Maybe. Do you have more photos of the kitchen with all the lights on? Have you already changed the lighting? Do you have maximum wattage in the lights over the cooktop? There are new LED bulbs that can replace even the oddball little bulbs that are often installed over cooktops. They can be three or four times brighter than the old small bulbs.

Another option is to paint it white or off white to coordinate with the rest of the kitchen and house colors, then add stainless steel panels behind the cooktop.

Lighting does need to be addressed. Ultimately I'd like to remove the wall on the right for more natural light and have the cabinets painted a cream and perhaps rework to have an Island instead of the peninsula. Until I can tackle a bigger remodel I was thinking it would be an improvement to lighten that brick somehow.

Hi, I think whitewashing the brick would definitely help give the room a brighter, fresher updated look.

I'd leave it alone. But, I'd give it a good scrubbing and remove the clock, maybe replace it with a more decorative one. Colorful or bright white tray with your oils and other condiments/salt & pepper. Shine up your pots/pans. Wait until you're ready to do some real renovations before spending time and effort on changing the look of the brick.

Even at that point I'd have to address the brick. What are the options? I suppose I could tile over it....

I tend to agree with Anne. However, in this case, I think whitewashing the brick could be an improvement.

There is only one can light in the middle of the room. The other walls have those horrid boxes with fluorescent lights.

Please don't. I am a Mason and am impressed with the quality of this job. Add LED track lighting, centered in the ceiling. You can aim them however you want, and, they are brighter than you would think. Post installation, you will want to darken the cabinets by 1 shade and maybe a grey/charcoal colored sink with a pewter faucet.

I love brick. I have a used brick fireplace in my DR. If someone suggested painting or whitewashing it, they'd leave on a gurney. I like the warm brown tones of yours, but I like the 2nd part of apple_pie_order's suggestion at top. I think a SS backsplash behind your cooktop, combined w/ Rob's Home Improvements' LED lighting would go a long way, only I'd use monorail vs. conventional track.

Hmmmm. That gives me pause. I have been told this brick is quality work, and the house was built by my late father so I have an emotional hurdle with changes. However, the next room features even MORE brick. It's a lot to take. Perhaps a very light wash in the kitchen is a good compromise.

I like the ss backsplash but a fluorescent fixture would have to come out and some lighting installed and there is a big fan to work around up there. My results my not be as good as those pictured and lighting looks to play a big part in that pretty stainless backsplash.

If you opt for whitewash, I'd go w/ light one like in chloebud's pic above, maybe even lighter since your brick is a muted brown, not a red or orangish-red like you see getting painted, whitewashed or covered w/ tile or stone on HGtv.

I vote for the whitewash.

You can simply replace the old fluorescent tubes with new LED "tubes"., four for under $50. No fuss, no muss, just install like a regular fluorescent tube. Here's a sample of what's available: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperikon-equivalent-Single-Ended-DLC-Qualified-Tombstones/dp/B00NXBMDEY

For the single can recessed fixture: I'd go ahead and choose a simple 3-bulb semi-flush fixture to replace it or have an electrician add one nearby, then put in some LED warm white bulbs (the kind that replace 75 watt incandescent bulbs are plenty bright enough for many people). Like this: http://www.dolandesigns.com/item.html?modelnum=204-78