I think a lot of the style in older and modern pieces comes from the technology of the time.
Lots of those cabinets are ornate, because designing with panels allows for the growing and shrinking wood with temperature and humidity. The joints were also complicated, for the same reasons and to deal with the limitations of fasteners.
Centuries ago, if someone had duplicated an ikea design out of solid wood, it might come apart quickly because of the wood growing and shrinking, and the limits of old fasteners and simple joints.
It's ok to dislike ikea furniture, but remember that it is sophisticated in many hidden ways. The materials used are dimensionally stable, the fasteners are advanced, everything comes in a large flat boxes, and it can be assembled by most purchasers.
That said, there is some amazing furniture that has been built by hand. I also like those "hidden compartment" pieces you sometimes see.
Lots of those cabinets are ornate, because designing with panels allows for the growing and shrinking wood with temperature and humidity. The joints were also complicated, for the same reasons and to deal with the limitations of fasteners.
Centuries ago, if someone had duplicated an ikea design out of solid wood, it might come apart quickly because of the wood growing and shrinking, and the limits of old fasteners and simple joints.
It's ok to dislike ikea furniture, but remember that it is sophisticated in many hidden ways. The materials used are dimensionally stable, the fasteners are advanced, everything comes in a large flat boxes, and it can be assembled by most purchasers.
That said, there is some amazing furniture that has been built by hand. I also like those "hidden compartment" pieces you sometimes see.