Your landlord will allow you to paint out the brick?

Yes. Also removed 35 year old carpets, repainted, added tile backsplash, refinished floors, etc. Much more to go. Did you have a color suggestion?

Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee in a semi-gloss

Try White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, a perfect, pure white. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

Thank you! I'll check out both today!

This is something different.

I'm going back to the rental house this weekend to hopefully finish the most of fireplace project - just need to lay the tile on the concrete in front of the fireplace. I also found a large mirror for free, will have that cut to fit back of fireplace and then add the candles!
Loved the swiss coffee color but the windows in the room reflect a TON of green from the porch material and bushes, so it made the color look different. Ended up going with a brighter white (name to follow). Painting the knotty pine is a no-go so I'm painting a variety of mirrors same color as fireplace to brighten walls. Thanks all!

So I'm ALMOST finished, but wanted to show you all progress! I'm going to tile the cement on floor in front of fireplace (an idea shown), and have a mirror cut for the inside back wall. I purchased a 5 candle holder that will be the 'fire' inside. Also I'm still playing around with what painting and pieces to put over/around the fireplace. I like this painting - one of my husband's pieces, but colors may be too muted with the glass pieces (thrift store finds and TJ max for the big one only $29!). I purchased an old window pane with mirror inserts from Criagslist, that may be the 2nd option. Thanks all for your input!