In Owen Jones The Grammar of Ornament he is trying to convey the idea that something should be built then decorated and not built to be decoration. I believe that what he is trying to convey is correct as an object or thing needs to function in order for it to meet its purpose. When this idea is not used we begin to get objects that fail at their purpose e.g. Meissonier's candelabra of 1734.
Decoration should be used as a way to make something constructed more visually pleasing. For example an office complex built in a city will be constructed with cold, grey, unattractive concrete and iron framing. It is unappealing and ugly. However when decoration in the form of glass panels and paint is used the building can become beautiful and marvelous - but it is still an office building which is fit for its purpose.
An example of decorated construction can more clearly be seen in the likes of Chinese architecture and more specifically the Forbidden City. The buildings which make up the city were built to house and protect the emperors of China and were used in this was for over 500 years. To make the buildings more attractive and to showcase the wealth and might of the imperial family they were decorated with gold dragons and other mythical creatures, as well as intricate hand carvings and statues. Without this decoration the City would be bare and plain. But as the City is an example of decorated construction the buildings in the City are beautiful and marvelous but also served their purpose well.
Image: A roof from a building in the Forbidden City, Beijing, China
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