A large map (vintage or otherwise) would be interesting - especially if your brother has an interest in travel. IKEA has a really big one for $200. Posters are also fun - travel, food, superheros, old movies and the like. Art.com has a nice selection that are relatively affordable. Have him take a look at his interests and choose accordingly is my best advice.

Another good economical option are large canvases from the hobby store applied with the fabric of his choice.

Whatever is chosen, make it easy to clean.

Family pictures: three or four large masculine frames with photos of him and other family members throughout the years. Black and white photos with large white matting would be nice. You could ready this for him as a house warming present.

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On the cheap and fun, you could paint a big rectangle with chalk paint and border it with molding. He can put messages, menus, or have friends "sign" the board when entertaining. A trio of pop art from pet photos? What are your brother's interests for better ideas?? pop art?

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There are so many things you can add to that wall space. You can do a cute canvas, a map or even a positive quote. Here are some suggestions:

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/world-wall-stickers-p-3371.html

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/bicolor-lemons-quote-wall-decal-p-9631.html

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/coffee-beans-digital-painting-canvas-p-1451.html

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/wine-festival-wall-decals-p-1776.html

Best of luck with your space!

This one could also look nice in your space:

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/cutlery-wall-mirrors-p-12321.html

Great Big Canvas. com has photos & repros of famous art, originals, all kinds of wall décor & you can actually customize pieces to the needed size for your particular location. Another great thing they have wall peels That can be removed easily as you tire of it w/o damaging the wall (if you are a renter). Have fun with it. He has great room for whatever.

BTW...I'd change out the electrical plug on the island to brown or black.

You could also arrange bowls and platters of baskets. They look pretty, and you can also take one or two off the wall when you entertain and use them as well. (Placed so the art looks nice even when one is removed from the end). Place a cloth napkin in the basket and you have neat bowl for potato chips, etc.

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Vintage food or wine posters look great and are fun with color and interest.

Framed posters are also large enough to keep your walls from looking too busy with lots of little stuff.