Neil Diamond’s ’80s Living Room Embodied Slow Decorating

If you’re considering hiding personal items in your home, Neil Diamond’s living room might make you think twice. Archival images of the singer’s home from 1984 show a warm space replete with personality – and trends are catching up, with ‘slow decorating’ as a key focus for 2026.

Neil’s Los Angeles living room idea was totally original and personal. It featured a white sectional sofa adorned with red and black pillows. Cream textured walls kept the background interesting, while a gallery feature of hanging brass cymbals adds metallic flair (these plate hangers from Amazon are ideal for building out a similar look in your own home). A grouping of plants and a horn lamp on the side table brings a fun, wild energy to the room. Neil’s biblically-inspired painting grounds the whole look.

While the decor in this room does not look particularly planned, it feels incredibly intentional, as if pieces were sourced over time based on personal taste. 50 years later, interior design trends are shifting to reflect this retro approach: homeowners are rejecting the cookie-cutter homes that had come to dominate our social media feeds in favor of intentional, slow decorating.

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With this shift in mind, Homes & Gardens explores why Neil Diamond’s living room is enduringly stylish and how you can tap into this same characterful look in any home. I’ve also curated an edit of products to help you emulate his iconic style.

Neil Diamond in the living room of his Los Angeles Home, 1984

(Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

Part of what makes Neil’s home so stunning is that it leans into uniqueness and ‘weirdness’ instead of embracing a one-size-fits-all approach. Interior expert, Rachel Hutcheson, explains: ‘The secret to a timeless home is designing for real life, not just chasing a perfect look that leaves nowhere to store your things or display your photos.’

‘Investing in bespoke pieces that seamlessly blend into your home’s architecture and make the most of every corner, from under the stairs to a WFH nook in your wardrobe. Don’t rush the process and spend time creating a space that’s unique to you.’

Recreate Neil Diamond’s Look at Home

Wade Logan Wauseo Upholstered Sofa

This sofa combines modern design, luxurious comfort, and practical features, making it a must-have for any living room. Its sleek silhouette and cloud-like cushions create a perfect balance of style and relaxation.

Bring some joy into your home with this vivid red pillow cover. It’s ideal for adding dimension to any color scheme, but it’s guaranteed to look spectacular against a breezy blue backdrop.

American Plant Exchange Windmill Palm Tree

This premium windmill palm tree is carefully grown and shipped by experienced nursery professionals to ensure top quality. Cold-hardy and adaptable, it thrives in USDA zones 7-11, making it a versatile choice for many climates.

Pierce & Ward Filigree Stripe Pillow Cover

Boasting an earthy color palette and hand-stitched stripes, this cushion is bold but sophisticated. It will bring plenty of energy to any scheme.

Antique brass trays have been my latest obsession, and this one would look gorgeous on a wall. Surrounded by trays of different sizes, it would be gorgeous alongside a white sofa like Neil’s.

Animals Leaving the Ark by Filippo Palizzi Print

Neil Diamond’s living room features a print of Filipo Palizzi’s painting ‘Animals Leaving the Ark, Mount Ararat,’ and it’s easy to buy the same print for your living room. It would look especially striking in a gold frame.

So, how can you tap into the viral ‘Slow Decorating’ interior design trend for 2026 in your own home? Helen Pett, the brand ambassador at Arteriors, advises: ‘To decorate slowly is to trust that atmosphere cannot be hurried. Decorating slowly means you have creative space to select the item that adds the perfect touch of character to your home. It allows you to invest in quality, choosing accessories that you’ll keep for a lifetime.’

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If you are looking for more specific ideas, choosing the right living room sofa is the perfect place to start. As we see in Neil’s home, the plush white sectional feels organic to his space and helps pull it all together. For a slow decorating approach to choosing a sofa, Julia Bilotta, Creative Stylist at Sofology, recommends: ‘Your sofa is the centrepiece around which you will build your scheme, so it pays to invest time in finding the perfect match. Choosing the perfect upholstery pieces will help to finalise the vision for your room, informing your choices for accessories and the wider colour palette.’

When you decorate slowly with your heart, the soul and character that shines through make even the most unique spaces feel design-led. Taking inspiration from retro interiors that embrace the philosophy is a great jumping-off point.

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