Paint cabinets, walls, and change hardware. Will be a great, affordable update! Your floor is perfect... Balance with light walls and possibly light neutral cabinets (gray). Good luck!

Hi! I think I would replace the hardware and also purchase a small rug for the room. Here are a few suggestions:

http://deciture.com/shop/decor/world-market/turquoise-and-green-ceramic-watermelon-knobs-set-2/

http://deciture.com/shop/rugs/world-market/songbird-round-braided-rug-parakeet/

http://deciture.com/shop/rugs/world-market/natural-jute-round-rug/

Hope this helps!

Heres another one that is nice and bright:

http://deciture.com/shop/rugs/world-market/2-5-x-8-safari-stripe-cotton-rug/

I've never heard of gray cabinets! Everyone has been telling me they think off-white would be a good choice, but I'm nervous about switching to something that light.

First paint cabinets white with brush nickel long pulls. Then paint walls, that green is not working. Go a soft gray. Paint all rooms that flow In to this one the same. Get sample cans and try on your walls. Backsplash in a simple subway. Is a nice change. Color would depend on counter tops. For $800-1000 can only do so much. Flooring unless going ceramic tile can get pricey. But I think just painting. And adding track lighting instead of fan will improve room. Also go brush nickel with faucet. Something tall and modern. Remember to buy paint for cabinets that is made for them. It's a easy fix.

Declutter counters, and nothing on top of them. Since keeping old counters go a dark gray in backsplash. You have a very small area get a price on granite in the gray tones not to dark. You may be surprise on price to do.

Replace small microwave with over the range microwave. In stainless. Ck Lowes for price. It will look better than one you have which is to small. When in budget match all appl. To stainless. Upgrading kitchen is the best thing you can do in a home. You always get 110% return on your money. A very good investment.

The wood on floor is fine. Don't spend money there. Once painted cabs are painted you won't notice.

Please remove all items from refrig it looks tacky.

Thanks for the tips! I'm curious about the microwave.. We have been thinking about getting an over the range one because it is definitely too small, but I'm afraid that if we install one below those cabinets, it will be way too close to our range. Any suggestions?

change the fan, change the wall color and de clutter......new cabinet pulls....

oh and put a nice small puck light under the cab over your sink.... an LED puck would be enough light there, and still cool burning...much less distracting too!

Keep the floors (budget won't allow for a change -don't waste time shopping around). With updated cabinets they will look great, they're just lost in an outdated and cluttered space right now. With your budget, your only real choice is to paint the cabinets (refacing will still be 3-4 times your budget), and add and subtract some small stuff. I would price a single basin, stainless sink and tall faucet (Lowes, Home Depot, online stores will be in your price range). Remove the fluorescent light and replace with something out of sight and thinner. Remove all of the clutter, including everything on the fridge, above the uppers, that small square photo behind the sink and anything you can do without on the counters. Even if you aren't a minimalist, become one just for the kitchen's sake and this space will feel bigger (I promise). I do like the concept of the backsplash color/material continuing up over the uppers (as you have here - just needs to be a different color/material). I agree with the comments above about a new microwave but you just really don't have the space -unless you have an open wall that can take a chopping block cart for the microwave? then that open space above the oven will look better. I would consider saving up and spending $2-3k on this if at all possible. It's your kitchen, and an investment.