Need help making my Reactor Room look good

[Benie76]

Modpack: Direwolf20 1.10.2 (using 1.6.2)

So this is probably a new one you guys get, but I need help making my Reactor Room look good (mainly the hallway to it, but I also want opinions on the block types I chose).
The reactor (from Extreme Reactors) is 9x9x11, and is in the middle of the room. I have it where I will walk in and be on a catwalk-like thing that goes around the reactor's midsection, and to various other areas of the base.

So, any help with what Chisel blocks would look good with this build, would be greatly appreciated. I tried the whole "just look at what's infront of me and see which one you like", but none of them really.. 'speak' to me.
And here's the pictures;
http://puu.sh/uNP7F/af633d4ee8.jpg
Accessway to Reactor Room from the main floor.

http://puu.sh/uO6uI/00c81e89b0.jpg
Future RFTools Elevator to go down to access the reactor controls.

http://puu.sh/uO6vp/83f2c5e9c4.jpg
Other end of accessway.

http://puu.sh/uO6xp/e7454e49fe.jpg
Current blocks I've chosen for the reactor room. I don't know how I can not make the walls look uniform.

http://puu.sh/uO9Nj/bb66c53f27.jpg
Accessway to the elevator, with Cobblestone marking where the thing would go.

 

[natirs]

if you have the option to add cool looking liquids in dents inside the walls and cover the dents with completely clear glass and use nice looking chisel blocks it could be a good option

although some more ideas might come to me later today or in the next few days. im a bit drugged[ not the bad kind of drugged just hospital drugs and stuff] right now so might be a good idea to talk to me later

 

[Inaeo]

I've fallen prey to Chisel&Bits, particularly in company with Flat Colored Blocks. You can turn every block in your world into 16^3 bits which you can make look fantastic. Of course, pallette is always a consideration, so I recommend taking the approach of having two main materials, maybe a third for accent or trim work, and then filling out any small areas with specific designs and needs.

If you do decide to use a fair amount of C&B, using the patterns can save you hours and sanity.

 

[Benie76]

I've played around with C&B. Amazing mod, and great for doing pretty much anything you can imagine. But this room... I have very little ideas. Sure, I could make the catwalk and railings out of C&B and that would look amazing (and maybe have support beams that sit at a 45* on the back wall), but.. that's the only ideas I have.

The rest, as I said, is a complete blank, and it's really frustrating. Maybe I'm just like Dire; trading looks for functionality.

Thanks for the suggestions, people! Keep them coming!

 

[Inaeo]

Whenever I come to blanks on designs, I turn to Google Image search. A few images of real life, anime, or other people's creations can spark you in new and interesting directions.

Edit: I've begun to search for real life architecture and floor plans for inspiration as well. Most won't translate to MC perfectly, but that's fine e since I usually only use them as a starting point.

 

[Middleclaw]

Have a look at this for ideas curtesy of @rhn. and his build thread.

Sample:

 

[Benie76]

That looks good. I like the chosen texture of the catwalks. Think I'm going to go for that. I did want a lighter feel for the room, yet the Factory blocks of Chisel aren't really helpful for that.
Curious what block texture he used for the walls; guessing Diorite or Quartz.

 

[Middleclaw]

That's Marble from the Chisel Mod. The floor is Railcraft Quarried stone. The texture pack is Soartex Fanver.