I agree deepen the color, don't change it and yes art art art! maybe lessen the presence of the brick with the earlier suggestion of the metal cogs its and use traditional artwork pics/nature/paintings on the painted wall. I also like the idea to paint the part of the wall that juts out in a darker shade of the same color. Now you have lots to consider and lots to dismiss as well. Good luck and have fun

Hi lots of different options and ideas going on. I had a similar wall and understand how mean it can be to little ones. I bought and put up the expanding wood trellis. This instantly covered the area at a very reasonable price. I then planted quick growing climbing plants. I'm not a great gardener so I cant remember what i had but ask at the garden centre they will advise you. But at least you have a barrier in place to minimize accidents.

My first instinct was to move it to a garage/basement for good storage but the more I think about it the more I think I'd prime inside and out with Kilz then apply a couple of coats of white semi-gloss (use good quality paint.. Benjamin Moore) in the same white that you'd use for all the trim in your room. Be sure to lightly sand and 'tack rag' between coats. If the handles are removable by all means remove them prior to painting...fill in holes, sand smooth and paint as previous sentence. Set up inside the way you find most functional. Buy nice new knobs ( maybe crystal?) and, if it is as tall as it appears, have crown molding installed to create a custom look. It is probably far better built than anything else you could find.

Gosh, I've returned after a week travelling for work to loads more suggestions - thanks all! To respond specifically: - the house faces south so gets the lovely morning (and in the uk, sometimes the only) sun. - the husband has avoided putting plants in the planters due to maintenance and they're generally twee so comments here have confirmed to me that they will be coming out - love the idea of wooden boxes with the spiky plants and grasses - also like the concept of taking out the grass/bed/tree in front completely out and replacing with slabs - yes to lightening the windows - to the Barn company, I honestly don't mind the advice and I'd never seen sloping garage roofs. - nicking ideas from landscaping of new builds....great idea! - finally, Helen Scholes, I'm embarrassed about the spelling of kerb. Had no idea! Thanks again all.