I didn't like the varnished, knotty wood look so this is how I changed it: first I stuck a number 5 sticker onto the darkest bit (why a 5? This little apple will be our 5-fruit-or-veg-a-day reminder!)
I then spray-painted it matt white and removed the sticker to reveal the wood beneath:
Here's how it looks on the little shelf in the kitchen:
