Long before it became a piece of music history, Billy Joel’s Long Island home was a contemporary waterfront retreat, purchased by the singer in the late 1970s.
In an archival photo with his then-wife, Elizabeth Weber, the architecture famously served as the backdrop for the cover of his 1980 album, Glass Houses.
The mid-century modern windows are worth noting, but the wide stone patio is the secret tool in their space. They establish a transition between the home and the surrounding woods with bluestone flagstones (similar to these, available at The Home Depot). And over 40 years later, their look is fashionable again.
Latest Videos FromHomes and Gardens
Google Trends data shows searches for ‘natural stone paving’ have increased by 1,121% in the past three months, suggesting growing interest in outdoor materials with a more timeless look. Ellie Parker, natural stone expert at Stoneworld, says homeowners are becoming more thoughtful about their front yard paving ideas, no matter the season.
(Image credit: Dick Kraus/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Shop the Stone Exterior Edit
These Billy Joel-inspired bluestone-style pavers bring the look of natural stone to your patio, and, like his, are designed to stand the test of time. With a textured slate surface and chiseled edges, they work particularly well in rustic outdoor spaces.
Millwood Pines Stone Planter
Made from natural stone and ethically sourced from a river in the Philippines, this handcrafted planter adds texture and character to any exterior. Fill it with succulents for an accent that feels right at home on a pared-back patio.
Bluestone Porcelain Paver
These porcelain pavers offer the beauty of natural bluestone with an even more practical outdoor-living finish. I love their subtle variations and how the textured surface brings the same beauty as Billy Joel’s patio to any exterior.
Modern Concrete Accent Table
A small accent table is an easy way to introduce another stone to your patio, and this tapered design does it beautifully. I love the idea of placing it alongside stone paving, where its hard, sculptural finish will feel right at home.
Concrete Outdoor Planters
These generously sized round planters easily add texture and structure to a patio. Filled with vibrant greenery, they make a striking statement, while pairing them with warm wood could give the space a relaxed, mid-century modern feel.
This unique rock-shaped planter is the perfect size for any small plant on your patio. Made from a blend of volcanic ash from Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, natural stone, and resin, it’s weather-resistant all winter long.
‘Homeowners are becoming much more considered with their garden choices,’ says Ellie. ‘Rather than choosing materials purely because they look good in the moment, they are looking for products that will stand the test of time. Natural stone fits into that really well because it is durable, proven, and only gets better with age.’
As Billy’s terrace idea looks as timeless nearly 50 years on, it’s the perfect example of the longevity Ellie notes. Materials that look good in the first season have their place, but the most successful gardens keep improving as planting settles, surfaces weather, and the space seems to get better with age. The result is a garden that feels like a long-term extension of the home.
‘Natural stone has a strong connection to the environment around it,’ Ellie comments. ‘Because it is a natural material, it sits comfortably within the landscape rather than feeling imposed on it. Over time, gardens soften around stone, planting establishes, and the material becomes part of the setting in a really authentic way.’
Looking back at Billy and Elizabeth on the terrace, their stone slabs epitomize this effect – allowing the home to rest comfortably within its natural landscape.
Decades after the photo was taken, it remains proof that choosing enduring materials is the simplest way to design a space that never goes out of style.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?