Paint it to match other walls or contrast colour as feature wall. Have painted some ugly brickwork around a fire place in my home using an acrylic gloss. The colour is full strength lexicon white, like the woodwork in my home, the walls are satin finish half strength lexicon white. I am really pleased with the subtle feature of the glossy painted brick wall.

I'm pretty sure it will be a fibro cement (non combustible wall) needed rather than gyprock/plaster & the fireplace will generate the bulk of the heat from the flue. As long as correct distance (building code will dictate) is maintained to combustible surfaces there should be no problem. Have you considered tiling the wall?

Hi, use the cat as inspiration because its colours are beautiful - (a black white and tan rug would add a little wow) and its hair will blend in too. Next just add in small touches of a green you like and more of the base colours in rugs, throws, cushions etc. As for furniture if you follow decor trends it is now the thing to NOT have matching furniture sets in the bedroom but the trick is to link everything through colour. I suggest a picture rest shelf (Bunnings) running along the back wall above the bed at eye level. Pictures (and a mirror) and bits and bobs are then on one level, look intentionally placed, keep things tidy and out of reach of little hands and you can mix and swap as seasons and events change. Plants yes, they give colour and life, then a bit of wicker/rattan or other texture in plant bases, a chair or foot stools at the end of the bed. Some nice green glass vases or candle holders etc. etc. Easy changes that allow you to save for when you want to do your big reno. I would spend your big money getting rid of the strip lighting above the bed and adding nice floaty sheer curtains.

I've always wondered what is the correct way -- I have ( 2 or 3 times ) cut 'slats' out of the plasterboard ( say the holes are 150 x 200 , I cut 2 slats about 40-50mm wide , 250 long ) poke through the hole and use really good adhesive bond ( the stuff that comes in a tube that you load into a 'gun' ) to stick inside the hole , using C clamps and leave for a day . Then the next day , cut a piece of plasterboard as close to size as you can , stick the 'monkey muck' ( adhesive bond ) on the back and stick to the slats you've stuck there at least a day ago . Leave another day to dry , then get that brown plaster tape , do all 4 sides of the insert , then plaster over , adding a bit of height . A couple of days later , get the palm sander and smooth and level it . I wonder if thats anywhere near what the experts suggest haha ?