Elton John's Layered '70s Living Room Was an Ode to Personal Style – 50 Years Later, His Look is Trending Again
Records, rows of books, and a piano turn the singer's home in Surrey into a rich, textural celebration of his love for art
In 2026, the 'analog living' trend is deeply influencing how we engage with the world around us, encouraging creative, off-screen hobbies and activities. Of course, our interiors are reflecting this shift. Homeowners are engaging more with tactility in their homes, opting to fill their shelves with collected books, feature instruments, and leave crafting supplies out in the open.
Long before 'friction-maxxing' had taken over our Pinterest boards, tastemakers were turning their spaces into homages to their hobbies – and Elton John was an early adopter.
Photos of the singer's home in Surrey from 1974 show a living room alive with books, music, and instruments. Against a background of pure heritage decor (think crystal chandeliers and gilding), the stacks of records and piano make his space feel whimsical and fun.
As analog rooms are once again all the rage, we turn back in time to Elton's space to understand how chic people decorated with their hobbies before the internet. We'll start with a glimpse into his home, explore a curation of the items within, and then Homes & Gardens spoke with design experts to get to the bottom of what they think about the look.
Elton John at Home in Surrey 1974
Recreate Elton's Look at Home
Heritage-style pieces mix with personal effects to turn Elton John's living room into a unique jewel-box. Here are our editors' picks for recreating his look.
A crystal chandelier is the epitome of Regal luxury and can set the tone for the whole room. This one has a gold tone, which warms up the crystal and would work beautifully in contrast with a cream or beige room.
A gold-rimmed mirror with an ornate frame like this one, makes a real statement, especially when supersized as we see in Elton John's living room. If you're looking for an utterly timeless way to make a room appear larger, this is it.
This vintage club armchair has a wonderful patina to the tan leather from wear, giving it an analog feel. It would be pretty layered with colorful cushions for a varied look.
If you're filling your bookshelves with books as decor, of course, you want them to look beautiful. These intricate editions from Anthropologie are a great way to add classics to your collection, the stylish way.
Crafted from genuine leather, this piece brings rustic charm and lasting character without feeling heavy. Effortlessly chic layered over a linen sofa or paired with other leather pieces, it adds a touch of classic sophistication that elevates any interior.
If you want to fill your living room with records as Elton has done, you will need a place to store them. This stylish mid-century shelf is the perfect place.
As Elton's maximalist living room demonstrates, the analog trend is a new approach to curated clutter. Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, states: 'Making your home more analog isn’t about rejecting technology outright; it’s about intention. Every object, every corner, every ritual is chosen to reward attention and care. From setting a table for a slow breakfast to curating a shelf of meaningful books and objects, analog interiors encourage us to slow down, to notice, and to take pleasure in the small, deliberate acts that turn a house into a home.'
To ensure this intentional energy, it's important to build opportunities for connection into your interiors. From books on the shelves to a piano on the floor, it's all about being in touch with the world around you.
'Analog living at home is about creating spaces where the digital world can step aside,' says Magdalena. 'It’s the quiet corner with a favorite armchair, the morning spent brewing tea in a ceramic pot, the deliberate pause to read a book rather than scroll. By designing rooms that encourage reflection and stillness, we reclaim our homes as sanctuaries of calm, where every action is savored rather than rushed.'
In addition to helping you slow down, analog interiors like Elton's can encourage creativity. Constant exposure to art is a key ingredient to making it.
Interiors expert Kate O'Brien explains: 'Another great way to inspire creativity is to display your work. Whether that be crafts, paintings or even your instruments, having reminders of your passion around is sure to motivate you to keep on creating.
If you are hoping to be more present in your home, life, or creative practice, Elton John's '70s living room presents an excellent inspiration for how to manifest these changes through your home.
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