How about a bit of adventure, Mondrian, Matisse or doodles? http://paulmorimotodesign.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/mondrian-project.html http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/how-matisses-cut-outs-grew-on-walls-his-paris-apartment http://www.cubebreaker.com/color-in-wallpaper/

If you have white it doesn't have to protrude, it's better to have it fitted than free standing because free standing can look messy especially if you have more than one, I mean messy in the way that you have lots of different size units and they are not seamless with the walls, something that is seamless looks less imposing. If it is white it won't compete with the other alcove unit. Get some inspiration on our site here: Shelving examples And here: Media unit examples And here: More media units Otherwise what AJ says is great because it is low cost and uses what you have, I would paint/upcycle that dark unit too, and add a very clean minimal desk, maybe glass or something or even just a single floating shelf in the corner.

You need art + one v large piece or 3 in a row or a group of 4 or lots of different sizes with ones at the top all at the same height. If originals are beyond your budget buy prints and use IKEA frames. This pic shows four 10 inch prints of my work framed in white in a client's house. Have a look at my profile and of you like my work I would be happy to advise on size and framing options to suit your wall. If you don't like my work then no problem!

Hi Andrea, what colour worktops will you be having? I would personally still keep the walls light to contrast against the dark blue. I have a dark deep blue kitchen cabinets with a light worktop and I have F&B Wevet on the walls. Wevet is a white but it has grey undertones which works really well with the blue. If you wanted a bit more colour and something a bit warmer then I would look at the grey neutrals such as F&B Ammonite or Cornforth White. If you are going for a dark worktop though I would definitely keep the walls light and go for a white.