You have done a great job so far and you are right the bricks will never look right...if they can't be removed they can be easily covered with another material..since your kitchen is modern while still being homey...I would consider a board and batten paneling that can be painted maybe a darker gray or even an accent color if that appeals to you...to get ideas for other coverings try visiting Houzz photos ...type in "small islands" for lots of examples of different treatments

If the top picture is your present dining room ...I would consider putting a gray wash on the table to tie it in with kitchen better ...and finding a lighting solution that is more in scale (smaller) as it dominates the dining area as is...it also does not fit with your style ...that seems more homey and comfy while still being chic and modern

The smaller fixture would so open up the possibility for some great art on the wall to the right that is now obstructed by the large light fixture

by the way, I love your dining light! :)

Oh my goodness I posted the same exact post and didn't realize it. I really appreciate you all a input. I reeeeeaally love my bench and kitchen table....it actually caught my eye bc of the reclaimed wood look. I know what I like as far as the island look, but what I don't know or have an eye for is if it would go in our kitchen. So maybe you all could tell me if any of the pics attached would match my kitchen? Otherwise, I may try painting the brick a color like some of you said. Thanks again for you all a honesty an help in this

Oh and I believe we used agreeable gray for all of the walls and have another accent wall that runs in the kitchen that's a little darker but can't remember what color

I think the primitive wood finish is where your heart is at...I love that ,too....but since the rest of your kitchen is a little more refined ...the way to go may be smaller strips of wood..not too rough looking...maybe a primitive finish on beadboard (with a nice crown mould at top and a slightly detailed baseboard on the bottom) would bring it up a level to co-ordinate with your modern kitchen...

Can you double the size? Looks like you have room

Definitely go with wood. It will help break up some of the white and add interest. I think you've done a lovely job with your place. Also, to whomever recommended SW Agreeable Gray, it is the single best paint color choice we've made in a decade. This color goes with everything!

You can use ship lap, or barn siding, or even create a cool detail with moulding. Agreeable Gray is the best!