thank you for the suggestions & the photo helpful I get down to a ushaped kitchen with a 2.2m island & sink maybe across the U and a servery bifold window - does this close out the room and make it look crowded ceilings are 3.1m OR the island butted close to sliding doors which looks like an island when sliding doors are opened like the photo Also does the window splash back add very much in a small kitchen with no outlook from this window, that is the splashback window spilts the attention focus and doesnte seem to add much to the overall perspective. Is a more traditional title a better option & shift all of the focus to the large sliding door opening & garden.

I wouldn't use putty though. Spac filler perhaps? But honestly, it would take a huge amount of work. If you paint the walls a mid range colour (darker colours hide sins), or at least a fresh coat of paint, add your furniture and style nicely, the rooms would look lovely and those wretched cover strips would become much less noticeable. Why not try living with them for a while and see if you still feel the same?

In every instance I would opt for a tree. The effects of evapotranspiration are so cooling; effects that you just don't get with other commercial options. Trees are carbon sinks. They provide habitat for birds and are a joy to sit under. If on the northern side, then consider deciduous for winter sun. I don't know the size of the area, but an indigenous tree that hails from your region is Eucalyptus scoparia - a most delightful weeping gum with superb white trunks. But I don't know your soil or the size of the area. Go with a tree.

Thanks ! lovely but would cost a small fortune for a large room.