There are really only a handful of ways to handle this.
If you really don't have the time (or drive) to learn to do your own art, and you're on a shoestring budget with no artistic partner, then I highly recommend the fifth option. Thomas Was Alone looks amazing with just rectangles, particles, and a subtle lighting system. Cube & Star uses simple geometric shapes and good lighting to great effect. There are tons of games that look great with little to no art assets. If the game you want to make won't work without great art, then maybe you need to shelf that game idea until you have an art budget or find someone to work with. There are plenty of game ideas that can look great with no art, there's really no reason to let a lack of art stop you from making a game.