I think what you have so far is great. Not a fan of seeing the exercise equipment. Maybe you could screen that off with a modern laser cut wood panels. I would also look at carpet tile. (Flor.com) They've come a long way it it will really help with making the space cozier and help with sound transmission from the equipment. May also want to look at doing a digital wall covering on the feature wall.

Modular Arts makes wavy tile, for textural interest in a modern vein. Black tile would also look sleek here.

Those are both great ideas. I also haven't been thrilled with the idea of the exercise equipment being visible but wasn't sure about a good choice.

I have seen pics of the wavy tile and like it but wasn't sure how far on the wall to tile.

Thanks for the ideas!

I too love the wavy tile .... If it were me any tile I do I would go right from the left of the fireplace and across the whole length of the wall. Beware though that if you choose a textured wavy tile and extend it the entire length of the wall you may have a problem mounting a TV as displayed in your picture. Regardless of material chosen I would do the whole length of that wall it would look really sleek and modern. You could also do a tile with a striation in it, like the picture I have attached. By attaching the tile so that the striation is running vertical. you would also be visually expanding the height.

I also wonder (if anyone knows please answer), would it be possible to do apply a thin layer of concrete to the wall and polishing it? The below pics are examples of concrete fireplace surrounds, however it appears they are poured traditionally using concrete forms. Not sure if you could apply a concrete coating the wall and polish it without it cracking and being to heavy to attach to drywall? I am neither a builder, an engineer, nor a design expert just dude at working killing time during a slow shift LOL!

I don't think you can have a thin layer of concrete, because it is heavy and won't adhere to wallboard, but if you like that look you could have a smooth stucco applied. I think a simple, large, tile used floor to ceiling and to the corner and the same distance on the other side would look great though.

Thank you, both. I love the idea of the concrete and will look at smooth stucco.

I just looked at the smooth stucco and think it may be exactly what I was looking for! Now I'm thinking this smooth stucco (I even love the color of this one so that is my next mission).

I'm thinking about using the smooth stucco look above, going all the way up to the ceiling, at the width across of the photo below. So, it'd be about 6" or so on either side of the fireplace. It'd be to the end of the wall to the left of the fireplace, then an equal amount of space to the right of the fireplace. Thoughts?