DWR showroom avoidance  

I've been thinking about this alot myself ...
it's the little things that count, the layering. I think it is best to accumulate things over time. The accessories are what really add personality to a space. I'm trying to pull-off a certian eclectic, folksy, modern look that I've been admiring. Since we're referencing Flickr photos, here is one I particularly like. If you look at the rest of her photos you will see the decor is very eclectic. There are some others I like but I am having trouble finding them now.
There was a time when I really loved Pottery Barn. Then, when house shopping I went into a house all decked out in PB. It was sad and predictable. Unless you are staging a house, I think you need to take the edge, or "slickness" off a space by adding some personality with a mix if pieces.
http://flickr.com/photos/78202124@N00/2449212842/sizes/o/

Perfect example
DorieG thats a perfect example - things like the bookshelf and the wooden chair in the foreground add depth & character to the place. Same goes for sticking a glossy Componibili in with all that wood. It's unexpected and kinda funny - but works.

To address Riki's original concerns
Of course, do what you like. And who cares who approves?
But on a more interesting note, I think what Riki is speaking to is a general trend among amateur decorators. In the DIY, home decorating movement I think we are seeing homeowners aspiring to create rooms that look like what they see in catalogues, home decorating/improvement shows, industrial spaces, etc. Of course these are great places to look for inspiration. However, these spaces are designed to appeal to the masses, and/or are created in a very short period of time. It is here that they lack a certian depth that is gained by collecting unique objects over time. Anyone remember Phoebe, Rachel, and the PB apothecary table on Friends? For the amateur, copying a style like this is very "safe".
If this trend does exist, I thing it does precisely because it is safe, and also because it speaks to a certian desire for us to recreate the vision of home (ordered, uncluttered, pretty) and lifestyles (trendy, rich, etc) those spaces convey.
The more eclectic/collected look I seek out in interior design books and magazines is way, way harder to pull off because the layers cannot be recreated. Most of the accessories and at least some of the furnishings are rare/vintage/one-of-kind.
Riki, perhaps this is why the llama was calling to you. I think you should have got it. You are on the right track with that.

feather your nest
Riki, I suspect the warnings are well intentioned attempts to make sure you include yourself into the decorating scheme and design. I think this is the same argument made against early modernism. The slogan then was that modern was too cold, machine like and inhuman; and perhaps, when modern is compared against previous trends like rococo or art deco, which had rich materials and exquisite craftsmanship, I understand the view point.
Some guests have commented on the DWR theme when we entertain simply because that is their only connection to modern design, and the comments have usually been complimentary or nostalgic. I did not intend to achieve that look, but it is the result of studying the designs and carefully choosing what excites my senses. Most of my neighbors think my house is decorated in 50s style; although, I have none of the common things that most people imagine when they hear that expression.
Once guests get accustomed to my furniture they begin to see the art work which has no connection to architectural modern, although some of the pieces have modern art influences, and then they get that this is simply how I choose to decorate my home.