In 2026, rather than looking towards the future, trends are taking their inspiration from the late 20th century. Aesthetics from the '60s, 70s, 80s, and '90s are all up for grabs, and this season, we expect this nostalgia to extend to how we decorate the outside of our homes. For inspiration, we turn to a bona fide '70s icon: Eric Clapton.
A 1971 photo shoot of the outside of the guitarist's Surrey, England home shows a space replete with the decade's trends. From the striped sling chair to the decadently intricate geometric tiles, it embodies all the of '70s look making a comeback in 2026. Well-groomed topiaries and a wooden bench help to ground these novelties in a more traditional background. It's gorgeous and indicates where patio design may be going this year.
To explore how trends from the '70s will impact our outdoor design this summer, here's a deep dive into Eric's home. I've curated an edit of products to help you get his look, and spoken to experts on the trends in backyard design to explore the impacts of his timeless patio.
Recreate Eric's Look at Home
Eric reclines in a stylish sling chair in this image, and this striped one is a great option for replicating his look. Its gloriously weather-proof to survive for years to come.
There is no detail more timeless than a wooden bench, and this one has a beautifully intricate back. It would be perfect for adding some character to a boring back patio.
You don't need to install new tiles to emulate Eric Clapton's look on your patio. This pretty vintage-style doormat introduces a touch of the geometric charm found in this '70s space for under $50.
Bring timeless elegance to your yard (and channel Eric Clapton's polished style) with these classic English Boxwoods. One of the most widely grown evergreen landscape shrubs in the world, these versatile plants are perfect for creating refined, structured greenery around your garden.
This artificial boxwood topiary brings timeless greenery to any space, perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. With natural-style trunks and richly textured leaves that so closely mimic real boxwoods, it can fool even the closest observer and look just as green all year round.
These Wintergreen Boxwood Shrubs are remarkably versatile plants that are ideal for topiary designs, bonsai art, or decorative pots. Growing only 2 to 3 inches per year and maturing to about 3 feet tall with a 4- to 5-foot spread, they require minimal maintenance while offering year-round beauty.
As the pattern on Eric Clapton's sling chair shows, stripes were huge in the '70s. Now, they're making a resurgence in our outdoor decorating trends.
Becca Stern, the creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made, explains: 'We've seen stripes have a surge in popularity recently, with brands such as 'Colours of Arley' leading the way. For 2026, we'll be seeing stripes return bigger and bolder than before, with confident decorators using them across wallcoverings to create a focal point in a room.' In the outdoors, this pattern will be adorning cushions, throw blankets, and furnishings.
Furthermore, the '70s were defined by organically shaped pieces that broke the convention of the previous decade. Eric's sling chair is emblematic of this look, which will only grow in the coming season.
Magdalena Gierasinska, a design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'Curved outdoor furniture is increasingly popular for 2026 because it echoes the natural flow and rhythm of the natural world. Curved furniture softens spaces and creates a more harmonious relationship between man-made objects and their environment. Nature rarely deals in straight lines – think of the sweep of a hillside, the bend of a tree branch, or the meander of a garden path. Curved furniture mirrors these organic forms, helping pieces to blend more seamlessly into their surroundings.'
She continues: 'Not only do curves evoke a sense of calm and comfort, but they also invite movement and conversation, making garden spaces feel more welcoming and less rigid. It's a subtle yet powerful design choice that connects us more closely to the natural world.'
The past is the best inspiration for the future. Looking to older photographs is a wonderful way to source interior design inspiration that's proven it won't date.
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