I too used the Van's trim system very successfully. I pointed the lever forward rather than towards the rear as shown in the instructions because I stow a small halogen extinguisher between the seats against the flap housing. As to the appearance of the lever, it is virtually invisible down between the seats, especially with people sitting in the plane.
I used this lever. Its an aluminum casting of unknown aircraft origin. I had to shim the diameter with a slice of tubing & secure it with a roll pin that must be removed to get the panel up...
I have another you can have if interested. PM me your address & I'll drop it in the mail.