Ellis Walentine
Is it the lines? The Craftsmanship? The story? Personal associations?

I suspect that it is a variable relationship between all these and more. I like the philosophy of A&C furniture, but I don't care for all A&C furniture by any means. Shaker resonates because of its simplicity and functionality and lack of ornament, but the philosophy behind it amplifies the appreciation. I admire some modern furniture on its aesthetic merits, not because it is designed for mass production.

As a furniture designer, I also understand the importance of context and its relationship to the personality and tastes of the owner. Furniture is functional (usually), so it needs to do what it is intended for, regardless of how it looks.

So, for me it is not so much a particular style as a combination of qualities -- pleasing aesthetics, impeccable function, appropriate engineering, relevant craftsmanship and attention to detail, among others. This opens my appreciation to quite a range of styles and levels of execution.

Ellis