Unlikely elvis's home life revealed: inside graceland

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is synonymous with the flashy, extravagant image of 1950s and 60s popular culture. But behind the glamour and fame, there was a more private, domestic side to the star.

Graceland: the unconventional palace

Elvis's beloved Memphis, Tennessee, home, Graceland, offers a unique glimpse into the man behind the myth. Designed in a Classical Revival style, the 10,000-square-foot mansion was once the epitome of Southern grandeur, with Corinthian columns inspired by Athens' Tower of Winds.

Built in 1939 for socialite Ruth Brown Moore, Graceland became Elvis's sanctuary in 1957, when he purchased it for $102,500. As his fame grew, so did the mansion's eccentricities. Elvis and his team of Memphis-based interior designers transformed Graceland into a revolving carousel of increasingly theatrical room sets, often mirroring the drama of his stage performances.

From the ultrathematic rooms of the 1950s to the burgeoning use of technology within the home in later years, Graceland showcases design trends in their purest forms. Elvis's maximalist approach to decor never went out of style, with each room a reflection of his unbridled creativity.

Today, Graceland is a sprawling empire dedicated to the King, with a 450-room guest house, live music venues, and gift shops. Visitors can explore the mansion, now preserved to reflect the era when Elvis lived there, and even dine on peanut butter and banana sandwiches, a favorite of Elvis's mother.