David Bowie's '70s Jacquard Sofa Predicted the Anti-Trend Look Dominating Our Living Rooms in 2026
A peek into David Bowie's living room from 1972 demonstrates that more is more – it's the same look we're taking guidance from this year
Nothing is more 2026 than the '70s. As homeowners rebel against the greige, modern farmhouse interiors of the early 2020s, nothing is more appealing than the disco era. Thus, Homes & Gardens turns to the home of one of the most famous style icons of the time for timeless inspiration: David Bowie. His pattern-drenched living room is giving us plenty of ideas.
An archival photograph from 1972 offers a glimpse into the singer's maximalist living room in his London home. It's complete with a jacquard sofa, floral rug, and fringe-trimmed ottoman. In a period famed for its stylistic excesses, David Bowie took the look to the max through textiles. Though it's not immediately apparent, his sofa was ahead of its time.
Bowie's use of jacquard in the '70s points to a trend from this period we're seeing resurge in 2026: the obsession with antique craftsmanship. To dive deeper, we spoke with interiors experts on how the chicest people are using maximalism that draws inspiration from a variety of periods. We also curated an edit of the best pieces we'd use to recreate David Bowie's space in the modern day.
David Bowie in the living room of his Haddon Hall flat in London, 1972
Recreate Bowie's Look at Home
For a jacquard sofa with a contempoary feel, look no further than this stunning showpiece from Anthropologie. Its subtle curves and artfully patterned fabric feel storied yet inviting.
This stunning Sanderson x Ruggable rug would fit in perfectly in this stunning home, and its washable construction makes it a practical choice for those with children or pets. It's a limited edition collaboration, so act fast before it sells out.
This stylish lacquer tray is the perfect way to bring a pop of color and chinoiserie into your home without the whole room commitment. It would be perfect on a living room coffee table.
David Bowie used large glass bowls as ashtrays in his '70s living room, and these pieces take the look to the next level. Their gorgeously intricate detail adds personality to any space.
A tufted ottoman instantly gives any living room that old world feel of David Bowie's space. It's simultaneously retro and inviting.
There's a lot to love about this throw blanket, but what we like the most is that the jacquard floral pattern is reversible for twice the wear. We know you'll appreciate, too.
As David Bowie's living room showed in the '70s, maximalism is evolving to pull from different eras. This is also true of 2026 interior design trends. Design expert Shelley Cochrane explains: 'Maximalism will continue its dominance this autumn-winter but in a new and reimagined way. Rather than lashings of contrasting colors and patterns, expect to see a vibrant celebration of curated eccentricity and a mix of old and new as consumers continue to decorate their homes in a way that feels characterful and personal.'
To replicate Bowie's look, she advises: 'Classic furniture, like chesterfield sofas and armchairs, will be styled alongside contemporary abstract patterns or traditional stripes, while traditional wooden furniture and artisan pottery will sit side-by-side, blending heritage character with contemporary styling.'
'This look celebrates the art and joy of expressive living,' concludes Shelley. 'By layering contrasting textures and playful prints, you can create a home that feels soulful and alive - a warm and spirited space for the season ahead.'
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