Limewash it instead. It lets some of the natural tones of the brick shine through but gives it a more weathered and natural appearance than a solid paint job will. It actually isn't that difficult to remove, and that would give you that 4" back to the room. Tape down some masonite to protect the floors and get in there with a hammer and chisel. Or pay market labor rates to some temps. A couple of hours and it's gone.

Nursetammi, instead of messing with the trim--because you're not really ready for that, why not paint the walls a similarly medium-dark-to-dark color that looks wonderful in lamplight, makes the trim a quiet detail, the whole coordinating with the kitchen wall at the other end? Very significantly, erasing most of the contrast provided by trim and possessions against light walls, so that your decor blended harmoniously, would keep the richness they bring but lose any feeling of clutter. This is why so many of the rich old layered rooms were in dark values. To me, going this direction would only build on the inviting coziness you've already created in that area and make it a very appealing alternative to the brightness of the seating area by the kitchen. Most of my house is white with whites because it's not that large and I like that, but I think the trend for almost exclusively light walls in this era is regrettable, causing people to miss out on some very special options. http://gossiplankasinhala.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Dark-Green-Living-Room.jpg

Also, we've changed some things in our kitchen/breakfast room area so that color is going lighter. Currently it's SW Colonnade, but will be changing to SW Glacial Stream. It's a similar tone, but I want to go lighter. From the kitchen, there's an opening to an area where the garage door is on the left side and the powder room door is on the right side. Here's the Cheerful door to the garage. If you don't like it, please keep your comments to yourself. I like it a lot, but it's a bit brighter than I anticipated. Note to self to always do a sample, not just hold up a swatch. I will not repaint it. It looks good, just personal preference to the brightness. The gray is Colonnade, but changing to a smidge lighter gray.

Your new floors look nice! What's is your budget for the fireplace? Before you get your floors redone, I would definitely decide what to do about the red hearth tiles so you won't have to later yank the tiles out of your new floor. A low budget update would be to beef up the mantle and the trim and paint it to match the existing trim in the room.