[Zeke]

I too will vote for the brick but...

If you think it's too dark, you might be able to sorta white wash it. This is done with a white pool plaster that is brushed on and then brushed into the brick until it looks the way you want. Like they do with so called 'used' bricks at the supply yard. It will dry considerably lighter so do plenty of testing before doing something that can't be undone easily. Getting some spare bricks might be good idea.

There are different techniques too, like splattering the white plaster and then rubbing it with burlap. When being creative there are many paths.