Paint would do a lot to spruce up this space--cabinets and paneling. Spend money on new countertops, sink and appliances. The floors look like nice hardwood and could be refinished. You would have to do all of the work yourself for $1000.

This is a GREAT project to work on! I think you should paint the kitchen all white or ivory. Since the floors are a darker shade of wood, this would really make the kitchen seem BRIGHTER and bigger! Adding some fancy cabinet handles or knobs would also add to the new look. I think the Stainless steel appliances would definately kick it up a notch, making it look a little more modern. I would love to see the outcome!

Wow, love all the rich wood. I like sunny's comments. I would also change the handles and get stainless steel appliances. Possibly paint the cabinets if you can or if the inside of the cabinets are still good you may be able to just replace the doors. I would definately paint the walls so that they are not white.

If you do all the work yourself you can probably, a) change the countertop (get one off the shelf at Home Deport or Lowes), b) paint the cabinets, c) change the hardware on the doors, d) change the faucet, e) refurbish the floors and restain and f) paint the walls. Since this is a flip, make everything neutral since you have dark floors.

Just a note to add to the excellent comments- put awning windows above the sink to add interest, modern touch, and to adjust the view. Perhaps bring the eye up to a nice interesting light fixture, one you would not expect there.

I also like all the wood and it is even more enhanced with light. The single wall in the foreground could be removed so that the space is opened. That would enable either a counter extension or an island to give the room more dimension. It is a great project.

There is a lot of nice wood floors and walls. Can you refinish them to bring out those rich tones? Maybe you can take out those panel walls to open up the kitchen a bit more.

aloha! what a fun project. i just finished remodeling my kitchen and moved on to every room in the house - 10 months later, we're almost done... unless i get inspired again. for your kitchen remodel, i'd remove that wall with the light switch, and extend the wall at the corner (to just past the opposite doorway in the adjacent hallway) put the refrigerator there. where the wall was removed, build in a kitchen island for more counter space, storage and stool seating - this will open up the kitchen and give you more storage and interest. the biggest cost of kitchen reno is labor -- these fixes you can do yourself. match the new counter top with the rest of the kitchen. get a new sink and contemporary shiny faucet, paint the walls and cabinet doors and replace with updated hardware. if you go granite for the counter tops, use the colors in the stone to be your inspiration for the paint and accessories. oh... get rid of the formica backsplash on the wall where the stove was. run the backspash behind the sink up to the bottom of the window and continue that line around the room. lay the floor tiles on a diamond diagonal, go 12+ inches size to make the kitchen look larger. replace the kitchen door with a solid core panel -- looks like it opens into garage? don't go aluminum door, it will get dented easily. to help keep to your budget, try shopping craigslist under materials for some good buys on what you need. also consider buying 'nearly new' appliances on craigslist also. i found my $4000 stainless steel kitchenaid frig for $800 - it was just 6 months old, still under warranty and the seller was moving. GOOD LUCK !!