thanks to everyone for your helpful comments! I was going to have to pay around $190 for 6 more, but will order them from Beaumont who have a 25% sale on at the moment. I agree that I need to just live with the cost and finish the job properly, but your shortcut suggestions were all really interesting and much appreciated. And archimondo, I'd say it's like having a kangaroo loose in the top paddock.

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

I would suggest you do not make the area open plan. You should make the dining room a dedicated home office/study area. You could install desks and plenty of bookshelves for storage. Sort through all your stuff and try to make the family room and dining table for eating, not stationery. You could definitely make the corner where the bookcase is, into a study area as well.

how exciting for you....most important is location first including views, local climate, sunny or cold and noisy side of the building then access to public transport, local shopping, direct easy commute to work, ongoing fees what will you be responsible for outside your own apartment including ceiling leaks? security front door, windows, balcony and access to lock up garage with storage, private laundry (or space for a washing machine in the bath or kitchen), secure public entry and external lighting ..inside look for the most spacious rooms, open plan kitchen rather than small separate space, preferable two bedrooms and a generous bathroom...old kitchen and bathrooms, floorcoverings and decor can be improved but you can't improve the location.. best of luck with your first home