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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Sophie Edwards

Elvis Presley's design at Graceland is an insight into the King's eclectic and glamorous '70s style – step back in time and take the tour

Elvis presley in front of graceland.

Elvis's Graceland is perhaps one of the most famous homes in the United States. The estate welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Everyone knows the name, but what does Elvis's one-time home look like on the inside?

In many ways, this world's best home has been frozen in time since Elvis's death in 1977. It's colorful, bold and unique. In a 1993 interview with Elvis's first designer at Graceland, George Golden, shared that he was requested to decorate the home as a 'showpiece.' He told the Phoenix New Times: 'They pretty much gave me a free hand. Vernon Presley made it clear that no one was to counter me and my suggestions. I elected not to go with any one particular motif.' Thus, Golden decorated a range of styles.

(Image credit: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.)

Though the home you can see today is still eclectic, according to Golden, its current iteration has much more '70s influence than its original design. The Official Graceland Blog cites the contributions of Bill Eubanks in designing the TV Room and the Billards Room. Elvis's penchant for '70s trends is reflected throughout the home in the incorporation of a colorful fabrics, shag rugs, and faux fur. Considering the current comeback of styles from this era, it's a fascinating insight into how design has evolved, and continues to evolve.

Perhaps the most iconic room in the estate, the living room is a masterclass in eclectic decor. Almost like an excerpt from Presley's wardrobe, the interior of the room is awash with cream. Around the room, royal blue curtains and yellow and turquoise peacock-designed stained glass windows create a bold statement.

(Image credit: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.)
(Image credit: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.)

Continuing the stained glass motif from the previous space, it's easy to imagine Presley hosting guests in the colorful billiards room. This distinct space has walls and ceilings coated in tented fabric for a unique, incredibly '70s feel. As trends evolve, more light fixtures like the one in Graceland could appear in modern beige or white rooms.

The Billiards Room (Image credit: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.)

The tiki-inspired 'Jungle Room' was 'the nerve center of [Elvis's] home life,' according to Rolling Stone. Referred to as merely 'the den' by Presley, the eclectic interiors reflect the King's eccentric style and playfulness. From the faux wood panelling on the walls to the thick drapery to the waterfall on the wall is completely distinct.

The Jungle Room (Image credit: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.)

Shop the '70s Edit


Lessons in design history are just as important for understanding good design as looking to current trends. When we rely on spaces like Graceland as the basis of inspiration, the origin of current ideas around design becomes all the more clear.

EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley. 2020. ABG EPE IP LLC.


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