This is very similar to a detail I am using on a house I am designing. In this house the screen behind the woodburner is a pre-coated steel corrugate. The manufacturers are happy with the temperatures the paint will be exposed to in this situation. Talk to the suppliers of mini-orb to confirm it for your situation. To function as a heat shield the steel needs to have sufficient ventilation space behind it, so needs to be fixed on heat resistant spacers and have sufficient openings top and bottom of the screen to allow the air to flow freely. This can be achievable with sufficient perforations or with clear openings. You will need lining such as plasterboard behind the screen. The detailing of the edges for the screen will affect how the screen works with your design, so think that through.

Not an Australian product, but definitely a lovely alternative to the indonesian woods. Worth a look, http://www.hardwood.com.au/media/roasted-decking/roasted-decking-brochure.pdf

My husband loves the ceiling only suggestions and also keeping the timber below the dado. I'm not as attached to all the wood and after a total revamp .... I had thought white ceilings and lime washing walls, but realised I'm after a brighter interior. I will have a look at different painted wall panelling. Definitely don't want to go from a wood overload to a white overload! MB you are so right choosing a white is the hardest part! I'll be in touch Milray Park. Thanks for the input and advice everyone!!

you'll find some excellent reading on most basic renovation and restoration skills at your local library, there's lots of information on line but most of my library of DIY information has been collected from second hand bookshops and Opshops but always good to begin with a modest project and learn on the job