Solutions for ugly fake stone wall?

[lovedthebook]

I want to change the wall behind my wood burning stove. Photo is at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11663550@N08/1144942892/

It doesn't look too horrible in the photo, but when you see it in real life, it's hideous!

Any suggestions for what can be done?

[pushkins]

You could render over the rock with a product called "quikwall" (available at Lowes/HD). You simply mix it up trowel it on to what ever finish you like smooth, textured, etc... let it dry then paint it.
The product is fiber enhanced so it'sa bond is very strong and well suited to what your looking at.
2 out of 10 in the difficulty department (10 being hardest).
Or
you could simply paint the rock (cheapest and easiest)
or
You could frame out around it and then drywall it in.

[lovedthebook]

Do I need to use special paint, given that it's close to the wood stove?

[pushkins]

No not at all, standard latex paint will do just fine.

[Allison1888]

I like that idea -- cover it with something much more sophisticated.