Emily, with being a renter, I'd definitely check Pinterest for temporary solutions. I've seen DIYs where you can starch fabric to walls with an iron. Also try temporary wall paper/decals, but I'd test a small area first. Cabinet makers or even yourself would be able to create a flush vanity without attaching it to the wall. Plywood, especially hoop pine, has received a lot of traction. It really gives a clean, organic look that you could have custom cut to fit in the area. You could also use it on the wall – it could be stained, left natural, or painted for a feature. Have a look at EchoPanel. It is a decorative, acoustic pinboard that would add a splash of color/design. If it is above your vanity, you could pin pictures, inspirations, etc.

I love the option to work in a private office while still feeling connected to the larger open plan space. And who doesn't want a huge blackboard to creatively brainstorm?

I hired a storage space (c 2,5 cubic m) when we were putting our house on the market. I needed to make the house look better, and I also needed to start the packing process. Because it was 20 km away, I thought long and hard about everything that went into that space, as compared to what I could donate, sell or trash. Amazing how much stuff is around, but not important at all. Let's just say that I got rid of more than I stored. And since we moved into our new house, I've eliminated another few car boot loads. My motto: if it isn't important enough to be in your house, in use or on display, it sure isn't important enough to spend money storing it.

Hi Trish, White all the way from my perspective but it also depends on what furniture you have and art work too. I would not do wallpaper in such a big space. For a start, your wastage on rolls will be horrific if matching patterns. Maybe a feature wall in one colour, probably the one with the sloping top to the ceiling. Even with doors in it, you could paint the doors and trims etc the same colour. For a feature wall to be effective it needs to be a fairly simple shape so choose wisely. Colour choise will come down to furnishings and personal choice. Also, are you in a warm climate or a cool one? Do you want to warm up or cool down the room? Alternatively you could paint the ceiling a colour. Similar criteria as for the walls. If you paint it darker than the walls it will pull it down in height. It's a big space so big lights will be awesome. Love some of Julie's suggestions. The attached 'Chip' light from Italy is something I have been trying to find a project for. I just love it. Comes in several sizes and colours but not cheap!!!!. Think about cleaning if they are hung high above the floor, especially for glass or white fittings as they show the dust. I'd do something that runs along the space and maybe creates nice patterns on the ceiling and upper walls to give the space some interest. Definately get rid of the small bars on the windows but do I see some on internal doors too? Will you change those as well? Good luck. C.