Helping DD look at furniture here. The vast majority of it is dark wood and a lot is the more old fashioned/classic designs. It's what we describe as "funeral home furniture". Where are the more modern designs in lighter shades. I know Ikea is the most obvious, but were looking for something a bit better quality.

Cost plus world market?
Local furniture shops?
Rodeo Drive?

Agreed furniture seems to be mainly old fashioned and overly ornate...or 60's style ultra modern.

Most of it is hideous. Crate & Barrel?

Horridly expensive, but it is good. Arhaus is another good place to check out.

Google "modern furniture" and there are plenty of alternatives pop up. I presume what Google found is "modern", though IMO mostly it looks like design students' projects, but it's certainly different from the more usual conservative furniture styles.

People who are oblivious to (of) their surroundings.

Like people texting whilst walking...oblivious to everything going on around them.

I had that yesterday, someone on their bicycle was on the phone and they were bombing it down the hill using the racing line, probably doing about 30mph.

Was a surprise, because I was doing about the same up the hill...on a one way road.

Luckily I managed to miss him by swerving into someone's driveway.

Dumbwalking...(or biking.)
Japan enters the era of smartphones and 'dumbwalking' - BBC News

Pet Peeve - Ikea shopping carts with all four wheels swiveling! Horrible to maneuver, especially when heavily laden and on a sloping parking lot surface!

What were they thinking ...

We were at the Ikea in Emeryville yesterday (nr. Oakland/Berkeley) and oh my ... they must do very well ... hoards of people, everyone buying. Would love to see what their 'numbers' are like (revenues, profits, etc).

I have a confession. I have never ever stepped foot inside an Ikea Store. What am I missing??

Nothing much, unless you think that cheap furniture is better if it has a Swedish name. .... Not just the Swedish name for a chair, table, or bookcase; meet Hampus the chair, Gunner the table, and Maklolm the bookcase.

Let it go Pulaski...

Consider it done.