From the blend of heritage and comfort to cozy pattern layering, there is just something about British interiors. As British style returns to the forefront of fashion and culture, the UK's influence on interior design aesthetics is sure to grow. We turn to one of Britain's all-time style icons for inspiration: Elton John.
A photoshoot from 1974 shows the musician reclining on a black and white houndstooth lounger that defies sofa trends. Rather than dating the photo to a certain era, its traditional yet rock-and-roll sensibility makes the pattern feel utterly timeless. The statement sofa helps Elton's bedazzled sunglasses and gold shoes to look right at home. However, it's also easy to imagine the piece in a traditional British home.
Houndstooth is still popular today, as evidenced by the abundance of furniture with the pattern on stylish home retail sites (this beautiful black and white sofa on Wayfair that looks almost exactly like Elton's is just one great example).
Just like Elton, the pattern is a treasure of UK design. Houndstooth was conceived in the Scottish lowlands in the 1800s as a humble, utilitarian fabric. When high society began wearing the pattern in the 1930s, it gained prestige as a symbol of wealth and classic style. Houndstooth's meteoric rise continued into the mid-century as it was embraced by high-profile designers, including Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and Sonia Rykiel.
The Houndstooth Edit
Oversized houndstooth print feels playful yet elevated. I love the idea of layering patterns on this chair with floral and striped pillows for a whimsical look.
Luxury meets comfort in this sophisticated twill-quilted throw. Its neutral hues combined with classic houndstooth are a modern take on tradition.
What's more classic than cream and black houndstooth? This pretty pillow is the perfect elevated touch for a dark sofa.
According to the experts, the enduring popularity of pieces like Elton's houndstooth sofa comes from the rich history and undeniable beauty of the United Kingdom's approach to pattern.
Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery at DFS, explains: 'From classically crafted Chesterfield sofas through to dramatic boutique-hotel style headboards and of course a dash of stripes and plaid, British design has always delivered interior inspiration to stand the test of time. The Cool Britannia trend takes the best of British classics, reframing them with a contemporary twist to effortlessly meet the rhythms of modern life.'
Tapping into the 2026 interior design trend requires an eclectic hand and a whimsical approach to inspiration.
'To get the look, choose furniture that pays homage to quintessential British craftsmanship through tufting, turned legs, and statement scaling,' advises Kelly. 'When it comes to decorating, take inspiration from the best of British fashion, adding confident stripes, patterned textiles with a vintage feel, and playful accessories in saturated hues. Combined with dark woods, leathers, and moody paint hue,s this take on preppy traditional will instantly inject a feeling of heritage and sophistication, giving you the feeling of a boutique hotel or private members club at home.'
Elton John's '70s sofa is evidence that creating a beautiful space doesn't only require keeping up with the latest trends. Instead, designers favor an approach that pays homage to design history with modernizing touches.
