Natalie, I didn't even think of that with the microwave! I knew it didn't look right - there was an extra small piece of cabinet that I assumed was meant to go there to finish it off but I couldn't work out how it fitted lol. Unfortunately the doorway at the end of the fridge isn't even remotely a straight wall.so the end panel we had either looked silly or had to sit in far enough that the fridge wouldn't fit. So my dad & I built that box above the fridge to measure & I had to plaster the doorway wall a bit thicker & taper it to the box. Would a pelmet or something similar work for the window? The other side of the window is the end of our entertainment area & we are planning on putting a shelf under it as a pass through/bar so would rather not have a full blind. I also put the frosting up as a temporary measure whilst renovating, but have actually grown fond of it. I did consider lining the window with trim like a frame? Examples below:

I would suggest a stone hearth matching the plain stone trim but not as wide as the whole unit to reduce tripping hazard. Possibly with a black trim edge. Then a mantle shelf. the same stone would be great but probably too heavy. I think a 'live edge' timber mantle would be great and introduce an organic edge to the straight lines and angles. then paint the flat surface a neutral colour as others have suggested. display something with white/cream tones (candles?) and something with an accent colour on the mantle. if mantle too pricey a big artwork a little wider than the fireplace itself with some black in it or a black background chinese screen or similar. I have no commercial affiliation with them (just like their work) and don't know where you are based but Time 4 Timber Brookvale NSW could probably help you with a live edge shelf/mantle. good luck!

HI Sophie. Im a property stylists and the company you are asking about looks very professional from their website. Lovely furniture and the styling looks very professional. I do not know of them but simply giving them a call or email is a great start and ask some questions like the style they think suits best in your area. In regards to prices Melbourne is one of the cheapest states to have furnished with QLD and NSW coming in at the most expensive. As a really rough guide a 2 bed starts at $2400, 3 bed starts at $3000, 4 bed starts at $4000 and so on with each additional living area styled at $800 and out door is usually complimentary. Hopefully this helps you

yvonne.. re sanding cupboards I had mine professionally sanded because they were looking worn. timber is American Oak and it really didn't lighten very much by sanding. so depending on your timber you might not achieve much. i would change a few upper cabinets with glass doors, white perspex or remove a few doors, paint the back of shelving and hang wine glasses or whetever and break the load that way. I replaced my range hood with a pull out chrome one and that in itself made a difference nt tying in with the chrome handles. see pictures. maybe you could paint the legs or reupholster the stools to white...all part of the kitchen.