They coated the masonry for a temporary fix or to hide a problem. I agree with randy 427, and get at least 3 estaments / opinions

Thanks for replying :) Yes, they told me they could add color to the cement. There are few chimney companies in my area which I would trust, this one is someone I've worked with before and was very happy with but I surely will call in at least 2 more just for comparison's sake. One of my contractors has a mason that did work for me already (rebuilding front walkway brick steps), he was quite easy to work with. I suspect, however, he'll be more money as his quote for repairing my chimney box was more, but perhaps not. I'd like to get it done within the coming year. I took a good look at it a couple of weeks ago, and while there is nothing falling off, nothing crumbly, etc. I don't like all the fine lines I see and better safe than sorry.

I have brick around my range and down the entire wall, but have 27" of cabinet and filler between the range and the brick wall. So far the inner walls don't look any different than the outer walls, but I'm pretty sure we're pulling around 1500-1800 cfm with the hood and we run it almost every time we cook. That being said, there is no way that I would put it on a backsplash. Our brick is really rough too, and requires a scrub brush to actually clean splatters. I've debated on whether or not to seal it at least on the inner walls, but have yet to do so. I just shop vac with the brush attachment or use a broom to dust off the cobwebs every couple weeks. I think of all the things that I've dealt with choosing, trying to settle on a wall color and backsplash were the hardest due to the multiple colors of the bricks. I wasn't sure if a small subway type tile would be too busy with the brick, but I'm sure others can chime in. I'm 99.9% sure that I'll be using a pink marble tile for the backsplash. I think the polished surface will be a nice contrast against the rough brick, and I think the colors coordinate well with my brick.

I think that the stone won't show off the iron work of the bed as well as a plaster wall might. You don't need to do a heavy-handed trowel job to invoke Italy, either. Color will do more to give the effect, I think. A real stone wall would be great, but you don't want the place to look like a Disneyland dungeon, either.