One more pic for review

Fabulous suggestions!!!!!! Thanks for taking the time! I am on it

Puremichigan, can you be more specific? Like my table wont work in the space anymore?

Wood needn't be used for the entire room or even an entire wall to make an impact; adding it to the bottom of the wall has the potential to change the entire visual feel of the room. Have you considered using wood just for wainscoting the walls?

http://www.supremewainscot.com/images/wall-simplicity.jpg

http://cf.remodelaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1-feature-finished-barn-door-wainscoting-wall-treatment-with-wall-ledge-topper.jpg

http://beadboard.prolaiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Solid-Wood-Wainscoting.jpg

Great wood finished "L" shaped island bar. Appears to have wheels. Wondered why it appears to turned with the back -- obvious place to stand in the inside corner of the "L" -- turned toward the living area or if you've considered turning it either 90 or 180 degrees.

No, the island has black feet on it which gave the appearance that it was on wheels in that photo. To your point though, I have considered doing something different with my island for sure.

Here are some suggestions from our portfolio.

I wrote an article called "How to Choose a Paint Color that Will Make You Feel Happy." It has some great designer ideas that I really like. Maybe it will help! Here's the link

Love the grasscloth wallpaper, especially the ones with the rivets, wow what a feature that would be. I would say it isn't cheap, but if you are only doing an accent wall. Tricky to hang so you would perhaps need a professional.

Love that wall paper!

Instead of barn board or the peel and stick ship lap from West Elm (see image below)

I would simply mount 1/2" wide pine half round strips or lath strips on the wall about 12" apart. Caulk the joint and repaint the wall. It's inexpensive, quite effective and will add a nice texture to your room without the expense.

I would select a different chandelier for over the table and then add some colorful art to the wall which you will have to do even if you install barn board which is not going to be inexpensive. Here is a dining area with the 1/2 round strips mounted to the walls.

Go with your gut, that's a big wall and I agree with you, covering it in rustic planks would be too much. If you don't like grey, don't feel obligated to keep it, it's been popular for much too long now. If you can lower the light fixture so it has more of a connection with the table instead it of floating up high as it is currently, I would start there. Line up your sideboard (though ideally it would be larger, it's a bit small for that wall) with the light fixture - centered with your dining table. Add a very large piece of art centered over that. See how that looks and proceed from there.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Great stuff!