Kyle Richards' blue living room exemplifies a hue that designers are calling the 'next significant color trend'

Kyle Richards is used to showcasing her home on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but when enjoying the dramas of the show, it's easy to overlook some of her most trend-setting features – starting with her smokey blue living room. 

The dusty blue hue, seen below, is a vibrant twist on and a new way to use gray, this year's most controversial color trend.

Celebrities, including Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, have similarly experimented with blue-gray tones in their home and paired them with paintings, unlike Kyle, who lets the color do all the talking. It is unsurprising, therefore, that designers predict this tone will top design trends in the seasons ahead. 

'I believe that gray-blue can become the next significant color trend in interior design. This adaptable hue suits various home styles, and its calming effect contributes to a sense of tranquility within your living space,' comments New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky.

Artem Kropovinsky

Designer Artem Kropovinsky has a decade of global design experience, including founding Arsight – a residential and commercial interior design studio based in New York. He manages a team of passionate professionals working on projects in the US and worldwide. 

'One appealing aspect of gray-blue is its ability to create diverse aesthetics. For instance, you can achieve a coastal ambiance by combining gray-blue with white and natural wood tones,' Artem says. 'Alternatively, pair it with black and white to create a more modern appearance.'

In her living room, Kyle strikes a balance between both a traditional and modern aesthetic – incorporating green wooden chairs and a framed map of (what appears to be) Los Angeles in a metallic frame. The gray-blue space also flows into the monochromatic entryway, famed for its black and white tiled floor that is recognizable from the show.

'Regardless of the chosen style, gray-blue adds a sophisticated touch to your home and is likely to remain timeless,' Aterm adds. 

How to bring gray-blue into our homes

The first steps begins with finding the perfect gray-blue hue. We love this shade from sustainable paint brand Backdrop below.

Novelty Wave paint sample – $12 on Backdrop
This warm blue with subtle gray undertones applies to any wall simply, and it's easily washable for when those inevitable spills occur. We love that this paint is green-certified and can dry in as little as one hour (for one coat).

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After choosing the best paint for your room, Artem recommends pairing it with white and natural wood tones to evoke a coastal aesthetic. Or, for a more modern look, as mentioned above, it's better to combine it with more monochromatic furnishings. 

'Also, don't hesitate to mix various shades of gray-blue to establish a unique look that sets your space apart.' 

Is this really the new way to decorate with gray – and blue? Designers and celebrities alike are seemingly convinced. You heard it here first.