. Find some old wood or old pallets and make your own art work. Piece together and white wash the wood then add saying or words in black paint. This will tie in your black furniture. Curtains can be inexpensive...canvas drop clothes with clip hooks...look on Pinterest for that. Then look for old glass milk containers or metal bucket to make a centerpiece for dining room.

Also inexpensive white breadboard for kitchen backsplash.

Your furniture looks fine and the best bang for your buck (which you would need to do even with new furniture) is to tie the rooms together and accessorize. When you get additional money, look for good pieces of furniture and purchase one at a time and supplement with antiques, refinish/distress second hand furniture, look for non traditional pieces, etc. With the money you have, I would paint cupboards blue + new hardware and paint the whole area cream (which would work with your floors, counter and red rug). Add bamboo blinds, hemp or sisal rug in kitchen, pillows on couch, add black and white prints behind couch and for sure a new chandelier. Hope pictures below provide some inspiration.

Forgot to add--texture! Get baskets at Pier One/World Market for plants. Add texture in window shades/baskets/accents!

These are some of the ideas I mentioned above

Your furniture is all dark, so paint all the walls a light neutral cream/taupe color, which will lighten the space, add contrast to your furniture, and match with your rug. No accent walls. Next, get your lighting right. Add a small end table with a lamp, or a floor lamp, at the end of your sofa. Get a large mirror or large painting to put behind your sofa. Then add colorful pillows, and a live plant for the coffee table or dining table. In the kitchen, remove the valance, and save up until you can paint the cabinets and replace the counter top and back splash all at once.

I know a lot of people say painted kitchen cabinets don't last but both my sister and I painted our cabinets over 10 years ago and they still look great. Sometimes you need to do a small touch up but keep some of the original paint in a sealed jar so you have it at hand.

Cut that budget in half! Heres what $500 could do for you in the Kitchen with some basic DIY reciting materials!

THIS COULD BE DONE ON 1 WEEKEND TOO WITH MATERIAL READILY AVAILABLE.

For countertops, the only upgrades in your budget would be Ikea butcher block (watch out, some of them are veneer, get the solid wood ones) or DIY concrete which is a BIG project, but might go well with the look you want. If the concrete doesn't come out well, there's a product called microtopping that will fill any air holes and leave a nice finish. We used it at our house and loved the end result. Other than that your other commenters are on the right track: new blinds, repaint, new light fixtures, cabinet pulls. I'd stick with chrome, or black finishes on lights and hardware, and mostly white/cream and grey for paint colors to stay near the industrial look.

Paint is the easiest way to make a huge difference with a small amount of cash. First the oak has to go. It just doesn't work for the industrial vibe you want. Usually, I specify white to my clients, but that won't work for you, so I would suggest a dark gray or black. I know, I know... black cabinets sound scary, but seriously, they'll give you the industrial look you're asking for. Then get some new hardware for them. Instant update for minimal dollars.

The brown and the red on the walls screams 2005. If you have enough money left over after doing the cabinets, paint all the walls a color using inspiration from artwork you love or from a rug or even a pillow. If there isn't enough left over to paint all the walls, then paint the dark accent walls a lighter color that matches or coordinates with the rest of the walls.

Like others have said, the valance has to go. It really doesn't go with your industrial theme. Replace it with a flat roman shade. Then hit the thrift stores and hardware stores for some funky, fun display pieces...think rusty and weathered.

Eventually, you'll want to replace the appliances with stainless, because the white and black ones are always going to clash with the look you're going for.

Good luck and please post pictures when you're done!

$1000? First: both Light fixers - kitchen and dinning - you can get it for $100-$150 each. Replace the flooring in the kitchen with a fun new linolium $200. Paint walls in nice gray, take down a little curtain above the sink and got nice curtains for the living . You might find some nice rugs at usarugs.com. Don't repaint the kitchen counters yourself!!! Good luck!

Because you only have a limited budget, DIY is going to give you the best bang for your buck. Here is what I would spend the $1000 on:

$100 - Paint all 3 rooms with a neutral shade. Something like Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter or similar. I'd go neutral for now while you are seeing how the space lives. Paint the fireplace area and trim work in white. Paint is one of the least expensive ways you can change your space, so plan on repainting again once you can afford to renovate your kitchen with paint colors to compliment that.

$350 - Lighting Replace your existing dining room chandelier with a more industrial looking light fixture. Also upgrade your existing lights switches with dimmers if they aren't already.

