What about wallpapering that wall? I don't know your style and just going from the door color and backsplash, a couple of ideas:

I've considered wallpaper as well but the backsplash is already kind of loud so I'm worried about overwhelming the kitchen. Plus, do I wallpaper the whole thing or just a section? Ugh

I think you'd have to get the paper just right, scale and color so it doesn't compete with the backsplash.

Or, if you decided to go that direction, I'd remove the backsplash from the end wall (since you don't need it there and wallpaper that whole wall, including where the backsplash is now. Cannot see the rest of the space to suggest where to stop, but I think just on that wall would look great without overwhelming the room.

That's a great suggestion! It never occurred to me that I can remove part of the backsplash. Thank you!

I would put a large art work with graphic design that complements the back splash.

A large clock?

Even if you remove the back splash, you need something up there.

I'd hang a piece of art there, although I don't think you actually "need" anything in that space.

I agree with artwork, such as a colorful poster or photo. You do need some color there. No “word art” please (such as the word “eat“ in large letters, or “coffee” or “our kitchen”, etc.). I do not agree with the suggestion for large clock. I also agree that it’s fine to have nothing there. Not every space needs decoration.

I agree with Ida and Shannon.Its fine as is.

I like the idea of something round - a clock or maybe a mirror.

How about a place to display your Hanzo sword? ;)

Its a bit awkward to have the stair drop off in the kitchen. The half wall at eye level is what is driving your nuts . Then backsplash sticks out from the wall color drawing eye even more to the award layout. I think I would try taking a dark color outof the tile and painting the wall to blend in the area. I wouldn't hang anything it would just draw attention to a awkward layout IMO the black or deep gray or a wallpaper that will draw eye away from all the odd angles JMO Maybe take a picture away from area to get a better eye for the space and get different suggestions

It seems to me that once the baby gate is removed you will still need to enclose the sides of that short stairway? Otherwise you could accidentally step off onto the side of the stair. Are you able to open the lower cabinet?

So, perhaps you can add those railings now and just have a gate across the opening thus creating a rectangular shape. Once the awkwardness is removed you can focus on a nice piece of art for the upper wall .

metal wall sculpture:

https://www.ebay.com/c/27004199784

https://www.touchofclass.com/rhythm-metal-wall-sculpture/p/Y647-001/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/688618838/sunflower-decor-sunflower-sign-sunflower?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wood+sunflower+art&ref=sc_gallery-1-7&plkey=718429a7a5f00235d685311dcc306bc2b0e428d1%3A688618838&pro=1&frs=1&col=1

modern wood wall art:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/721471638/wood-sunflower-wall-art?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wood+sunflower+art&ref=sr_gallery-1-1

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/crescent-moon-wall-shelf?inventoryCountry=US&color=020&size=ONE%20SIZE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzfTnprvx6gIVmIjICh1S4gBUEAQYAiABEgLrsfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c2771951/stratton-home-decor-wall-decor-collection.jsp?color=Multi&prdPV=2