Change the hardware and make it a bar? Can put the hardware back on after you leave... or ask permission to paint it?

Are you able to produce a floor plan showing the room with dimensions? My first thought is to turn the unit into a cool bar. With a floor plan we may be able to advise you of a better placement for the rest of your furniture. If you really just need it to "go away" then I would buy a screen in a style that suits you. Trying to cover it up with plants or other things will just draw more attention to it.

Ask permission to paint it. The landlord might be thrilled if you make it prettier.

Are you sure that is built-in ? I agree turn it into a bar if you can’t move it.I honestly does not look all that odd man out for MCM if you use it as a bar. I do not understand the need for the sofa in front of the FP so maybe post a to scale floor plan

Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far! I hadn't thought of a bar...I sort of wanted to have a mini bar cart in the dining room which is connected to the kitchen though. It is still a possibility...I have drawn a rough layout of the room...not sure of dimensions however it's quite a small living room. The TV antenna is opposite the air con and fireplace on the other wall...which is why I probably need to put the couch in front of it. Unless I put the couch in front of the window? Not sure!

Agree a floor plan would help with furniture placement.
How about wallpaper application to the exposed back of the cabinet shelf? I would choose a peel and stick wallpaper with a modern vibe and coordinate with the blue of the carpet. Hang a great piece of art or mirror over the piece and add a picture light above it. Have fun!

In front of the window is where you put the sofa.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting How will I be able to watch TV then? Just swivel the TV towards the couch? (As tv unit will be to the right). I hadn't thought of placing it there, thanks for the idea!

To me the bigger culprit is the carpet, but you can enhance both it and the cabinet by adding MCM peel and stick wallpaper on that wall (easily removed before moving out). It will take centre stage vs the cabinet - see below - and use a paper that compliments carpet and your couch and add cushions to tie it all together.

Once you decorate the cabinet with pottery, books, a bar, etc and add a tall plant beside it, and new handles, it won’t be an eyesore and even more so once you have your furniture added.

This is awesome advice! Thank you!

Warning: I didn’t have a good sleep last night. I’m cranky.
The built-in wants to be a bar cabinet. The built-in and the fireplace should be painted, but not white against those white walls. The carpet wants to be cleaned (if the carpet has already been cleaned, you may want to replace it). If you volunteer to make those valuable improvements, the management should give you at least one month rent-free, but ask for two months free. If you have an artist friend, maybe you could commission a painting of a “fireplace” to put where the fireplace opening is. Add a fireplace screen for ambience.
Put the tv over a low console to the left of the fireplace. Hang a piece of art just above the mantel and another above the bar cabinet. I doubt the AC thing can be painted, but if it is possible, paint it to match the white wall.
Ahhh.....the second cup of coffee helped.

@felizlady Haha, coffee always helps! Yes I really do want to paint both the built-in and the fireplace. I was thinking of adding some stick on tiles to the fireplace to jazzy it up...a very helpful answer! Much appreciated. :)

@Gcubed I have two retro swivel chairs as well! Thank you! Great answer.

Also...the up-lighting wall sconces should be tried facing down. They would light up anything anyway. Frankly, I would replace them with something more useful until you are ready to move again.

Perhaps a sizable folding screen to cover it up?

@Norwood Architects What about these screens? White to blend in or timber to match my MCM timber furniture? And I could put a plant in a plant stand next to it in the spare spot on the right.

I was also thinking of purchasing a large light rug which would cover pretty much the whole room to detract from the green/blue carpet! Then I could decorate with the colours I choose more freely. Thoughts?

Abbey: yes, buy a big beautiful rug you can take with you but covers this carpet for now! And making the cabinet a bar will add to the ambience! Lots of great ideas here. felizlady is helpful even when she’s cranky, no?