I'm probably from an older generation than you (GenX), but the wife and I have four kids and we decided a long time ago that we didn't want them to grow up in a museum where they weren't allowed to touch things, play with things, or to have accidents. In the near future when the (presumed) grandkids start coming over we will keep the same standard.

We also have the same furniture that we bought 20 years ago as we could afford it. It is all scratched, dented, frayed and worn. It has contributed itself to a lot of living, which is what we think possessions should do. We want to own our things, not the other way around.

I think that's a good point.

My parents bought reasonable sturdy hardwood furniture (In the early 70s I think) and apart from a few replacements it's still in use, having survived moving twice. I'm glad I was never told to not just "live" there, using it.

My own flat is very different, we bought most of the furniture while I was still a student and my wife was starting her first job, so of course there's a lot of IKEA and other not so expensive stuff, but to be honest... even after 10 years now I don't feel the need to replace a lot, my desk doesn't look too good but everything else looks pretty ok or even brand new, so maybe disposable stuff is sturdy enough for a good chunk of people? We haven't moved and I heard IKEA stuff often won't survive a 2nd move, so that might be another thing.

I pretty much outfitted my entire house with antiques other people were giving away. As a history buff it's cool to know that 30-100+yr ago someone did exactly what I'm doing but pretty much everything I have bears wear from it's age and if I had to be worried about treating it right that would suck all the fun out.

> I never understood the appeal of china or any of these antiques. I think they just look terrible.

It depends. Surely some styles are not wonderful, but others are quite beautiful. Some styles are very of their time (and look horrible later), while others are timeless.

I like the timeless stuff. Lenox Federal china will never, ever look bad. Chantilly, Fairfax or Strasbourg silverware will always have a place at a table. A good Baccarat or Waterford crystal will always sparkle. Sure, one could go for 2020-trendy, but in 2025 or 2030 it will look old & crusty — but the classic never grow stale.

Complete sets of reasonable fancy china can be cheaper at a thrift shop than buying a few every day place settings at crate & barrel. Eat on fancy china every day, put it in the dish washer. When you tire of it, dispose of it (thrift shop again, or throw away).