If you’ve ever wished you could transport into the living room of the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride or whip up breakfast in the kitchen from Something’s Gotta Give, you, too, have an affinity for the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.
Nancy Meyers has written, directed, and produced several popular and heartwarming movies, including the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap, The Holiday, What Women Want, and others. While she’s earned a reputation as an amazing filmmaker, she’s equally known for her movie sets.
What is the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic?
The Nancy Meyers Aesthetic balances traditional interior design and coastal decor. Rooms are clean and crisp but not clutter-free. Meyers creates each set to depict the character’s personality and thought goes into the contents of each room.
Some key components in most Nancy Meyers include abundant natural light, neutral base color palettes, fresh florals, collected decor, and book displays.
7 Examples of the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic
If you’re ready to nail down the perfect mix of new and old for a lived-in but put-together home, the seven tips below will help you achieve the look.
Combine Neutrals
Rather than sticking to only one neutral, like stark white, layer in different shades. White or cream on the wall, warm cream or soft brown furniture, and wood-tone accents create a soothing color palette.
It’s okay to add pops of color, especially classic blues, but your base should be neutral.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light creates a welcoming atmosphere and a softer ambiance than overhead lighting. Capitalize on good lighting by going curtain-less when possible or opening up curtains throughout the day. You can also install shades that are easy to pull down and retract.
Large windows with substantial trim are another way to get that Nancy Meyers look.
Layer Texture and Color
To get that lived-in feel, you need to layer different textures. A jute rug, soft bedding, wooden dressers, and glass vases combine to create a collected look in the bedroom.
You can also layer in colors but keep them soft or warm. Avoid anything too bold or modern.
Fresh Flowers are the Ultimate Decor Piece
One of Nancy Meyers most frequently repeated decor pieces are fresh cut flowers—especially hydrangeas and peonies. The flowers bring liveliness and color to a room. The vase is also a good way to add a pattern. Favorite options include blue and white, glass, and cream-colored vases.
Add fresh-cut flowers anytime you need to spruce up a room.
Aim for a Collected Look
To nail down the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, avoid matching furniture sets and opt for a collected look. Look for high-quality wood furniture, classic silhouettes, and neutral colors. Check out Facebook Marketplace, flea markets, and antique stores to find a combination of traditional pieces.
Getting the collected look takes time, but it also gives you a good reason to hunt for the perfect pieces of furniture for your home.
Stick with Classic Furniture Layouts
The Nancy Meyers style features traditional motifs and layouts— no need to reinvent the wheel. In the living room, group furniture to make conversation areas. For example, place two sofas facing one another or a couple of chairs facing the couch.
Stick to classic layouts in the kitchen and bedroom as well.
Use Books as Decor
In almost every Nancy Meyers movie, you’ll find a bookshelf full of colorful, collected books. Rather than being arranged in alphabetical or rainbow order, the books stagger in size and color.
If you don’t have a large bookshelf in your home, hang a small shelf or turn the area under a bench into a book display.
