I find a lot of hi-fi component design to be lacking in design. I think some of that is driven by the fact that most manufacturers are aiming for somewhat "standard" component dimensions for given typologies but there is a lack of creativity in even the front panel of most components. There is something to be said about the timeless beauty of some of Dieter Rams' audio designs for Braun or B&O's early Beo turntables and speakers. I have yet to see a tub pre/integrated/amp that tries to step out of the proverbial box that when I look at it, I get a little design lust. The same can be said for many of the solid-state stuff out there.
Speakers are another thing altogether. Few manufacturers make anything other than boxes with some grille tweaks and veneer choices. I'm not asking that every speaker be a one-off thing, but I also think some thought about aesthetics should trickle down from flagship models into lower models. I think that's why I like PS Audio's current speaker line up. There is a consistency of aesthetic follow through all the way down the line. Sonus Faber is another that make beautiful speakers.
But...I also don't want components trending in the opposite direction where every design is aping Apple bevels and rose gold tone choices either.
I think aesthetics is important as much as sound quality. Especially if you have the Wife-Acceptance-Factor to consider.