Michael Bradley

Its fun to see the Russian Version of a Home Makeover show. Its very set in strict patterns with the demolition and construction methods but the finished products are almost always interesting. Russia does not seem to have the best resources for furniture other than the very modern. Period furnishings are not of the highest style or quality. They however always maximze storage space and function. They also love to use the most advanced lighting systems. The wide open space interiors and outrageously large kitchen islands are not possible because of the size of the buildings. Kitchens are carefully designed to maximize function to the fullest. I love how the Russian Designers always introduce electronic media into the room knowing that the homeowwners are going to watch TV, use computer media and listen to music. American shows like Fixer Upper ignore this fact when they create a "pretty" room where the only thing you can do is sit and read. When there is a TV in American shows it is always stupidly placed too high above a fireplace. Electronic media is very important in todays culture and should not be completely avoided because the designer is too incompetent to be able to integrate it properly or it violates their "esthetic". I always love learning how others live and create.