On point 1, chapter openings, is it considered poor form to have the chapter opening on its own right - hand (recto) page and the text of the chapter begin on the next right hand page? (thebookdesigner.com)
Since I only have one photo on the right hand page, I wouldn't want o use a plain white page as the background, but using the bold pattern from the kit on both pages would be too overwhelming. (scrapbookcircle.com)
What this does is insert a blank page where needed so your next bit, your dedication, appears on the right hand page of your novel. (madgeniusclub.com)