The problem is that we have no idea of the rest of your house , whether it is ultra-modern or classical or colourful or eclectic or . . . . . . . With the limited info , personally I'd go for a burgundy and ( narrower ) gold striped wallpaper , or possibly cream and bright sunshine yellow stripes , but then everyone is different . I wouldn't go with anything 'organic' looking , including grass or flax looks , fake timber or any wallpaper along those veins . The grid wall idea isn't a favourite either , but depending on ceiling height , how about doing the lower 1/2 to 2/3rds of the wall like that , then vertical striped wallpaper above that ? Breaks it and makes even more of a feature IMO .

Yes Paul you are right. Since my post I've had a big rethink. Would love some input on the best way of dealing with the old tiling and benchtop. The Better Homes & Garden Channel 7 makeover recommended by Siriuskey talked about a Dulux paint for that purpose so I wonder if others have experience doing this or using any other products or approaches that work long term. Not sure I have the confidence to do it myself either, would a house painter be the trades person to do it ?

The verandah where the mudroom laundry pantry main bath is I suggesting that you work with the windows and add a wall between them to accommodate the separate spaces, you will most likely have to remove a couple of the windows and reuse them else where. The Pantry would still have a window positioned above the bench top, the laundry the same, you wouldn't have storage above the counter top. The main bathroom is the same with every now away from the external wall and windows.

You should do a google search of “ teal headboard “ and there are many images which should help . Similar shades to those Dulux ones will be there . When your bed is ready , paint a few shades in strips to see what works with your bed head and carpet .