Thank you everyone for your ideas. We are about to paint the walls an off white - double merino, and thought we might paint the doors and pelmets the same and now after reading your comments I think we will leave the timber beams and paint the ceiling between them the same as the walls, and will consider the bar supports too. What do people think about painting ceilings, doors and walls the same colour?

The first thing I would do is switch your light fixture to track lighting. That way you can focus the light onto that wall much like what is done in an art gallery. I also think that may stop the reflection you are getting. I think putting cabinets on the long wall will really close in the space. I would make your red wall your gallery wall. I'd frame everything in white so they "pop" off the wall. The problem with the other wall being the gallery wall is that it's just to narrow. You can't really stand back far enough to see the art.

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Hi there, this is an extension that was added to our house in the 70's, I'm not sure what is on the wall but it needs to go!! If I could paint over it I would but I don't think we can, also any solutions for the block work? I would like to update it all and was thinking plastering over the block-work to get an even finish and replacing the brown "laminate"? with Gib. We are getting new carpet laid soon so I need to do this first! I am looking for the most cost effective solution as my husband doesn't think it is necessary.HELP!!!