As coined by a Northwestern University study, the '20 Year Rule' indicates that most trends will recur about every two decades. This means that for 2026, we're looking back to around 2006 for hints on what might be next. Photographs from Elton John's London home in the early 2000s provide a few ideas.
When looking at the 2003 photo of his apartment, the most striking element is the sheer amount of gold. From yellow sofas to gold curtains between rooms, to a mustard silk cushion, nearly all of the fabric in the space comes in this deep, sunny tone. The gold doesn't stop there, with gilded and gold leaf pieces dotted throughout the room. His retro space is a masterclass in decorating with yellow, the early 2000s way.
Butter yellow was the dominant shade of 2025, but this space indicates that looking forward, 2026 color trends in this palette will skew slightly darker. To explore this idea, let's take a photo tour of Elton John's space. Homes & Gardens has also curated an edit of our favorite gold fabric pieces to help you get this look, and interviewed experts on how we see this very early 2000s look playing out this year.
Elton John's London Living Room, 2003
Shop the Gold Edit
Boost the coziness of your living room sofa with this dark yellow throw. It's also great for taking outside while dining al-fresco this spring and summer.
A traditional, but transitional design that's perfect for your living room, this sofa features t-shaped cushions and a plush, low-profile seat that feels cozy while looking effortless. It converts to a queen-sized pull-out bed, so your guests can always sleep in style.
For a really inexpensive nod to the trend, these tapered candles from H&M will add warmth to a pretty brass candle holder. With a burn time of 8 hours, bring them out for all your spring and summer hosting.
I never thought I'd be a fan of a gold bouclé armchair, but this one has won me over. It's a brilliant statement piece.
If metallic wallcoverings and bold armchairs aren't quite your style, try a more subtle accessory like this handsome pillow cover. It's chic, tactile, and timeless.
This yellow gold rug is an elegant addition to any space – whether you prefer a rustic look or a more modern scheme. It would be gorgeous with gold-leaf accents, as we see in Elton John's space.
So, why the resurgence of decorating with gold? There is always at least one popular version of yellow in the mix of on-trend colors, but as we seek certainty in this uncertain time, people want warmer, more cocooning hues.
Design expert Shelley Cochrane states: 'Yellow is an incredibly versatile and warm hue that brings a cheerful energy to any space. It’s an inviting color that evokes feelings of comfort and optimism, making it perfect for both contemporary and traditional interiors.'
Luckily, decorating with Elton's chosen hue is easier than you might expect. Shelley advises: 'To style yellow in the home, consider pairing it with neutral tones like soft whites, beiges, or light greys to let the color shine without overwhelming the room. For a more vibrant look, it can be complemented by earthy greens, muted blues, or soft pinks.' Elton John opted for a more monochromatic interpretation, where rich yellows were paired with gold accents. Depending on your style, all of these looks can last for years to come.
She continues: 'Yellow works beautifully in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, where it can enhance the natural light. For a playful yet refined touch, try using it on accent walls, cushions, or light fixtures. It’s an ideal color for creating a fresh, uplifting atmosphere while maintaining a sense of sophistication.'
As dated trends from the 2000s resurge, we will continue to look back at spaces from this period for ideas of what might come next. Studying these rooms gives us a general timeline of where the next 'it' color might be found.
