I am a bit confused by your original post. I am assuming you have basic kitchenware so 500 is extra you want to put into the kitchen. Sounds like you are not much into cooking but are looking to experiment and perhaps develop a deeper fondness for it.
A KitchenAid Artisan mixer will set you back about 300 dollars. That is more than 50% of your total budget. You should ask yourself how many times you bake, grind your own meat, make fresh pasta. If you really want to get your hands dirty in it then perhaps you can justify spending that much.
I have a classic KitchenAid and I bought it after years of doing everything with a hand blender. I bake often (cookies, cakes, quick breads, desserts, souffles) and it serves me fine.
If I had your budget I would divide it into some appliances, some cookware & Bakeware and some pantry staples.
Appliances - Crockpot, Standmixer (not the high end KitchenAid but the begining line), Chopper, Blender and a Small Rice Cooker (it's not a necessity but is not a wasted appliance).
Cookware & Bakeware - Pyrex pans which work in the oven as well as stove top and microwave. I have old fashion Pyrex loaf pans and I love them. It may not be endorsed by top chefs but works well for home cooks. Heavy duty cookie sheets that others recommended. A nice set of pots (I like 3 qt and 6 qt sizes), A large 12 inch pan that can be used for almost anything. Calpholan makes one that is around 30 bucks and can go from stovetop to oven. A stove top grill pan and a set of fry pans (Tfal makes ones that are fairly cheap and work well).
Pantry Items - High quality whole spices, good quality dry and ground spices, assorted nuts that can come in handy when you undertake your cooking expeditions, high quality vanilla and other extracts. Baking chocolates,different types of sugars and a few basic sauces for Chinese and other cooking.
