Hi! Are you talking about the panel underneath the breakfast bar? I'd need a little more info on the style of the house and your planned staging to be sure, but I'd suggest something like painted pressed metal or a wallpaper (something robust that can withstand being kicked occasionally!). You could repeat this theme in your splash back (in the case of the pressed metal, not the wallpaper!) or back wall, or even on the door (if that's actually a door and not just an archway), depending on which you went with. Here are some pressed metal pics for inspiration: http://www.pinterest.com/roomtomoveint/pressed-metal/ ...and here are some fun wall paper suggestions that might work... http://revivalwallpaper.com.au/WallpaperPebbleLeaf http://revivalwallpaper.com.au/Wallpaper/WallpaperDenver http://revivalwallpaper.com.au/Wallpaper/WallpaperClassicStem Is the wood ridged paneling or just flat? If it's ridged (as in boards), once painted that will be quite a nice effect in and of itself, especially once you add some stools in front of it. As an aside you've also got a nice opportunity to improve the ambience of that room quite cheaply by swapping out the overhead light fitting. Something like this could work nicely: http://www.beaconlighting.com.au/lighting/pendant-lights/modern-pendant-lights/florida-580mm-wicker-pendant-in-natural.html ...especially if you splashed out a little (perhaps next year when you move in) and added some complimentary, low-hung pendants over the breakfast bar and some sconce-style task-lighting over your benches. Let me know if I can offer any more help, and have fun with your reno this weekend. I'd love to see what you end up with :)

If this was my place, I'd definitely install a skylight (even just a DIY solatube which someone suggested), then depending on budget I'd make these changes:- - replace floors with light colour timber floorboards since they never date - replace furniture with light colour furniture in both lounge and kitchen - paint kitchen and hutch white - add some plants in white pots - go for large light coloured wall art - replace curtains with roller blinds to maximise light I love the bluestone - it will look amazing when you've added some lighter colours to the room!

my mistake but there should be enough space to have a deeper cupboard to access the over (not under!) stair area. .even if the floor of the cupboard is higher to allow head room downstairs

In an apartment you need to check before you add floating floors. Some buildings have regulations to assist with noise control. If you keep the tiles, do they have the same under tones as the paint you’re considering using?- a clash between a cool and warm white will always look odd.