A better point than the one I was trying to make.
To be honest, I’m a traditionalist and there is only one of these innovations I would like in my own house. But inventions, design improvements, and new materials can improve our lives, and the impulse to have something better drives our economy.
It’s one reason America became so glorious. No, not because we are all obsessed with “keeping up with the Joneses,” out of resentment and envy, but because we can observe that the Joneses’ lives are better due to some lovely new possession, so we are willing to work hard, save our money, and then spend to have better lives, too.
Take the example of the deck. Fifty years ago, the deck was almost unknown outside of beach towns. But they really do add to the quality of life and allow you to enjoy more of your house, especially if your house is built on a lot with a steep grade. Now, most houses across the US have them. Building decks is a multi-billion-dollar business employing many people in a complex network of suppliers, designers, builders, and employees. New materials have been engineered to make decks better and safer. Even homeowners who do it themselves contribute by buying materials and tools. This innovation has improved everybody’s life. Classic American economics at work!