Elton John's unapologetically bold '70s entryway reveals the enduring power of the decade – it's still guiding design trends to this day

An archival image of the musician's entryway shows that it's a masterclass in personal style – a trends expert explains why it's still timeless

elton john on a wallpaper background
(Image credit: Michael Putland via Getty Images)

Let's take a trip to 1974... the carpets are cheetah print, the silhouettes are curved, and the lighting is disco chic. It might sound dated, but the distinctive style of the 70s is still influencing our interiors to this day.

An archival image of Elton John's entryway from this time demonstrates the timeless appeal of the style. The picture shows the singer perched on a bobbin chair in front of a gallery wall. Two stuffed leopards and a crystal chandelier add a touch of retro glamor.

Though 70s trends are back in vogue, what makes Elton's space so timeless is the extent to which it is decorated with his personal style in mind. It strikes the perfect balance between taste and trendiness in a way that will always be cool.

elton john in his entryway

(Image credit: Carl Bruin/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

Shop the look

Whether or not you want to adorn your home in cheetah print, discovering your interior design style and committing to including it in your home is the best way to create an interior that always feels stylish. The combination of drawing on historic influences and integrating your personality will always win.

To test out interior design trends within your style as Elton John has done, Dayna Isom Johnson, Trends Expert at Etsy, recommends starting with accessories and focusing on quality.

She advises: 'If you want to try out a trend, it's fine. Just start small and stay away from the "fast" anything. Make the investment in the quality piece, because even if you are sick of it in ten years, guess what? You'll be able to pass that along. It's an heirloom quality piece. Whether you're giving it to a friend, a family member, or you're reselling it yourself, always opt for quality.'

However, the exception to this rule is that if a trend really resonates with you, as the looks of the 70s clearly did with Elton John, it's never a mistake to lean into that interior design style.

Dayna gives an example stating: 'If you are a diehard coquette aesthetic girlie and that is your look, then by all means, invest in those things that match your personal style. But if you simply want to try something in your space, opt for the small decor pieces that will still remain timeless because they are a beautifully made piece, but they're not making your space.'


If you want to make sure a trend looks timeless, align it with your personal style. You can always feel when interiors authentically reflect the people who live in the home. Personality shines through.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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