It’s hard to think of a star with more maximalist tastes than Elton John. The iconic musician and EGOT winner, who is the subject of the 2019 biopic Rocketman and the 2024 documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, has long been known for his over-the-top fashion sensibilities—sky-high platform shoes, oversized eyeglasses in every hue, feathers, and glitter are among his signature staples. (And, we should mention, that’s Sir Elton John to you—he received his knighthood in 1998 from Queen Elizabeth, in recognition of both his musical talent and philanthropic work.)
The knight’s more-is-more philosophy is not limited to his wardrobe; John has long been a collector, particularly when it comes to art and home decor. And when Elton John collects, he collects. Case in point: John owns one of the largest private collections of photography in the world, according to Christie’s. While his interior design style is still bold and eclectic, it has evolved into a considerably refined version over the course of his six-decade career. However, there was a time when the fledgling star quite literally filled his home with everything that caught his fancy. Below, we explore photos of John at home, during his everything-goes design era and beyond.