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

Hi Kel, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree with Ann and Quadrant Design that a feature artwork would look great on the mantelpiece. The dark grey stone would be the perfect background to offset a bright piece. With the scale of the room and fireplace, the piece needs to be large or else risk getting lost in the room. I've compiled a few suggestions around a couple of different themes for you to look at. If you're after a bold pop of colour, then these pieces from some of our most popular artists could be great: https://bluethumb.com.au/helenhelenjoynsonco/Artwork/moonlighting https://bluethumb.com.au/sacha-beverley/Artwork/i-wish-for-acceptance https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/martine-perret/artwork/la-reverie-turquoise https://bluethumb.com.au/brewman/Artwork/forest-of-colours-ron-brown Or you could harmonise with the timber beams with some earthy tones: https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/moonlight-on-the-ocean I've mocked this one up for you: https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/pennyp/artwork/thalassophile-3 https://bluethumb.com.au/patricia-walsh-studio/Artwork/the-dawn-sees-a-mist https://bluethumb.com.au/martinesart/Artwork/ocean-at-midnight Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions, or any more of these works mocked up. Hope this helps! Megan

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 ;-)

A long narrow artwork on the right and two artworks one above other on the left. A built-in tall bookshelf on the right and a long narrow artwork on the left. A plant on the right if it's not too close to the heat of the fireplace, or a fake plant, and some floating shelves on the left. Storage below and open shelving for books/display above on both sides.