Okay, here's an update. It seems that the only 'recommended' product is fibre cement sheets as they will not absorb humidity. All the other brands mentioned above didn't recommend their own product when they found out it was going in the bathroom. Scyon and Hardiegroove were the options they recommended. I found providers in Brissy but freight was in excess of $250... Bunning had them in theory, but only for full packs (20 sheets) which was more than I needed so that didn't work either, but... then they told me they also have another brand 'Duragroove' which they did stock. To summarise: I think I will be getting: - Duragroove (http://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=hardigroove) - Some kind of nice pine railing Thank you everyone for your comments/help and I hope this info helps you too Denise.

when u open my entry door, you will see floating stars going to upstairs...i wanted to do it on that wall....a few people r saying that the floating stairs will be the feature on their own, but i think having the 3d wall attached to stairs will continue the flow of the WOW factor and look stunning...who knows!! :/ maybe I'm wrong...

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 wouldn't use putty though. Spac filler perhaps? But honestly, it would take a huge amount of work. If you paint the walls a mid range colour (darker colours hide sins), or at least a fresh coat of paint, add your furniture and style nicely, the rooms would look lovely and those wretched cover strips would become much less noticeable. Why not try living with them for a while and see if you still feel the same?