I think I understand where is this coming from. You are used to "aesthetically pleasing" GUI elements. The thing is, people want their task done -- mail being delivered, route being found, notes recorded. Anything extra is a cognitive load for the user. The UIs I like the most have minimal amount of visual elements.

I'd like to compare the shift in style of the GUI from http://www.knifepurveyor.com/images/content/larry%20fuegen%2... to http://www.bestchefknifereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/.... A typical housewive would prefer to buy the second knife because it's easier to use and wash. It's also cheaper.