If you lived in Manhattan during the eighties, you might remember that exposed brick walls were considered the height of hip. Then they became passé, even a bit tacky. Is there a renaissance in the air? Regard the following photos:

Brilliant idea: painted white brick as a backsplash, with Corian counters and American walnut cabinetry, from Henrybuilt.

Below: A bath in Australia from the portfolio of Hallie Burton.

Domino editor Deborah Needleman's bedroom, pictured in New York magazine:

A kitchen by Ilse Crawford, founding editor of British Elle Decor:

The Spoolen lamp (by Brooklyn furniture company Uhuru Design.com, against a painted brick backdrop.

A kitchen from our favorite magazine, Living Etc.