So I'm going to be updating our fireplace. I think I'm going to need to stain the actual bricks darker. I'm wondering what brands of stain would be best for brick I read somewhere that concrete stain would be best? Also, from what I've researched there seems many different ways to achieve the slight whitewashy look. I've read with thinned out paint, limewash, or white mortar. Has anyone done something like this and have any suggestions?

My goal from the whitewash look is to be very light like the photo. I cant seem to find any videos or articles that show that. for the most part they all completely whitewash them out. Any suggestions would be appreciated, it's such a huge piece that I really dont want to mess it up.