$300 - Zinc Tops (DIY) Add a sheet of zinc to the tops of your existing dining table and coffee table to change them from "cottage" to a more industrial look. This is a DIY project and I think would take your existing furniture a cool vibe to decorate around. http://www.pneumaticaddict.com/2014/03/zinc-top-coffee-table-tutorial-pottery.html

$100 - Sheer Drapes - Ikea's Aina linen drapes come in white, gray or neutral beige and look great ($50/pair). Go ahead and buy rods that allow for double drapes and hang them on the outside rod for now. Later on, when you finally choose patterned/other drapes, you can move the sheers to the back rod. Don't make the mistake of hanging these right above your window frame -- hang these as close to the ceiling as possible - they come in 98" panels.

$150 - Rug - Because I think you need a fun punch of color, I'd add a funky rug in your living room.

You have a nice basic kitchen which works "for now". I'd live with it until you can save up money for the big ticket items like backsplash, cabinetry (new or refurbished) and new flooring.

Revere Pewter:

Lighting:

Drapes:

Rug:

$1000 isn't much to work with. Even tile can eat up a small budget in a flash. Here is a link for painting a faux backsplash. I'd also get rid of the valance.

http://www.shrimpsaladcircus.com/faux-subway-tile-painted-backsplash/

Like Lila (above) I had great luck painting my old oak cabinets myself -- made them look amazing. We used red, since we had tile we couldn't afford to switch out. Had great luck with the pre-mixed enamel from Ace Hardware. Dunno if they have gray pre-mixed, but that would instantly give a modern and industrial vibe. Black would work, too, but since the enamel is very glossy, it might not modernize as much as you want. Since they come in pints, you could try a two black to one white mixture (or even three to one).

Craigslist is a great place to find all sorts of things. Also Grossmans bargain outlet is a great store if you have one near you. Lowe's has movers coupons you can get for 10% off. I like thrift store for lighting. Think re- purpose. I know they have tons of the crazy brass and glass lights that can easily be painted matte black with the glass removed and made to look like a pottery barn reproduction. It's all about the vision you have for the room. I have done a lot to my house on a very low budget.

First, when it's dark outside, I like to be able to close blinds or drapes in order to protect my privacy as I turn on the lights so I'd add off white mini blinds to all the windows in all three rooms (unless you prefer to go with louvered shutters in the dining room). I'd add some lighter colored neutral wall paint for all three rooms. The off white mini-blinds visually mostly disappear as you look out the window, especially if your window frames are off white, too. You could put a wooden cornice over the top of the blinds -- you could make it yourself out of shelving boards.

I definitely would NOT paint the kitchen cabinets -- that you'll likely regret that after a few years, if not sooner. If you want to change the cabinets, you could add something to the cabinet doors -- something removable/changeable: perhaps thin pressed metal wall décor -- perhaps flowers -- or otherwise something reflecting some hobby or interest you and your family have. The only major change in the kitchen, at least initially, I'd make would be focusing on the kitchen windows and wall color. There are peel and stick tiles that could be used for the backsplash. Eventually I'd change the kitchen flooring.

Definitely keep the wood floors. I'd lose the knee knocker coffee table. Consider a small square table or even a footlocker, maybe with wheels added, to replace it -- added storage, too.

There are narrow horizontal rolls of wallpaper intended to be used with wallpaper at the top of the wall where the wallpaper ends at the ceiling and these come in a wide variety of designs. You could put your favorite design all around the top of the wall in each room or a different one in each room, but then have each of the three designs have something in common -- a color or a pattern or a theme that suits your personality and interests.

On the walls, you could use inexpensive wall sculptures or framed pictures or framed needlework for color -- easier to change as your taste changes than repainting. (I'd lose the loose poster atop the cabinet leaning against the wall or frame it.) You'd be surprised what artwork you can find at thrift stores, especially the Restore stores (Habitat for Humanity thrift store). It may take a few trips but have patience and keep looking until you find what you actually like.

Add bright, lighter colored throw pillows in the living room -- something that puts you in a cheerful mood and that contain at least one color needed to coordinate with the new wall color and/or picks up a color in whatever you do for the windows and/or the horizontal wall paper trim (if you use that idea).

In the living room you wouldn't even need heavy expensive drapes (that would darken the room) unless the windows either get no sun or get direct sun and you decide you need the insulated kind of drapes. Inexpensive light colored curtains with a tie back and w/a sheer in the middle would serve to finish the room without darkening it, especially if you still opted for the mini blinds for the option of privacy.

