One thought that just entered my head -- perhaps it's significant here.
This iconoclastic (statue-breaking) protestant tendency towards minimalism in church decor, denuding the sanctuary, etc. tends to make the church surroundings very neutral (letting you be), rather than actively "good" (pulling you up to thoughts of God, heaven, the Saints, angels, etc).
In this way, the only attractive feature of the church is the CONGREGATION -- the people. You are going to notice only them, rather than the church around you. It "helps you" to focus on the people!
Could you imagine trying to stay in each of these churches (before and after) to pray and meditate outside normal Mass times, when no one else is present?
In the former, the decor would help to raise our puny human minds to thoughts of heaven, the presence of God, angels adoring God in the tabernacle, etc.
In the latter (wreckovated church), it would be bare and almost depressing. You would be psychologically encouraged to consider the church an "empty shell" when the "people of God" are not present.