Don't Let Your Minimalist Bedroom Hear: Elton John's '70s Maximalist Look Is What the Chicest People Will Be Following In 2027
56 years later, Elton's gallery wall and patterned bedding are still more striking than a calming, beige room – these are the lessons designers are taking
If there is one piece of design advice I disagree with, it's the idea that your bedroom has to be an artless gray or beige sanctuary to promote relaxation. In my opinion, the most calming spaces are those that feel like an extension of your personality – full of warmth, with lots of interesting places to look, and materials that you love.
That's why looking back at Elton John's bedroom feels so refreshing. Unlike the bland bedroom ideas on 2026 Pinterest, photos of his Surrey bedroom in 1974 are alive with texture and style. In signature Elton fashion, it's totally over the top. The space features a canopy, patterned bedding, and an overstuffed gallery wall, completely singular and totally fabulous
Rather than fitting into a box of what a 'calming' bedroom looks like, the singer put his own spin on the design.
Elton John at home in his bedroom 1974
Furthermore, interior design trends for 2027 are shifting in the direction of Elton's space. Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse states: 'Increasingly consumers want their homes to feel characterful and reflective of their style and personality. Adding artwork to the space is one way to achieve this but there is also a growing interest in furniture and accessories that function as artwork in their own right.'
There are many ways to access this look. Magdalena advises: 'in the bedroom, it could be a statement, oversized headboard.' This idea echoes the bold shapes and artwork we see in Elton's space.
Recreate Elton's Look at Home
The shift towards maximalist bedrooms is more about following your own arrow than following someone else's idea of what a bedroom should look like, but it's hard to help being inspired by Elton's space. Here's our bedroom edit, inspired by the pieces in the singer's home.
So, how do you tap into this look? Start by selecting artistic furnishings like Elton's canopy bed.
Magdalena recommends: 'Reimagining furniture and accessories as artwork means choosing pieces that feel expressive whether through form, colour or pattern. And it doesn’t have to be loud to be artful – a neutral, occasional chair with a curved form feels quietly elegant, yet speaks volumes by adding artistry to the space. With sculptural furniture spotted at Milan Design Week, we can expect to see more of this style over the coming months and years.'
As demonstrated by Elton's bedding, another element to pay close attention to as you create a maximalist bedroom is incorporating interest through patterned textiles.
Carlin van Noppen, interior designer at Fig Linens and Home, advises: 'The trick to mixing patterned bedding is pairing large prints with small prints. For instance, a chintz fitted sheet with a bold stripe blanket. Together, these prints will look interesting, not overwhelming or busy. It's also important to layer different textiles. I love the look of a cotton duvet with a knit quit at the end. These contrasts bring your bed to life.'
Though there will always be a space for minimalist bedrooms, following your heart often leads to more interesting, and ultimately more calming results.
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