Kyle Richards' vintage-inspired wallpaper is an unexpected, 'playful wink' to history

After serving as the backdrop to many Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episodes for over a decade, it's no exaggeration to say Kyle Richards's home is among the most recognized in Los Angeles.

Whether or not we follow the series, we've likely all seen snippets from Kyle's mansion that (typically) exhibits a contemporary-luxe aesthetic – from the monochromatic entryway to her light-filled living rooms that (almost exclusively) play with neutrals. There is, however, always an exception to the rule – and we may have just discovered the anomaly in Kyle's home.

While blue chintz wallpaper may have been the last thing we'd expect to see in this Beverly Hills residence – Kyle surprised us all by sharing a video from a vintage-style space – adorned in the maximalist print.

Filming in what appears to be a bedroom or dressing room, Kyle offers a glimpse of the unexpected print covering not only the walls but also the ceiling. The result is warming and enveloping – in contrast to her sleeker, more minimalist rooms that feel notably more contemporary.

Chintz fabric originated in India, with the word chintz coming from the Hindi chint, which means spotted. In the 1600s, Dutch and Portuguese traders introduced chintz to Europe; however, it still faced centuries of falling in and out of favor internationally. This changed in 1962, however, when Jackie Kennedy revealed her orange blossom chintz bedroom following a White House renovation.

Since the '60s, chintz has had moments in and out of the spotlight, but recent years have seen maximalist prints return to top wallpaper trends. And, with support from the likes of Kyle Richards, we don't expect to see it fall out of fashion anytime soon. But why might it transcend design trends now?

'Chintz and floral wallpapers look so fresh to the eye today in a world of rectilinear clean lines and give a playful wink at nostalgic femininity,' says California-based designer Andrea May. 'They're also a pretty and escapist way to invite nature into a space. Who doesn't love to be wrapped in a romantic wall-to-wall tangle of blowsy flowers?'

Wallcovering expert Ann Jackson agrees. She adds that floral patterns are popular in 2023 as they bring natural beauty inside, even if we live in an urban setting like Kyle.

'Floral patterns can be transformative, bringing rooms to life by inviting the outside in. Incorporating bold prints into a space can act as a springboard and open a window of choices through color and pattern,' Ann says.

'I love implementing a wallcovering with linear florals, as they add charm and depth to any space. Toile is also a timeless option, and the subject matter is ever-evolving as the monochromatic sketches adorn walls with storybook illustrations.' Whichever combination we choose, we're sure that patterned paper isn't going anywhere soon. It's a failsafe investment.

And, for a Kyle-inspired starting point (with a contemporary twist), we can't get enough of this blue wallcovering from Milton & King below.

San Pedro Wallpaper | $295 at Milton & King
Inspired by the wild cacti of Chile, this San Pedro wallpaper features sharp spikes and delightful flowers – for a slightly more unconventional twist on the traditional chintz trend.View Deal