I came across this (not necessarily new) spread. A home decorated by Dallas designer, Michelle Nussbaumer. The style is described as "Rich Hippie." And it was a "temporary" home for the clients. Uh huh. Take a gander, then, let's talk...

What's your first impression?

Do you, like me, think, "Well, if we took some of the elements away, I could deal?"

Or does your little devious inner voice gasp at the sheer excess of it all? For instance, take those curtains in the (tangerine??) dining room - the felt flowers were hand-drawn and sewn by ~~Nussbaumer~~ her assistants. This is a designer known for her vast knowledge of antiques, and she goes for a DIY felt project? If I were the client, I'd be more than a little ticked at the "quirky" use of my funds...

Here, in the Batik-laden sunroom, she used a clementine velvet sofa (which I kinda lerve), but paired it with a French Country coffee table that probably has serious provenance, but that I swear you could recreate via Hobby Lobby. Oh, and get this...she stated that the bench/coffee table was washed with a cream white, because "bright white paint looks cheap" (or something along those lines) Really? Go back and check out that dining room table....

Office/Library of a World Traveler = Good

But, are you seeing my point, here? Yes, designers have an obligation to create a space that adheres to clients' wishes, and perhaps this client wanted the "I have so much money, I can have a 'temporary,' eccentric home" look. But, I would argue that designers also need to push past their own whims. To me, this space is wasteful.
It reminds me of some line in Ben Hurr or other epic film where there's a Ruler who does nasty things because [insert snooty accent] "It amuses me."

If this stairwell were sans the blah-beige carpet, I might, might be able to give it a pass...but something about these carpetted stairs makes it beyond repair.

Bedroom madness

So, tell me, am I getting bogged down? Do I need to take a deep breath, and remember that design is a world where style is ultimately subjective, and where there really is no accountability on the part of the designer, so long as the client agrees and signs the invoices?
Set me straight, peeps!

On a lighter note...If you're a mommy-to-be or new mommy, check out my guest post today at Odi et Amo featuring my Advice for New Moms.