Thinking about rearranging the furniture and storing the "warm" rugs for the summer.

Light colored cushions, with or without back covers for the dining room chairs could lighten the dining room. A new light fixture over the dining room table or at least a centerpiece for that dark table that is bright and cheerful and picks up or coordinates with the cushions could lighten the room and make it more cheerful. A white narrow lace runner atop the table could make it seem a bit less dark.

An overhead ceiling fan with white and/or chrome could help balance the dark warm colors of the larger living room furniture. Some people like them over a dining room table; other's don't. The cost of an electrician having to change the box to which a fixture is attached from plastic to metal (needed to hold the weight of a ceiling fan) may make that change not feasible now. The big box stores have some relatively inexpensive floor lamps that wouldn't give off a glare but could light up a dark corner (beware putting any lamp too near drapes) if that would help you get rid of that second light in the dining room that seems to emit glare.

For the dining room light, you could hang a large round Chinese paper lantern . Only be a few dollars, but would improve the area enormously and look really cool for almost nothing.

Agree with a lot that has been said, I would paint the walls in all the rooms a neutral color, perhaps a light gray. I would also redo the cabinets in white and replace hardware. I would also replace lighting fixtures. And I like the idea of large throw rugs to tie all together. Cabinet process called NHance check it out at Home Depot might cost a bit more but is very durable - no smell, no mess process using a proprietary process and light source for drying takes 1-2 days and is amazing. I have used this on my kitchen, bathroom vanities, a walk-up wet bar and a large built-in bookcase, all look amazing!!

Good ideas all! I would only suggest that before you do anything you either consult with a professional or really make a proper plan of what you want your final kitchen to be. Then I would take small steps if money is tight $1000 can get you started definitely, but why spend a dime if you might tear it out later? Don't waste good money on a quick fix that is going to be torn out for something else later. Use your money wisely. Another suggestion is to do nothing and save the grand for the final project. If you can save additional money over the next 3 years you can have the dream kitchen then. Use the space for a while and see what works and what doesn't. :)

Do an inexpensive cabinet transformation to either Harvest Brown or perhaps one of the light colors to brighten it up. Paint is an easy one, but multi picture features done yourself to stretch the wall is also inexpensive, fun and can really brighten. Faux-wood blinds go on sale regularly and you can make your own balance easy enough. An inexpensive light colored backsplash in the kitchen will further brighten it alongside a swirl-pattern rug under the table. You might also want to add a light feature as it can enhance your new additions.

I agree, that painting the cabinets, and the kitchen walls to a more up to date color scheme, and changing out the countertop are key to bringing a fresh feeling to your home. I love, love black cabinets, because it brings an element of drama into a room, however if that is too bold, go for a soft white or a cream that is low on the yellow side. With Oak cabinets, you will need a good primer, so check out your local Sherwin-Williams store, where you will get a wealth of information if you tell them your project needs. Of course the countertop will be more than $1000, but keep saving toward that, and you will be happy. If you go with a black cabinet, choose a light countertop, to show contrast to the drama. Next on the list of to dos, once you save up some more cash, would be to install an eye catching backsplash and laying a new tile floor, perhaps in a linear (rectangular) pattern, to add a more modern feel to your home. All the other rooms can be helped by new fresh paint, lighter colors to open up the rooms, and changing around accessories you may already have in your home. Enjoy the process. It can be fun, especially when the neighbors ooh and ahh once you are finished! Happy remodeling!

For an industrial look: Go for white walls to make your decor stand out. But if you like the coloured walls you have right now.

For pendant lights you can do a DIY approach by hanging a lighbulb and use a metal bowl (or other similar item) for the form. You can get that from dollar stores.

