I would do a glass splash back [ this can be painted in your color choice to suit the decor ] - taking from the bench top up to the bottom of the range-hood on the wall of the stove. The window is beautiful and I would give anything to have them in my kitchen. I would probably paint OR stain and apply marine grade vanish to the would so that any moisture would not be able to ruin the wood. I would also put herbs or flowers there. Could it be made into a servery for outside maybe ???

Greys would look good in these rooms. I wouldn't paint the paneling. Rather than a mirror over the fireplace a large scale painting would look good.

I think the white trim gives it a much more contemporary look. It's more work to have it done in a different color, but the overall look is cleaner.

Thank you Courtney. The challenge is going to be not scratching the powder coated frame. Since posting I have heard that thick solvent based strippers are best, but I'm going to try and remove as much as possible by lifting the loose paint and carefully scraping and scrubbing as you suggested.