classroom decor

I observed a 5th grade classroom, and it was very interesting. It's understandable that all teachers have their unique classroom management style and room decor ideas, but I have never been in a classroom that was so sparsely decorated. When I walked in, there was nothing on the walls, except for a couple of posters about positive thinking. I'm used to seeing classrooms that prominently display student art either on the walls or hanging from the ceiling. It really looked like the teacher was in the process of moving into the classroom. Ther absence of books (can't recall if I even saw any!), personal effects, color and anything remotely interesting to look at amazed me. In one corner of the class, there were piles and piles of photocopied worksheets ready to be passed out. From what I've heard, this teacher likes the room like this. It reminds me more of a high school classroom. Has anyone else seen anything like this at the elementary level?