You could do some stone around it.. a little more work but is something fairly straightforward. I can show you more if it's something you'd be interested in.

I would be interested in see some ideas. Although wouldn't it look odd to just have stone in one place in the entire house? Could stone be a back splash in the kitchen? Are we talking a lot of money? I don't have much of any left after this purchase.

hard to say - it can get a little pricey if you have to have someone do it, but depending on how handy you are it. You or someone you know that can help might be able to help. Interiors are a little less cumbersome because you don't have to worry about water and moisture like you do outside.
You can get more ideas at our web site and our pinterest site too...
http://www.buechelstone.com/
http://pinterest.com/buechelstone/

Like us on facebook:) - we're giving away some stone - maybe you'll win!
http://www.facebook.com/buechelstone

Thanks for the idea, but that is out of my league at the moment.

No problem - next house :)! Non-Stone related maybe... how about just taking the wall out? Looks like it would possibly open the area up a little and it's obviously not a support wall of any type?

That's a thought... Thanks.