Goodbye White Walls – Kathy Hilton's Pattern Drenched Entryway Fuses Modern and Antique Elements for an Unforgettable Finish

Victorian wallpaper, crown molding, and checkered flooring welcome guests to Kathy Hilton's Beverly Hills home – designers explain why it works

Kathy Hilton
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Now that's how you make an entrance. Many people opt for white entryways, following the wisdom that it's best to greet guests with a 'blank canvas.' Though this advice might work for minimalists, I'm more partial to the idea that the entryway is your best chance to make a first impression, so it should be as bold and beautiful as possible. Clearly, Kathy Hilton follows my line of thinking.

The Real Housewife of Beverly Hills took to Instagram to share an adorable anniversary post for her husband, Rick Hilton, but we were completely distracted by the background of the entryway in their Bel Air home. Rather than leaning into the earthy neutrals of Los Angeles design, they embrace a richer scheme. The space features chinoiserie wallpaper, crown molding, and checkered floors.

Recreate Kathy's Look at Home

According to interior designers, a maximalist entryway like Kathy's is a wise choice for making a strong impact. Sheena Marundan, design expert at Archic Furniture, states: 'The fusion of modern and Victorian styles in this entryway creates a striking contrast. The modern elements, such as the sleek console table, balances the ornate Victorian details, preventing the space from feeling overly traditional. The Victorian-style wallpaper with its intricate patterns and bold colors adds maximum drama. It creates a rich and opulent backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the modern elements.'

Attention to the 5th and 6th wall, including tiles on the floor and crown molding on the ceiling uplift the space, as seen in Kathy's home. Sheena advises: 'The classic checkerboard pattern of the floor adds a touch of timeless elegance, reminiscent of Victorian-era design. It creates a beautiful juxtaposition with the contemporary elements. The distinct pattern and colors of the floor help define the entryway as a separate and visually striking space within the home. It sets the tone for what guests can expect beyond the entry.'

To recreate the look, aim for integrating boldness through the walls, ceiling and floors, rather than an excess of furniture, which can make the space feel cluttered. Accents like wallpaper and rugs bring boldness without crowding.


After seeing Kathy and Rick's idea, I'll never covet an all white entryway again. The idea of entering the home to a splash of color and pattern is just too appealing.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.