Have you looked into the Container Store's Elfa system? Elfa is a lot cheaper than than those California Closet systems, far superior and looks darn good. Before we installed it in the master closet (then second and third bedroom closets, then the garage) we painted the walls a beautiful steel blue/grey. Our floors in the master bedroom and closet are a dark espresso brown maple distressed wood, so we used the Elfa walnut accent pieces, solid shelves, and the platinum hardwareÂeveryone who has walked into our closest has been blown away at how beautiful it looks. Not only is it organized to the nines, but the closet is down right elegant. We bought it on sale 30% off all basic pieces and 50% off the decorative (wood pieces). The system is very well designed and very well built--much better than that stuff at Lowes and Home Depot. And it looks far better than the stuff at Lowes/Home Depot. Yes, it is a bit more expense than those systems, but the quality and looks are worth the extra cost. Anything that needs to be custom cut will be done for you by the Container Store. Also, the computer program figures out everything you need to complete your design--it includes an inventory list and price sheet so you know the exact cost. Plus, if you buy it and decide you don't want it--it's all returnable. And yes, even the custom cut pieces are returnable; or if six months after you install your system you discover several extra packages of drywall anchors you didn't use, you can return them as well. You need some basic measurements (call a store or go online to learn more) and provide that info to a designer at the store; he/she will input the info into a computer program then give you a print out of the design to take home. You can change your design anytime as the design is saved in the computer. You don't have to buy a thing to take advantage of the design service. If you don't have a store near you, you can go online and put in you basic closet info and a specialist will contact you and help you custom design you closet complete with an inventory list and price list. Never once were we every pressured to buy after completing a design--ever. You can do a design and see how the price compares to the Lowes/Home Depot systems if you want. What I like best about the system is you can change and add to it at any time. So if you can only afford to buy a basic set up, each time it goes on sale, add a few more components. The sale just ended, but Elfa goes back on sale Dec 24th until the second week of Feb or so. IMO, it's worth it to wait for it to go on sale.

There is also a ReStore on 242 E of 45 outside The Woodlands and another in Conroe. There may be more. Sounds like you are on the SW side -- maybe near the Meyerland area? I grew up not far from there. Look for the size and finish fan you need, then buy LED bulbs and dimmers for them. When Harvey hit, I was helping my sister ready her former home for a post-divorce sale. We installed 8 fans and 5 of them were Hunter nickel or stainless finish with with wood blades (I think the blades were reversible with a midtone and a dark wood finish) bought at Lowe's. Hers were something like this https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hunter-Waldon-5-Minute-Fan-52-in-Brushed-Nickel-Indoor-Downrod-Or-Close-Mount-Ceiling-Fan-with-Light-Kit/4332172 but this one might be more in keeping with your MCM and it comes with a remote. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kichler-52-in-Nickel-Indoor-Downrod-Mount-Ceiling-Fan-with-Light-Kit-and-Remote/999919012.  Sorry I couldn't get the links to work, but hope that helps. I think medium to dark wood tones would look good with a grey floor and walls. I would avoid going too light and you can certainly mix wood tones, though most pIeople go within a light to medium range or medium to dark range or use different tones in different rooms. Formica or IKEA butcher block sound like a great way to get the most bang for your buck, though I will mention that we did the kids' bathrooms with prefab granite and 8-10 foot lengths started around $150-200. If you just have straight runs and are happy with a rolled edge, that can work.

The hardwoods are extremely valuable. I would work in a medium brown that eliminates all yellow/orange/red. To do that, the stain will have to have a green undertone. That means a specialized mix for your situation. A HIGH END hardwood flooring professional can do this for you. It will take a couple of weeks to find the right colour/mix. The professional will come in and strip a section of flooring (like 20ft x 20ft). S/he will then apply different stain mixes to this area for you to view. You will then choose the colour that is the best fit for your situation. At a mutually agreeable time, the professional will come in and refinish the entire house - including the stairs (quite expensive but well worth it). The banister can then be stained/painted to match the hardwoods. The only time I would look at moving away from hardwood is in the DEEP south or in very hot climates. And it would be VERY helpful if the entire house was built on concrete and not wood joists. Tile is very heavy. It often requires wooden subfloors to be beefed up (decrease the deflection rating = no movement that would damage the tile). The wood is worth saving - unless you absolutely hate it (disregard the colour). If you love tile and wish to have it everywhere, then go for it. But realize that hot climates are some of the few places where this is considered normal. Everywhere else (any place with "winter") would find this a nuisance should you wish to sell the home. Besides, you mentioned budget. Ripping out the hardwood and replacing with tile would be double the cost of refinishing the hardwoods.

I failed to explain that the existing wood floor is solid white oak. It is just too expensive to use solid wood floors on the rest of the house so I was planning on using enginered wood and that is why I cannot match it.