The Opposite of Home Improvement

Cheap tastes, or simple and functional tastes?

In looking at houses, I’ve noticed a funny thing: I like cheap finishes and materials. Not cheap as in contractor-grade junk, but cheap as in less expensive types of materials. For example, linoleum (well, technically, vinyl sheet flooring) over tile.

I certainly appreciate fancy food—in fact, I very much appreciate very nice food—so it isn’t like I’m a …