From decked-out pool houses to over-the-top stylized loungers, our approach to poolside design has become increasingly bold, but sometimes, you just want to take it back to the basics. In this vein, for summer 2026, Homes & Gardens is reflecting on our favorite pools of the last 50 years for timeless style inspiration. Elton John's pool in the South of France is a top contender.
An archival photo from 1982 shows that the singer's Saint-Tropez pool idea was refreshingly simple. Aside from a grouping of simple white chairs, the most prominent pool furnishing is the planting. From blossoming lavender to thriving palms to red and yellow flowering bushes, the surrounding greenery fills Elton's outdoor space with color and brilliance. Sunlight and nature become the chicest poolside accessories.
