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:

Above: A brick backsplash painted white in a kitchen from Henrybuilt.

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

Above: Ilse Crawford's London kitchen.

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