Honestly sounds like you're overthinking it. A flat background can look clean and modern, not cheap.

Yeah, that's why I stick with the old school Coleman white gas stoves. Parts are everywhere and they last forever if you take care of them.

My old roommate tried making kimchi in our tiny bathroom once. The fermentation gases actually warped the cabinet door near the toilet from all the humidity. Balcony is definitely smarter for both smell and moisture control.