In his book "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," Bill Bryson reflects on the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy. He contrasts these opulent practices with the more restrained approach of Frank Huntington Beebe, who maintained two mansions: one for living and the other for continual decoration. This example highlights the extremes of wealth and the varying attitudes towards home and comfort throughout history.

Beebe's choice to keep a home solely for decoration underscores a culture of excess and the significance placed on aesthetics among the affluent. Bryson’s exploration of private life reveals how different individuals navigate their domestic spaces, offering a critical lens on social norms related to wealth and personal expression.