Painting the splash back behind the cooktop is not recommended as it's flammable and will likely peel, blister at least or ignite or release chemical fumes at worst. I love the chalkboard though, although I would mask up a doorway on your wall between the fridge and island and paint that, like a menu board, handy for shopping lists or recipes, and will look clever without being permanent. For the window area, I think those two narrow windows are smart and have personality. You can make a mdf pelmet for above them, simple as. Measure the width of the window frame, and cut about 150mm for each side. Ou can have the timber yard cut the mdf into a 200mm strip, and you simply cut the lengths, 1 x front measurement, 2 x side measurements (150mm). Say. Screw sides through front board and cover with wadding also know as Dacron from fabric store, about $10.00 worth, secure with staple gun and repeat with a fabric of your choice. This is where it's fun, I think something like a lemon lime print or citrus stripe, and perhaps make the top of those pellets have a mdf top also so you can place mason jars filled with lemons or limes on them like a ledge, it will look like fresh preserves in a kitchen window and the blackboard wall will tie that into a theme. Like the roman blinds too because fabric will add colour and style cheaply. Don't mind you took off the doors because you are neat, and items seem to match but that can become messy quickly. Reconsider the blackboard behind your cooktop for safety, and even could go to a tile supplier, buy a heap of se nods or discontinued tiles in your mustards, yellows and teals, break them up and mosaic a sheet of fibre cement sheet cut to fit. Then you could attach that to the wall directly over the old tiles, and it would be made by you, the right colours and have that bespoke eclectic look in a cooks kitchen. Sometimes it's as simple as grouping things like a timber chopping board leaning up the wall,a bowl of picked lemons with leaves on, and a teal striped washcloth for it to have those zingy pops of colour.

Hi Kerry_g, they are two great spaces to fill :) You have a great combination of colour already in your rooms, so the question is do you want something dynamic that stands out or more subtle as to not overpower the room? Something like the Inks on Paper works that I create may be of interest to you as they can have both effects on a room, depending on how they are styled. If you like an artist's works and are concerned on whether the art you choose will look suitable in reality, speak with the artist about their returns policy. Most quality artists will have a reasonable returns policy in place, as this gives their customers peace of mind. Bluethumb (disclosure here - I have some of my art there) also has a 7 day free returns policy, and they have a great range of styles and sizes. Hope this helps, if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to be in touch - Kylie

Hi there! I love your sideboard and pendant light, very cool! The print you have is lovely but it's too small. I think this is a great opportunity to introduce either colour or boldness to make a statement, go for a square or rectangle piece that is relative to the length of your sideboard, but don't go longer! The length of the runner on your sideboard would be a good guide - measure this length as well as the sideboard and take the measurements art shopping with you, have fun with it and just pick something you love!!

If you have a small powder room, then you don't need art work. Don't just hang art on the wall as you have a blank wall - negative space in a small room is a positive. I would consider a decorative mirror with bevelled edges to provide some visual interest, to make the space seem bigger, and which has a function. Consider wall lights to complemement the mirror, and don't go with the plain jane mirror option that most builders offer as standard. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls