If you are feeling rich, get Matthias Kauffelt to make you a nice walnut dash without the recess.
http://www.mk-holztechnik.de/englisch/Or if not, the centre panel looks quite nice if covered with a sheet of ambla vinyl or leather when set in a walnut dash
The dash I have is an M.K. but it came with the car when I bought it so your first suggestion, which I love, is not an option for me

Like the sound of the other option......the blue leather may just look very nice......will try and photoshop a pic and see.

Thanks for the suggestions - food for thought.
Cheers,
Neil.