ugly beam it is...

Originally we wanted to put the structural beam in the attic so it will look seamless but because of the budget, we had to go with a big structural beam across the room or a post on the end of the kitchen which I didn't like. So we went with the big long beam option, hoping this beam will be at least a little prettier, at least not an eye sore but here it is! We need to find a way to make it pretty ASAP! The contractors offered to wrap it with drywall but I just didn't think that's the look I wanted: a weird mini wall across the room... I'm going to paint it white for now, but I think we can wrap it up with a nice veneer or something that doesn't add too much thickness to it and will make it look like an intentional, decorative beam.