The room is a breakfast area for a air b n b house. The client wanted more bench space to prep food and have a coffee machine, toaster etc. the hardwood panel is off the shelf from bunnings. Are you looking to do something similar?

I like the blue touches already in the room, which reflect the brickwork. Agree with lots of creams/ neutrals, just adding some blue in cushions, artwork. Maybe a bluish/cream rug, with a subtle pattern, not a solid color. Also I think the lights are a little lost. The high ceilings could take some quite large shades, maybe drums. And I agree that the central column could be painted to become the focal point as stated. Either white or quite a dark grey/ blue, ( it might darken up things too much, but it's only paint, can be changed). It might be sinful but I think I would replace it with plaster, then paint it. Finally maybe a dash of 60s burnt orange or mustard if you want to want to keep the retro theme.

I agree with oklouise- it might be worth waiting to see how happy you are with wall positioning and other issues. The cheapest option would be plasterboard/gyprock sheeting. Get some quotes- if you strip it yourself, then the plasterer do the sheeting and setting, then you paint. This would be prime time to insulate the walls (probably have no insulation given the period of the home), so don't let anyone convince you to gyprock straight over the top! If you can't afford plastering now, be aware it will take many cans of paint and primer to cover this dark coloured timber. If you are ok spending +$500 to paint something + your labour, to then rip it down in 6-12mth??

I agree it's a fantastic house I have a similar one with updated kitchen etc, Removing any swags and the painting done this is a more updated look. I'ts a shame that it's empty, how much would it cost to get someone to style a couple of rooms, kitchen dining lounge and take a few great photos for the purpose of selling, you could enlarge and frame some to hang on the wall so that you wouldn't have need to keep hiring furniture. Kitchen table chairs and a large choir rug, lounge with coffee table and a couple of lamps, no clutter would really help. Where do you live we could all come by and help!