Mossman
What you seem to be thinking of is Brick Slips - these are about 15-20mm thick and can be bought pre made in panels. It won't be cheap though - but does look like real brick ('cos they are
: )
Another way could be to grit blast/jet blast the bricks you have exposed to get a cleaner look.
Neither are jobs I'd like to tackle in my house - why can't you tile it, paper it or paint it like a normal person????