Modern creeps into mainstream

When I wrote my first post, I wish I'd been able to quote this article from the October 2005 Wall Street Journal. Turns out, they too have been noticing the mainstream embrace of modern and minimalist design.

Just a few years ago, good taste was overstated, defined by ornate Oriental carpets and sofas dripping with tassels. Dining tables came with pedestals and crystal-chandelier sales were booming. Now, in a reaction against the clutter of tradition, designers and furniture makers are emphasizing a more minimalistic look. With its insistence on sharp lines and shiny surfaces, this style in the past has sometimes been a hard sell for consumers. But this time, there's a soft twist: In place of cold or stiff materials like metal and leather, the new versions come with fuzzy fabrics, plush stuffing and more forgiving edges. The goal? To bridge classical and modern looks and make the furniture easier to live with.

What the main outlets are producing caters to those seeking chic creature comforts: a soft, cushy, padded-up version of the hard angularity of modernism. All of this is geared towards improving approachability and decreasing the intimidation of the modern design classics. Kinda like the California Roll is approachable sushi, that shows you're still hip enough to get into the raw without risking the unagi.