for the walls I would paint a white or beige

Hi, thanks for the input! I'll have to figure out the photo thing.

The black floor is just vinyl sheet made to look like tile, so I'm hoping to just cover over it. It's in good shape, but draws my eye in a bad way. As for replacement, I was thinking a light beige stone-looking tile (larger squares). Only because I don't know how to coordinate another wood in that space. Not planning to do any further kitchen remodeling after that.

These photos are from earlier (pre-moving) since this is my first time posting and was afraid to show too much. But my living room motif is black/tan/maroon. I have a beige curtain instead of the red one -- really brightened up the space. The dark wall color is still dragging me down (it's Behr's "warm nutmeg"). I do like the idea of white walls.

Was hoping to re-floor the kitchen & 2 small bathrooms, and have the nutmeg walls re-painted all for <$10k. Am I dreaming?! This is my first place so this is really all new to me.

I'm off to research more mcm styles. And now I want a new light fixture. Thanks for that! Haha

The whole space could use some updating except for the fireplace stone and the cabinets, unless you do not like the honey oak. I didnt really want to say but I have to because the white appliances really age the place. What I would do is decide if you are keeping the hardware on the cabinets and use those to determine what kind of metal you are going with for the other hardware and light fixtures in the home. If you can redo all the flooring to one uniform floor it will really give the place some flow. White paint will open it up but you might want something else nicer, a grey is really nice but very hard to nail down and then you would have to change the cabinets, you could go white with them since I saw you had white trimming in the home, what color are your doors? I would do flooring first and fixtures then paint followed by cabinets if you must. From there do the window treatments, rugs, and lighting then work on furnishing especially seating,and accessories like plants and art. If you already moved in and purchased some furniture already your going to have to really focus on the direction your headed and if they are going to workout for the layout in the long run. I like tile flooring but because of the fireplace wood would look nice so I would suggest the wood look tiles for your space, it is very nice. Definitely not a fan of the fan in the kitchen you deserve something nicer. I'm confused by your description of the backsplash and countertops are you able to provide closer pictures because they do not seem to go at all with the cabinets being honey oak.

Changing the floor first would really help & be $ well spent.

Save extra floor material for patchwork.

Try to pick a flooring type & color that would work for a future remodel later.

can't tell how the rooms connect to each other. I would leave the kitchen floor until you can lay hardwood. It is the best value for this space as it will be beautiful and improve the quality of the overall home. Just can't tell where kitchen ends..another floor begins...and what are the other floors. some mats or runners will break up the squares of black floor...Paint your wall surfaces a good quality off white and live in the home for a while. No need to rush into anything and you want to respect the interesting elements.Get some books on MCM design...there may be some great details there to play up. We can't see everything like you can in real life. Patios and gardens around an older patio can be a lot of joy in these homes as well, for now. Patio spaces got really popular when I was a kid ….guess when? People didn't have to cut back on watering....people casually "stopped in" and kids ran around not cautious of strangers...no computers or hand- helds. We spent a lot of time on patios. In general the kitchen would have slab doors, I'm thinking white if were original. This one isn't original but it's functional. if you are a purist you may want to just wait and save up and get a better look for the space. You have a great space ...probably a great house beyond the kitchen. Just enjoy and take in the features for now.

Hi all, thanks for all your input!

Mon - Yeah I don't mind the honey oak, and I agree about the white appliances (but those have to stay for now). I've replaced the cabinet knobs from a white/brass to a gray, matching the faucet. Thanks for the suggestion to use that as a guide for the lighting fixtures. I added a picture of the beige backsplash below, hopefully can see them better. There used to be black outlet covers on the wall in the old picture (not sure why they did that), but those are beige now to blend in better. The counter top is a black/beige/gray speckled cheap material, complete with a hot plate (which I really need to start using more often, haha). I really don't mind the counter top, but I'm guessing it will stand out more (in a bad way) once I change the floor.

artistsharonva - Thanks, that first picture is pretty much what I hope to achieve with some new flooring -- seems much more bright and airy!

herbflavor - The living room leads to the dining room, which extends to the left into the kitchen (behind the fireplace). The dining/kitchen area has the black vinyl floor. I was hoping that a light beige tile would brighten the area, while still blending nicely with the hardwood in the living room (pictured below). Thanks for your advice -- I really do need to spend more time just enjoying the space! First-time homeowner jitters -- I keep feeling like there's always something that needs improving. And I think I stress over the kitchen because it's the area I'm most afraid to mess up.