Paul McCartney’s home boasts a lived-in look. While ultra-modern, minimalist designs have fallen out of fashion in recent years, the legendary musician offers a fresh alternative to the fading look. The result is an incredibly human look that reflects the personal style of its occupants.
The Beatles’ living room embodies timeless ’60s design style, rather than blindly following trends. McCartney’s space is filled with warm, natural wood, from the built-ins to the coffee table and piano. Comforting textiles, like the white-and-blue curtains and plaid bench, bring texture and quirky character. Nearly every free surface in the room is covered with art: books, records, sheet music, and more. The overall impression is one of inviting.
Cozy living rooms embody the anti-trend philosophy that’s taken hold in interior design in recent years. Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, for example, predicted that “rom-com interiors” will be all the rage in 2024. Describing the cozy, lived-in, and inviting interiors seen in ’90s and early 2000s romantic comedies, the phrase is just a new name for a style that’s always been there: a curated, midimalist look created not just for its aesthetics, but for the atmosphere it creates.
The retro style feel of McCartney’s living room takes inspiration from the 1960s and 1980s, adding to the lived-in, cozy feel that characterizes the space. Interior design expert and digital editor Jennifer Ebert said: Homes and Gardens“Sixties-inspired design tends to have a strong emphasis on pattern and upholstery – the fabrics on McCartney’s windows and piano bench exude this vibe, and the warmth of the wood tones used in the space were also inspired by the period,” McCartney says.
A retro living room that resembles Paul McCartney’s space, featuring a variety of textiles, furniture styles and natural wood.
(Image courtesy of Andrew Martin)
She continues, “Rather than being tied to this period-based décor, McCartney’s spaces take inspiration from different eras while still incorporating a personal flair. Antique Tiffany lamps in the background bring a sense of history to the space, while the presence of personal artefacts tells stories about the lives of the people who live in the home.”
Shop H&G’s Retro Living Room Edit
To help you recreate Paul McCartney’s style, we’ve rounded up some high-quality, textured pieces that can be used together to create a vintage 60s feel, or integrated into your existing décor to add personality.
This Tiffany-style lamp from Wayfair looks indistinguishable from the original designer version, but at a fraction of the price. Pottery Barn tends to sell high-quality textiles at affordable prices, and these stylish floral curtains are no exception. Finally, our editors love this coffee table from Wayfair because, in addition to acting as extra shelving, it brings some natural wood into your living room. With these items, your living room design won’t be a problem.
Slatwood Coffee Table
But decorating in retro style doesn’t mean prescriptively following a style you’ve seen before. To recreate that style, you need to pay attention to your own style and decorate based on your interests. It’s an exercise in authenticity, best done with a collection of things you love. To find your own interior design style, focus on understanding what colors, patterns, and threads are used in different spaces you’ve created.
Paul McCartney isn’t one to follow interior design trends, he’s one to set them, and this space proves that authenticity, warmth and inviting energy never go out of style.
