Figure 1. Ikea. Green White living room. Retrieved from: http://elyounes.com/2010/12/14/living-room-green-interior-paint-ideas-for-fresh-home-design/green-white-living-room-paint-ideas-by-ikea/
Adolf Loos argued in 1908 that, “The evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from objects of daily use.” (Loos, 1910, p.76) I do not support such a point of view. I think that ornament helps to make things beautiful and unique. What if we imagine for a second that people abandoned ornament at all. There is no ornament anymore. People are surrounded by dull plain things and surfaces. All the furniture, dishes, wallpapers, clothing, everything is the same. All the people use very similar or even the same things. That would remind me of an incubator. People would start losing their individualities. Everyone has his (or her) own taste and chooses individually things that would be pleasant to use every day particularly for that person, considering his (or her) preferences. He calls those people who does not share that idea “hob goblins” (Loos, 1910, p.76) which I think is too strong and even offensive. I think that good supportive argument can never be offensive. He says: “I had thought to introduce a new joy into the world: but it has not thanked me for it.” (Loos, 1910, p.76)To convince someone in his (or her) views person should first learn to respect the opinion of the views of the opponent, which Loos didn’t. That’s probably the reason why he failed. I cannot judge if he is right or wrong about ornament. Personally I think that presence of ornamentation can be rater good or bad depending on a particular object. For instance a on a picture above a piece of ornamentation can be seen, which in my opinion is quite good. Black and white stripped rug fits into interior quite well, supporting minimalistic style of the room. But even if Loos is right and ornament should be removed, then he was too revolutionary in his desire to get rid of it. As known, changes never happen quickly and people need time to accept and appreciate innovations.
References: Loos A. (1910). Ornament and Crime.
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