You have nothing to loose by at least trying a grout colorant before trying to remove and re-do the existing mortar. Grout colorants are going to adhere and penetrate better than plain acrylic paint.

pamghatten, what do you see as you enter? Which wall faces the entry? You've got, and are lucky to have, multiple focal points. On a scale of importance, the primary, dominant one is the long wall of bookcases and fireplace. That's a pretty massive unit and makes a big statement in the room. Wouldn't it be a lot less interesting without it? Would you want to, or could you, de-emphasize it in relation to the other elements? And so that they were all equal? You could paint it all out the color of the wall and it would be less obvious or toned down but would still be a dominant feature given its relative mass and scale, as well as textural quality. Often that wall is placed directly across from the main entry where it's on full display. A greeter, so to speak. That's the focal point for your room and you'd be hard pressed to have something else take visual precedence. As the dominant architectural feature, you likely plan your main seating area around it and facing it because its function is handy, it's structurally beautiful to look at, and it contains a warm fire if you use the fireplace. (Personally, a fireplace is a beautiful view for me whether it's lit or not.) It also provides storage for the tv, ever so important in today's world. Wouldn't it be odd to turn your back on it? Or not pay much attention to adorning it? Being prominent, you'd want to put some effort into making sure it looks good 'cause it's going to be standing out whether you like it or not. (A lot of people really don't care about what things actually look like, but those people probably wouldn't be reading a decor board.) Something like that is also a backdrop for your seating area. The French doors with a view to a pond sounds like your secondary focal point having more visual dominance than the bay window. You might accent it with beautiful drapes (or not for some). Capitalizing on its view from the seating area would also be a high priority for me. Then there's the bay area, likely less dominant overall than the French doors. In terms of not paying attention to focal points, color, for example, is often used around a focal point to highlight it. You wouldn't, however, do something dramatic like paint the French door wall (your secondary focal point) in an accent color. It would compete strongly with the main wall and wouldn't feel or look right. Why is that wall red? And it keeps grabbing your attention in an uncomfortable way. Not much flow. You could, of course, but it doesn't really make visual sense or feel right, does it. Color choices can be scaled to the focal areas, also, as some colors are more predominant than others. If you used red heavily to highlight all your focal points because you love them, it might be a bit overwhelming and confusing. Scaling the use of color, thinking about where you want some emphasis and its overall effect, would work better. For the overall space, scaling the focus throughout feels/flows better, looks better, and is more balanced, orderly, and interesting to look at and to experience. Whether you're aware of it or not, you're probably doing it or seeing it, and it probably affects whether you like or don't like a room or something in a room. All attention being proportioned equally would be pretty flat and confusing. Don't you try for that sort of variety on a small scale, when creating a mantel or tablescape? Focal points and emphasis really do make a lot of effective sense.

Hi @Danielle Smith, changing the wall paint and the backsplash will give you a more balanced and beautiful space. I know you don’t want to do the backsplash - I get it but reconsider! It will transform the space, and painting it will not. Do you have any inspiration images? If not, start googling images of kitchens with your materials. I think SW Alabaster for the walls but wondering which color white for the trim? I want to make the space look bigger. A warm white is best. A warm white can be lovely - Alabaster is a little yellow. If you want something a little more neutral, consider SW 7000 Ibis White. It will look great with your cabinets. Should the brick fireplace also be painted alabaster or something for contrast/ to match the kitchen cabinets? Suggestions? The brick is fine for now, but you could use a more refined mantel. You can build or buy a mantel cap that covers the one you have. I think white for the kitchen cabinets is overkill so looking for a warm light grey/ taupe – any SW color recommendations/ compatible with Alabaster? Or is white better to deal with the black countertops? Leave the cabinets alone for now. They seem fine. If we were to have the backsplash repainted any color suggestions there? Replace if you can. We are having the floors refinished and they can be slightly whitewashed – better to keep the natural Canadian maple or make lighter? Natural maple.

Thanks everyone for all the great resources and advice...I truly appreciate it. I am going to check them all out and learn as much as I can before making a decision on which road to take. My biggest fear is if it doesn't come out nice....I'm stuck with it...Patricia commented she has seen many bad Schmear jobs so maybe the limewash is the way to go since you can remove it in a short time. DH is up to the task but has never done this before. Beth you had mentioned possibly hiring someone to take on this task. I'm going to check that out as well. I saw that Romabio has pro contractors on their website. Who would you call for a German Schmear? I don't think it would be a painter? Your thoughts are my room doesn't really work with the limewash/schmear unless I change a lot of things. I could change the mantel, add some art, change some pillows, and replace the green chair. DH doesn't like the solid paint look so I have to find a good compromise:) Red Ryder those were my initial thoughts in this whole adventure-brighten up the room a little and add some character:) It's not the ideal room but I'm just trying to work with what I have. Miloni had mentioned that after the limewash cures and dries it has a chalky feel to it. Not really sure how I feel about that. It is a wood burning fireplace that is used not sure if how that would hold up or am I worrying too much? Nickel-Good point about limewash/schmear working with brown brick...I will have to look for some pics. Maureen-I am not able to move the tv/console to the wall across from the couch. There is a large doorway that goes into the kitchen on that wall and it would not be centered for everyone to see.