Just laughing at "puce." I bought a new Columbia two layer winter coat this year. The outside layer is definitely a greyish-brown, but the inner layer is a purple-ish brown - puce. I love it, and I get compliments every time I wear it.
Fabric colors and patterns are so much a matter of taste. I have made several quilts that were in shades of brown, which I love, but so many others avoid. Same with oranges, yellows, greys and greens. I have very little red or true blue in my stash, because those are not colors I am drawn to. Different strokes.
I love the idea that if you think a fabric is ugly, you just haven't cut it small enough. LOL