That looks like natural wood so i wouldn't ever paint it, I would try to match the wood color and use a more substantial wood drapery rod next to it and remove the clock above it. Light jade pieces would be good and shiny too. Something inexpensive would be all green or white/cream Haeger (maybe spelled wrong) ceramic rectangular "planters" usually about 3 inches tall, 2 or three inches deep and 6 or so wide and other shapes also like small vases are easy to find. I think they are from the 40's or 50's so they would match the built-in style. You can pick them up at thrift stores for about five dollars and they have nice shapes. I agree with the other comments that a strong theme rather than random objects are key.

Diagonally positioned tiles create interest on a floor. However, be prepared to have a lot more waste than if you were to place them parallel to wall. Before you decide how to install the floor, consider the overall look, feel and style of your interior. Tiles installed at a diamond orientation communicate more of a classic, traditional interior than the parallel method. It is more a matter of aesthetics than anything else.

Thanks Patricia and cpaul! I hadn't thought about glass. And I guess I should specify that a fully modular kitchen would not withstand the climate lol. The doors and Windows in General are traditionally made of teak wood and do warp somewhat but it's not a huge issue, so I fiured if all I am dealing with in the kitchen is the cabinet door it shouldn't be too hard to maintain. I actually ended up finding a blog about someone living in the tropical Philippine weather and how they covered their concrete counter with cabinets. Here is the link if anyone is interested http://myphilippinelife.com/our-philippine-house-project-kitchen-cabinets/ I think it turned out quite nice :) . This was their starting and final result. there are more photos in the blog. They basically recommended some prefabricated cabinets and strong hinges and screws for the wood frame.

Please Read, 1) Following are the photos of my Mumbai apartment (10th floor) kitchen. Water heater and water purifier were already (haphazardly) installed by my contractor before I came to occupy the apartment. Answer : u can shift the purifier above sink , inside the cabinet which will be made by carpenter. 2) We now have to install cabinets above the counter. ( you can ) no problem. 3) I want to get the PNG gas pipes installed to replace the existing cylinders. Answer : This work you can do after carpentry work. 4) When I saw other homes it appears I not only need pipes but some ghastly looking meters/ valves etc. Answer : meter will be hidden inside above cabinet toward right side and pipes will be inside the hob side counter will transfer through the balcony wall to meter again. 1) The gas pipes will come from the wall next to the balcony doors. The sink is just next to this wall. Will it be possible to install the pipes and meters below the cooking counter or is that not practical? - - Don't know what are all the practical considerations. Safety, access to meter to take readings, location of the sink? ). everything is possible.. 2) If under the counter installation is not practical, where should the pipes and other boxes/meters go? as mentioned above.. 3) Is there any practical solution to clean up the wall with water purifier and heater? (please note the kitchen has a 6" thick beam on the top of the wall above the counter, also 6" think pillars one in the corner and the other large one near the microwave as shown. Additionally it has a protrusion on the ceiling, probably this houses the drain for the apartment above me. ( for above apartment kitchen nahani trap chamber it is... )