Laura writes to Kidist in response to her post:

The muted colors you mention are similar to those in contemporary clothing. I have wondered whether the absence of vivid color and pattern is savvy marketing. Clothing and furniture that are monotone need to be replaced more frequently, particularly grays and blacks and whites. They show dirt and wear.

Kidist writes:

I see what you mean about the quick turnover in design. When I look at Victorian furniture, and visit the interior collections at Metropolitan Museum of Art, I am struck at the commitment people made to color and design. Yes, florals and intricate patterns actually hid dirt, and they lasted a family’s life span and more in these homes. Plain sofas – dark or light – are actually less forgiving. My experience with design professionals is that they really don’t care, they do a lot of work by photocopying or computer graphics, and they often take the easy way out. Then they can spend time on their “creative” projects – experimentation, self-expression, making money, whatever.

Laura writes:

Possibly when people get more instant gratification, especially in sex and popular culture, they don’t care as much about their surroundings. When desire is sublimated, it creates more beauty in life, more craftsmanship and studied effects. Women are highly sexualized today, but less sensual in their approach to home. On the other hand, homosexual men create some great surroundings and they are very unrestrained. …. Maybe a bad theory.

Anyway, I am constantly struck by the décor of the super wealthy. It’s so monotone. I think, Gee, if I were that rich, I’d have exquisite pattern and texture everywhere. I guess many are under the influence of interior designers.

Kidist writes:

That’s a funny thing about homosexual interior designers. I watch a lot of design shows, and about 75% of the designers are homosexuals. They are as bad as any, as bland and as monotonous. They seem to have a grudge against the world. Maybe earlier homosexual artists were not like this, but the current crop is worse than terrible. They always have scowls on their faces.

I think you may be right about the sublimation bit. Another thing is that there is modernism to contend with, also luxury implies beauty, and the rage these days is “equality” – all those poor people who can’t afford luxurious things, so let’s go down a few notches. Of course, this breeds its own brand of elitism based on ugliness and pared-down designs. And prettiness is considered just plain dumb.

The awful thing is that designers are the most elitist people around – arrogant, insular, and mocking these very things that have been part of home and life since the beginning of time – imagine, Adam and Eve’s first home was a beautiful, colorful, vibrant garden!

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