I'm trying to find a way to improve the curb appeal of my dated brick. I've considered painting (everyone says that's crazy), limewashing or German smear (few in DC area do this kind of work so hearing it's expensive), and now I'm considering brick staining.

Anyone have experience with staining old brick? Could I get away with just staining the ugly blackish bricks? Could they make them closer to the red but maybe just different enough to leave some variation?

I'm open to any not unusually expensive option for improving the look of those bricks! Thank you in advance.