Hey Dounia The colour and the way it has been painted is very much what we saw in the late 90's and early 2000's when we all went through the textured paint feature wall craze. But, saying that Paint and design technology have come a long way since then and I would encourage you not to give up on the copper idea and use a modern approach and product. Dulux have recently added their new range of Design Effects, Here's the copper and concrete look. There's also other options available at www.dulux.com.au. You can email them for a copy of their brochure or they are readily available at Bunnings in the paint section. Thanks Paul

I love the timber panelling, maybe with a bit of a clean it will look a bit lighter, but in any case, I love it! I actually think some lighter flooring would make the room work better - not what you were asking about I know! The current flooring being dark and matte sucks a lot of the light out of the room and also makes the timber panelling/fireplace feel heavier. Even a lighter rug (or even a fun Ikea Stockholm rug?) could make it look more crisp, fresh and stylish, whilst still giving a nod to your home's gorgeous retro features. A fresher light fitting - maybe a simple drum style?) would make it look more modern also and less busy to allow the original features to be the focus. Your existing armchair etc suit it beautifully though! The fireplace I'm not sure about - I hate to ruin original features but I'm not sure about that?! Maybe wiht the other changes done it might work much better anyway? Otherwise an interesting tile or sandstone cladding could work beautifully with the timber tones?

I would give the firpelace a good clean and get rid of the decades of dirt that has been built-up before making a decision. It has lots of character and is a real centrepiece to the room, however it does seem to dominate the room. This is due to the stark contrast of the empty, white walls, and the lack of furniture and window coverings. I wouldn't rush into making a decision until you have at least cleaned it up and considered some more vibrant paint options than Landlord White. Have a look at some of the dirtier shades of Millenial Pink, such as Cuticle Pink from Dulux for the wall behind the fireplace as this will tie in well with the existing mortar and soften the contrast bewteen brickwork and wall. https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2018/escapade The room is really a blank canvas and if you use the fireplace as a starting point then you could end up with something really glorious. I think you will regret trying to conceal the fireplace under render, paint or plasterboard as it will destroy most of the character. There is nothing wrong with the brickwork and it is appropriate for the style of the building. A better solution for the doors would be to rehinge them so that they open inwards into the room, which will be cheaper, and more approporiate for the original style. You have an elegant, period room bursting with potential and just waiting to be appreciated and loved for what it is, and not modernised for the sake of transient fashion. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

You could consider custom joinery that actually looks freestanding - purposefully creating a gap from the edge of the fireplace surround to the wardrobe & on the wall side also. This would also mean that it really does not matter if the front of the cupboards do not align with the front of the fireplace. Adding a nicely detailed leg, and a feature handle (you can get some really unique Australian made ones these days) to give some visual interest to the otherwise minimal finishes. Keep it simple & classic so it ages with your child's taste and preferences. As an example, The Design Files recent article has an image of a cupboard in a lounge area, that could be adapted to two double door units on either side of the fireplace https://thedesignfiles.net/2019/10/interiors-house-p-cjh-studio/. Seems perfect for a child of any age, or even if you want to convert the room to a more 'grown up purpose' once they leave home ;-)