Hmmm...Nothing is salvageable here! New floor, new furniture and paint the walls.

I know, it's a rental and came with all the furnishing , so painting, rugs and new furniture not an option..., wish it were!

I don't even know what to say. Paint is cheep? Can you paint over the paneling? It would be a start. Maybe slipcover the furniture.

I quite like the coffee table, and I think all but the fabric bits could be done up in a pinch. I suspect you will find old linoleum under that rug; perhaps the good news is that the room is small and berber is cheap. Remnant warehouses will hold some bargain. She'll find a better sofa and chair at the Salvation Army, for the price of a slipcover. Paint the TV stand, standing lamp and straight back, then check Target,etc. for a new shade for standing lamp, tied cushion for the straightback, drapery panels and reed shades. The mirror might get a frame surround -no reframing - leave the mirror right on the wall and place a poster sized (or so) gilded frame right over the top. Taupe colour wash the walls,(to blend w the register) and coordinate accessories. front door can get some paint,too, and a copy of the house rules:

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4570314470261705&pid=15.1

I sympathise with Darzy's reaction, but as these are budget digs, I presume the budget isn't going to allow a typhoon of fixing to blast through them. First question -- is this a rental? If so, what limitations are there on what she's allowed to do?

My first step would be to check what's under the carpet. It might be a decent floor that could be refreshed to look really good. If not, carpet is the first thing I'd change, to replace with a simple flat-weave in a mid-tone neutral.

Slow typing puts me behind the posts again! The landlord, if asked, will be thrilled to have his place updated at no charge to himself. Ask if you may show items for approval before purchase, and I bet you get the go-ahead. This is a win-win for him, and you should be able to come in within $300 or so - with elbow grease.

Oh, a lot of replies by the time I'd written mine. Best possibilities, then, are probably those suggested by Cat Rowe. You might also look into slip covers for the sofa and chairs, but it's the carpet that's really bugging me. Super-duper-carpet-cleaners might be able to refresh it?

I think the carpet is the most offensive part of the room. Paneling isn't attractive but just wash it with bleach so it FEELS cleaner, and furniture should be slipcovered in white cotton/linen as suggested by jen046. But that carpet..

I hope other, more creative Houzzers have some good ideas!! :)

(LOL Rina, you evil thing, hit her like button next time! ) I've been on both sides of this dilemma - mi chiamano Mimi - and will just add this - If YOU had crap in your apartment and someone offered you a free upgrade ( means higher rent for the next guy) wouldn't you take it? Doesn't hurt to check?

Don't forget the velvet Elvis! It is what it is...just make yourself smile and it will all be good!

Sorry I haven't read the comments. Assuming you can't paint and are keeping it all. I would slip cover every seating piece in white , include white window coverings and a white rug too. Most will always be able to be used in a next home. They do sell slip covers on line for early american furniture, Check out Sure Fit co. possibly or search on line. Then add 2-3 bold colors like aqua,purple and gold. (the present carpet has a gold tone) Or any fav. colors. Add some nice lamps and accessories in a totally different style you like and the whole room will feel fresh and new. I feel by adding a lot of white it will look up to date. You can always bleach white slip covers too. Most likely about $99. for the sofa slip cover. less for the chair. The area rug I would get a carpet end roll and have it bound. Keep it low budget. for the coverings.

If paint, furniture and carpet changes are out, so is redecorating!

Yes, my first gut reaction was if you can't paint, can't remove the carpet or furniture I do not see how you can change the look. BUT...jen046's idea is the best idea ever! Make it so bad it looks good- love that line! Accessories like those old glass grapes. Ashtray on a stand. Doiles..paint by number art..great idea Jen! A collage of really bad/good art. Large lamps in amber glass, or how fun to get one of those oil lamps that drip oil on strings and there is a statue in the center. Swag lamps in the corner. Most important is lots of lamps and lighting. Nothing is more depressing than a dark and gloomy room. Make it cheerful with a LOT of light.

Darzy, your my gal! For the right personality, this could be a blast!

Yeah jen! It could turn into a blast...from the past! :)

Drop cloth to the rescue!
http://www.abeachcottage.com/2013/07/no-sew-sofa-makeover-how-to-cover-a-sofa-with-fabric-drop-cloth.html

http://www.oursouthernhomesc.com/2013/04/no-sew-drop-cloth-curtains.html

I see potential with the" blast from the past " as long that there are no bugs in the sofa chair and carpet then be creative , Every time that I see a panelled room I see the word "Swiss chalet " written on it . Wash it down and give it good treatment with lemon oil it will sparkle .Look for things in thrift stores Flee Markets etc..

http://houzz.com/photos/1316335

Definitely get some deer horns!

http://houzz.com/photos/3343682

http://houzz.com/photos/2353577

http://houzz.com/photos/94634

http://houzz.com/photos/1436806

http://houzz.com/photos/358519

http://houzz.com/photos/1525395

http://houzz.com/photos/616734

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Li_FSeq6ARE/TUYGS6scu6I/AAAAAAAABDc/ScHBX8TzagQ/s1600/encyclopedia_good_design.jpg

Interesting article: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2012/01/27/pretty-wood-paneling/

jen046, your pics are a great source of inspiration of how to work with what you have.

I would look for an area rug and put it right over what is there. Where I live, a bound room size remnat can be had for about $70. Worth it! That and slip covers by sure fit will go a long way toward makeing this liveable. I agree with whoever said to ask the land lord if you can paint. If you are willing to pay for it, they might say yes. They might just not want to pay for it.

http://pinterest.com/pin/154881674658157091/

http://wildwhitehorse.blogspot.com/

If you click on the above blog link and go the the 2nd post (after Halloween) it shows a living room that is "so bad it's good."

PAINT PAINT PAINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go for a grey and flashy teal or orange. Also get a sofa color. Organize items with rope bins (diy- search online)

First wash the knotty pine with Murphy's oil. It will eat it up. Clean the carpet best you can. Put cream or white covers on furniture then decorate with color. Use a large picture to cover some of the wood. Use some red accessories to brighten it up. Would be nice if they would let you paint the front door.