PAINT!. Only if you need to. Paint the wall with the sink with primer and use a soft color you can live with for a few years. (I used Behr Roman Plaster) and it looks like your dining/kitchen is a similar color. On the kitchen backsplash, go slightly darker and use semi gloss. Blinds in the kitchen - they do collect dirt/dust. If you do drapes don't go with ruffles, something sleek and simple for the modern feel and too the floor, maybe a pull blind if reasonably priced, perhaps World Market or BBB for drapes and hardware. I'm going to promote Overstock or Ikea for rugs, but simple in pattern and something you can wash and dry outside or take to laundrymat. STEAM CLEAN, kitchen floor and counter. Section by section, sand the cupboards, and stain a slightly darker color. You're young and if you haven't done this kind of work before, know that it's hours and slow process. Don't rush. With staining, get a how to book from home depot. It means sanding, stain, dry, sand again, and stain again and polyeurathane . You want those cupboards to be soft to touch. Same if you paint them. You have to sand between coats of paint and those will certainly need to be sanded and primed before any paint goes on. Go slow and do your research. It pays off in the end and you don't waste your precious $1K. IF you keep the cabinets as they are, your paint color needs to not clash for the (warmth). For wall décor, find deco posters that will fit in standard matting and standard framing, and all frames should be similar in style and color (modern look), or canvas, or perhaps a large mirror or two mirrors, nothing to fancy, from TJMaxx or on clearance somewhere. Even if the frame is nicked up, you can paint that too. Light fixtures. You can get paint that has a hammered look to it from Home Depot and spray paint your current fixture. I've done it with a brass lamp that was outdating my place. I used the primer and the hammered paint and now have a more modern looking lamp (had to get a modern shade), but it was much cheaper than getting a new lamp. But if you're feeling the art deco, then keep what you have and save for something that makes a statement. A light colored runner for the dining table, and a high simple glass cylinder for the center. You can change out whatever you want to put in it for the seasons. Bottom line, take your time, look thru magazines, live it with it for a while and if you paint, use swatches on cardboard and hang it up on wall. Watch what the daylight and lamp lights do to the paint. Move the swatches to another wall. And down the road, if you want a feature wall to have a different color you can do that. I see you have a knife block, so someone likes to cook. If you think you have space, get a used small sewing table and place in your kitchen. Put your wonderful cutting board on that. See if perhaps you want a small island or work table. I did that with my L shape kitchen for a year, and decided on a small island on industrial wheels. Extra storage and a workhorse. Hope some of my ideas are in keeping with your budget and vision.

Paint the cabinets a light neutral shade. But maybe get some professional advice for what you want done. Then you can do in stages and every decision will make sense and colours will complement each other.

Try this for the kitchen: add a silver drum light, stainless steel microwave and dishwasher, paint the cabinets (with Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations), add a reed blind to the window, lighten the floors (maybe lighter tile?), paint the walls a light gray to modernize.

Everything is Dark! I'd remove kitchen curtains. Add colorful cushions to sofa ($5. at Thrift Stores). Add a light Scandinavian rug to the dining room. Paint walls light colors and add art! (Prints or original paintings off eBay!) $1,000 is enough. I'd add modern hardware if budget allows. Wait for great counter tops. Time passes quickly. You'll enjoy them even more if you've planned well & looked forward to them.

$1000=> On the walls, Sherman Williams or other good wall paint with low Vic's that u can find coupons for. Stick to a gray-brown or gray- purple or blue hue neutral. Steer away from too many yellow undertones. Buy 1-2 shades darker for a accept wall (color in last comment would be a good accent wall. . Get a stainless steel appliance paint kit for the black and white appliances (I could not get the film to work, but if u can it's cheaper than the paint kit) you could only paint the white part, as the black will go with the stainless. Cant tell, but if your kitchen floor is not in good condition or up to your liking, invest in a cheap tile that looks like stone. Or if you have concrete subfloors in good condition, stain or paint the concrete. Ditch the blinds for roller shades and curtains. That will warm the space and make it feel pulled together. If you really want to pinch pennies, there are tons of cheap diy tutorials for roller shades. A rug for dining room. Art for walls. Industrial options can be as easy as a canvas with paint drips or smeared. Replace the top of the peninsula. If you have a IKEA, get a butcher block counter top for it. It's cheap and looks great. Love the dark cabinets and light in the last comment. And of corse light fixtures in whatever metal you like. Search Craigslist, restore and clearance. Or put together a pipe chandelier with mason jar globes to marry the modern and vintage industrial.

I'd start with painting too. I don't quite like the red color you're using on some of the walls. I'd rather use light gray or white with some motives (flowers or other forms). You could also add some plants here and there. A pet will also ad some charm and vividness to your home.

