Judy H. is NOT an ol' Lady but definitely an 'Artiste"!
And definitely true...the gloss detracts from the piece and is hard on the eyes if the light is directly on the piece.
I just read a comment in a woodworking magazine that "sometimes you have to waste a little wood to gain the desired effect!"
Just as in the 'kitchen' world, it is all about "presentation". If food Looks Good it usually tastes good also!
So, IMNSHO, using the same wood, stained darker and 'angled' for artistic presentation is a very good idea idea.
~~~GB~~~