<a href='http://books.guardian.co.uk/departments/politicsphilosophyandsociety/story/0,6000,627752,00.html' >This</a> article reminded me, that I've often thought it would be easier to think, live and sleep in a house that was almost empty. You'd be able to control your desires (or it might enhance them)..but the most rewarding thing would be the dreams you'd have in a house like that.
I'm sure they would compensate for the lack of ornaments.

Less isn't instantly more. It's only as you grow older that you are able to appreciate silence - and the temporarily absence of idiocy, for example.