Hi Renae, thanks for using our photo in relation to the black and white cabinet work. I think that the black/white is certainly a time-less look, you will be able to add any colour with it as trends change. The client worked with a satin 2PAC on this job, we do not recommend a matt 2PAC as it will give a chalkboard appearance. Another point to note is that the black may show any chips easier while the paint is still curing, so be sure to get a pot of touch up paint for any small incidents. If you haven't already had a look at the full portfolio of this job, please do so. All of the cabinet work is black and white throughout the house.

petapea Thank you so much for the comments and research... I have thought long and hard about this .. for days! You know what I agree with you.. Shelving without any bits and bobs on it, above a window looks great, but I have visited a few homes with shelving (without windows) that is actually lived in and not a display home and it does look busy, and cluttered. I have decided to go a polytec black wenge, full height cabinets to the ceiling, sophisticated , warm, and clean. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. There I have jumped over to the dark side.

Before replacing your curtains as this can be quite expensive for such a large window, if they are in good condition, add a band of extra fabric to the bottom in what ever suits you, your existing curtain track can then be moved up to the ceiling for good looking full length curtains without the large round eyelets, could save you a lot of money, I would look at replacing/removing the sheers cheers

Depending on your taste of course, I would introduce some colour - either as tiles or a glass splashback. Personally I think you will need to fill the entire area otherwise there are simply more lines to take in and will create an unwanted feature. We've had a glass splashback painted back and it was super easy to clean. For one kitchen, we've gone for a bright yellow to give it some pop. You can also have photos too but it's not as easy as the file sizes mean that they need to be taken/supplied by a professional photographer. If tiles is your preference, there are many great patterned tiles out now. Good luck!