I would choose 2- 3 colors in the warm family( cream, beige, and a brick, or colors that you like). I would water down the paint and gently sponge/drag it over the brick to give it like a new but tri color. You don't have to be precise. Just a little dab here and there may do the trick. Change the insert or paint it to black. Paint the mantel white or a color that goes with the 3 colors that you choose. All this also depends on the paint color on the wall and the items in the room. If you don't like the effect from the 3 colors, you can always paint it over with full strength one color paint. One color Whitewash is pretty, too. I would draw the FP with the existing color on paper and try the 3 colors on a piece of paper to see if doing each brick with the 3 colors is a good idea, or each color per brick, or a combo. Play with it. Decide what YOU like. I love real brick, so I would never totally paint it unless I couldn't find a better way to perk it up while keeping it fairly natural. Brick FP are very cozy and charming. All many of them need is a little pick-me-up.

Forgot I even posted this and got an update notification today. We ended up testing in a corner that would be covered. Used leftover white latex paint thinned greatly with water and a spray bottle, immediately wiped up with rags. Went over a few times until desired effect. Took about two coats.

There is a product I have used on brick - it's called Peel Away. You can google it. Get a small container and test an inconspicuous area. You can buy it at commercial paint stores in a larger quantity. It has no odor or fumes - does contain lye. Need gloves, long sleeve shirt. dumond chemicals.

Thank you everyone for the responses! I have attempted to respond 2x so far and it isn't showing up...I'll write a shorter response and then reload the computer to see if that is the issue. To answer your questions (quickly): I apologize about the sample quality. I posted the photo to show the shape of room and give you an idea of what we are working with at the moment (obviously, still working on it). I didn't even think that maybe you guys would zoom in on the pictures! I will put a higher quality one. I"m sorry they were so horrible/terrible. Thank you for the suggestion to use Duraseal/Bona. I had wondered if that was a better option but hadn't started researching. I was playing around with the minwax that I had at the house. I will def look into the Duraseal provincial. I think it's more like the color I imagine in my head. My only concern is that it would be too dark but that's what samples are for! The floors will be pine. We aren't in the position to get other wood right now, so we are going to deal with the yellowy color but it's the best we can do. fortunately, pine was common in farmhouses around here, so we aren't too far off base (I don't think so, anyway...) I am going to re-read everything and get back with more answers. I'll find a better quality sample pic. Sorry again - I didn't realize that you were looking at them!