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If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. - Napoleon Hill

Awesome post and great ideas! Someone said be wary of painting cabs and she's right-take your time to make it look professional otherwise it will look even worse. Don't know where you are but don't forget craigslist and kijiji to make your $s stretch. And oops paint that is the same type and finish mixed together can be great. One of my friends redid her bedroom by mixing paints from our local recycle center where we can get great stuff-from paints to solvents- for free & in turn turn in our used chemical supplies for free

You might be able to save a lot of time and money by lightly sanding the cabinets and then glazing them to create a more "vintage" appearance. There are a some good videos on instructables. Then repaint the kitchen walls to get rid of that red. Instead of a tile backsplash, you can get creative by laminating industrial charts and hanging them beneath the cabinets (i.e., periodic table of the elements, and cast off lab beakers and flasks for accent pieces). That should leave you some $$ for paint in other rooms, lamps, coffee table, and so on, if you do the work yourself.

You mean NOT spend other people's money, right? Ha ha ha.That's a tight budget. However, paint, fabric and art can work wonders.

Well, Looks like your united color scheme is beige and white which is a good look in any room to be the background for industrial, contemporary or vintage touches, which, properly placed, can work together. So, I'd keep the basic color scheme and expand on it.

In the kitchen, I'd paint out all cupboards in the white that matches or blends with the white window and moulding trim. Use a sprayer to make it seamless with a lustre that looks very professional. It will dress up the cupboards. Pain out the red wall in beige and quickly toss that dew-rag of a window treatment. The venetian blind (?) is clean looking and will work if you need a window cover there. The floor tiles(?) will now work with the newly painted room, though it's not my favorite, I think it will blend. Area rugs are a possibility too if you really don't like the look of the floor

Since the living/dining floor is dark and wood, I'd paint the dining set in white, again sprayer, with a lustre finish. And maybe use some ruched fabric to cover the silver chandelier parts and replace the dew-drop light light covers with a more interesting, less mobile home looking shades. The back wall needs some art. Something dramatic and large would be nice. Could be a large photograph of something historically industrial -- Like the interior of the Ford motor company's famous invention -- the assembly-line --with some proud folks standing in front of it, circa 1905. Black and white or tinted. . . Or something else . . .

As far as the living room, paint out the dark brown wall and, if you want an accent wall, fine but not that color. Too man den. It could use some art as well -- big art, which you could find and frame yourself. Posters have come a long way as have online photos or you could create an interesting assemblage of parts and pieces of recovered things found in salvage stores -- sort of a big Rube Goldberg thingy.

AS far as the sofa and the Persian rug,, I'd put the rug under the dining table (get a touch of red in the artwork and ruched fabric or new chandelier shades, and /or recover/or get tie-on cushions for the chairs that bring in some of the carpet red). Take the sofa cushions and get them recovered (this will cost about $30 - $40 per cushion) in a coordinating fabric but to save money leave the rest of the sofa the same color. Buy a nice area rung-- could be a faux fur or rich thick pretty wool -- a lighter color -- and repurpose something in with a corroded metal look for a coffee table. Find some great art for behind the sofa -- again, an assemblage with a tinted or dark raw wood frame effect could be nice. The black pieces at the other end of the room should be refreshed but I think the black is good and can be worked into the sofa fabric, &the artwork colors to tie it all together.

You have some great bones there. Just needs some unifying and refreshing -- and let the art make your style statement. Good luck!

Our before and after shots. All DIY for way under $1000. Hung extra unfinished cabinets, added crown molding, and painted. Husband created island from Craigslist butcher block top. Countertops are dimensional laminate.

Since your husband likes modern and you like vintage, the biggest area to focus on is the kitchen, as you both may get tired of the look there first. I would paint the cabinets either white or espresso color and add knobs. If you go white on the cabinets, paint your counter tops (there are products for this - you can make them look like stone or even marble). If you go dark cabinets, leave the counters alone. Replace your vinyl floor (that vinyl is in every apartment and starter home!). Go light if dark cabinets or darker if light cabinets. The red accent wall isn't necessary, but you could put white subway tile backsplash in and extend it around the window too. (I'm doing that in my kitchen now - looks great!)

Definitely paint the walls a nice light neutral colour throughout the space to brighten it up. I would use a dark stain on the cabinets and add door handles and knobs. Lose the valence and the old blinds. I really like the 2"faux wood blinds. An area rug for the living room. Hard to guesstimate how much area rugs will cost depending on what speaks to you. I could see an area rug for the dining room but it looks like it would have to a pretty big one, not sure that's in the budget. New light fixtures of some kind. Also, there needs to be more things on the walls : art, pics , maybe some candle sconces, and maybe a couple of plants in the space