Paint it or wrap it with metal roof flashing. Could add industrial looking nail head trim.

You could paint the post the same color as your window & door trim.

Galvinized metal roof flashing can work (get help, edges are sharp enough to cut you / need a tinners expertise) or if you go paint - paint it gray - the same tone as the countertop but two shades darker.

Can you wrap it in a thin veneer of the same wood as in your cabinets?

Yea I hate the black shiny tile, but scared to take it off--- what is under there?!

How about the wall color? Suggestions.

Charcoal gray.

Have you thought about cladding it with mosaic tiles? I think that would be a great route to go...

I'm wondering if a flat black paint or charcoal grey paint would help the post to not be so obvious?

In a mid-century modern space, we faced the same dilemma with two rather thin and unprepossessing posts. The solution was to cover the posts with the same wood as the cabinets, mirroring the square lines in the kitchen by square posts with an architectural detail that matched the finger pulls on the cabinet doors.

Could that work for you?

Also, painting the door black or a dark grey might give the industrial loft look. I did the same thing with my apartment above the garage and I love it. Photo attached.

What if you do the wood up to the counter height and then the wall color from the counter to the ceiling. I think it should disappear and I would avoid calling attention to it. If you do it all black, it will stand out. I feel bad that you have that post there at all...bummer!

Wrap it completely in rope in keeping with the industrial vibe. Paint the wider top black.
http://houzz.com/photos/5723864

You could put hooks on it and hang a plant or a some pans on it the are facing the sink if noone sits close to it or put it on one side only. Someone I know, puts her kids drawings on it. Looks nice and homey too!

An idea from Houzz pages:

The simplest solution is to treat it as a purposeful part of the design, and paint it - a bright primary shade would work, but a faux treatment could be fun,too ( click to see pole ex. on left) -

This is what Ines Hanl from "Sky is the Limit" did...
Looks great!
You can look her up under professionals here on Houzz. It was her Shawnigan Lake residence project. Scroll to the right, then you will find it.

That looks like wrapping with flashing.

Hi
Here is my take on it:
1. I would definitely inclose it - frame it so that you cover that black shiny tiles or bigger depends on the actual space you have and how many seating you can have alongside the
counter turning it into extra storage space but match the design of your cabinetry.
Bottom part can be accessibly from all sides or just two, depending on the space you have and proportions. Take care that it flaws nicely and IS in proportion with your island.
1a. Side facing out - do the same style of cabinetry just a little bit shallower that the ones you have - good for glasses, cups and sources etc.
1b. Inner side facing the back door - deep enough for plates and bowls etc.
1c. Side facing your sink - even if it takes the whole width of the counter top would be perfect shelves for storing small kitchen appliances and the very bottom one can be used for coffee maker, due to the location of the plug in.

2.Choice of coverings:
2a. Matching wood/MDF with existing cabinetry to achieve softer look (full height or to the counter top)
2b. Matching bricks to tie in back brick wall, full height or just from counter top up.
2c. Tile your back splash and use the same tiles to do the post full height or just from counter top - up (bottom part in cabinetry)

3. Top of the post
Balance it out - so it does not look out of space.

4. Paint you back door different color.
Hope it gives you the idea you like.

I would box the whole thing in and use rustic wood similar to the ceiling to make it look like a giant wooden beam from floor to ceiling.

Thanks everyone. My original idea, which is echoed by some of you, was to find wood like the ceiling and box it in to look like a beam, not a white thing. Too bad it was painted in the first place. Anyhow, another question is, I want to add a fireplace in the living room but cant plumb in gas to run it. You can see the living room in this picture. Any suggestions?

Ethanol. I'm sorry you finished about the pole. Told hubby I couldn't make a coffee because I had to post a post about a post, post haste. Will make coffee.

[houzz=]

Check the products page for more options.

I would not box it in with wood, I would either paint it, or wrap it with something interesting... its not going away. (PS: I have a 30' pole in the open space in my home, it is part of the "bones" of this house. It is distressed and has a rust patina...flows into the stained concrete floors.

Sorry to derail, but I can't resist construction mysteries when I see them. Didn't any other pro on here question the original image showing the drain pipe being run right through the center of that load bearing beam? Is the material covering the pipe additional steel or concrete? There's obviously a structural workaround there, but looks like a significant no-no in my book. Anyhow, proceed covering it up.

I'm no pro, but it looks like there is a 'sister' beam painted white beside the original beam.

Paint it charcoal/black or pack it in wood.

That image 4 bookshelf idea wins. Where'd you find it??

(Buckminster, click on green text for more info.)