How to get the Nancy Meyers aesthetic in your home
Nancy Meyers’ movies are my comfort movies. There are no sharp edges, no mean villains, no shocking endings, they are just gloriously easy-to-watch, heartwarming films. And the Nancy Meyers aesthetic interiors? My ultimate dream.
From The Holiday’s cozy cottage to the classic Hamptons house in Something’s Gotta Give, Nancy has a rom-com home to suit any interior design style. Bursting with softness, warmth, personality, and a lived-in comfort, these are spaces that make you want to curl up with a book and indulge in the coziness of it all.
And although the love for the Nancy Meyers aesthetic has been going strong for years, this interior design trend is getting even more attention in 2025. Whether you’re drawn to Elizabeth’s achingly elegant London townhouse in The Parent Trap or are more of a Nick’s sun-drenched Napa Valley ranch fan, I’ll share interior designer’s favorite Nancy Meyers homes, and how to make this timeless, cinematic style feel truly your own.
What are the key elements of the Nancy Meyers aesthetic?
(Image credit: Alamy / The Holiday (2006))
As designer Shelley Cekirge explains, ‘Nancy Meyers is known for her warm, inviting, home-y interiors that always feel clean but never feel sterile. She achieves the perfect balance of comfort and elegance and always creates the illusion that a space is fully lived in but also well taken care of.’
Most of the homes in her movies are unique to the character, showing off their personalities, or are reflective of the different film locations. Take Rosehill Cottage in The Holiday, seen above, which is filled with English country decor and is the epitome of a storybook cottage to reflect Iris’ frazzled English woman aesthetic (as TikTok so lovingly puts it). In stark contrast, Diane Keaton’s old-money coastal style in Something’s Gotta Give is the ultimate expression of relaxed, coastal decor ideas and classic Hamptons style.
But they often have a few key elements in common, too, as broken down below:
(Image credit: Alamy / Something’s Gotta Give (2003))
1. Layers: Cozy and welcoming is core to the Nancy Meyers’ aesthetic. No matter what the overall style of the room, whether it’s a light and bright kitchen or a cozy cottage living room, you will find layers. Layers of tonal colors, layers of patterns, layers of fabrics, and soft, inviting color.
In The Intern, Anne Hathaway’s Brooklyn brownstone blends modern minimalism with comfort through tonal neutrals, layered textiles, and warm woods, creating a space that feels polished but still relaxed and family-focused. These layered details give these movie homes their signature depth, softness, and lived-in charm.
2. Low lighting: There’s no sign of the big light in a Nancy Meyers home. Soft, layered (there’s that word again) lighting that pools over sofas and dining tables is how it’s done. So you better get learning how to layer lighting, and fast. In Something Gotta Give, seen above, this covetable Nancy Meyers living room filled with beach house decor is bathed in the glow of table lamps for a flattering ambiance that works so beautifully with the slipcovered sofa and blue and white color trend.
Similarly, in The Holiday, Iris’s cozy cottage is lit by sconces, lamps, and a crackling fireplace, reinforcing the mood of comfort and calm. To channel this look, think multiple sources of light: lamps at varying heights, wall lights, candles, and most importantly, dimmable bulbs.
(Image credit: Alamy / It’s Complicated (2009))
3. Characterful pieces: Decorating with antiques and vintage furniture is commonplace on a Nancy Meyers set. It is really quite a traditional decorating idea, and yet they never date or feel overly fussy. To ‘get the look’ try out some vintage rugs or a perfectly-aged farmhouse table like Jules in The Intern, or look to Elizabeth’s home in The Parent Trap, which is abundant with antiques including her writing desk, skirted furniture, and ornate mirrors that bring their own sense of character to the sets.
4. Darker woods: A lot of the wooden accents in Nancy Meyers’ homes are dark and warm, which creates a balance and contrast to all the soft colors and textures. These darker woods – think mahogany, walnut, and espresso-stained oak – bring depth and elegance.
For example, in Something’s Gotta Give, the pale upholstery is accessorized with dark-stained tables to break up the neutral scheme. Likewise, in It’s Complicated, Meryl Streep’s kitchen (seen above) uses a dark wooden island with a marble countertop and a warm, rustic dining table set which pops against the white cabinetry and brings instant coziness to the open space.
(Image credit: Alamy / The Holiday (2006))
5. Mix-and-match patterns: You’ll always find plenty of patterns, and often more than one going on in the same room. Florals, chinoiserie, stripes – a lot of traditional motifs in keeping with the heritage style of so many of her sets.
In The Holiday, Iris’s English cottage is brimming with mismatched fabrics – think florals, stripes, plaids, and embroidery all in one space – that work together because they all live in the same soft, tonal palette. It’s a lesson in trusting your instincts and embracing a mix-and-match aesthetic.
6. Subtle color schemes: The room color ideas used in Nancy Meyers movies are never too stark or jarring, but soft, subtle, and tonal. Start by decorating with neutrals as your base and look to your surroundings or personal style for accents, such as a coastal color scheme to reflect Something’s Gotta Give, layers of earth tones and cottagecore motifs for a The Holiday vibe, or add earthy tones and terracotta to feel like you’ve just moved into Meryl Streep’s Santa Barbara home in It’s Complicated.
8 tips on how to recreate the Nancy Meyers look in you home
1. Create characterful spaces that feel sociable
(Image credit: Imparfait Design Studio/Michael Alan Kaskel photography)
If you’re looking to recreate some Nancy Meyers kitchen ideas, you’re going to want to focus on more than just cooking. These kitchens are designed to host with a generous island, comfy spots to perch for late-night chats, and open shelving filled with well-loved pieces. The kitchen in Something’s Gotta Give is the perfect example – big enough for a dinner party but personal and cozy thanks to the classic cabinetry, hardware, and stacks of dishes and books on display.
‘To infuse your home with the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, aim for a blend of visual elegance and welcoming warmth, channeling the sophisticated yet lived-in look characteristic of her film sets. Begin with a palette of soft neutrals – whites, beiges, and soft grays – to set a classic, timeless base,’ explains designer Kriste Michelini.
‘Maximize natural light with large windows or French doors, and choose plush, comfortable furniture to encourage relaxation. Create open, functional spaces that foster social interaction, especially in the kitchen, which should serve as the heart of the home, equipped with quality appliances and stylishly displayed utensils.’
‘And add personal touches through unique, story-telling items like vintage finds and family heirlooms, and layer textures to add depth. Accessorize with elegance, incorporating tasteful lamps, vases, and books, and add greenery and fresh flowers for a touch of nature. Extend this cozy aesthetic outdoors with inviting seating and ambient lighting, crafting spaces that are as welcoming as they are beautiful, embodying the luxury, comfort, and functionality that are hallmarks of a Nancy Meyers-inspired home,’ adds Kriste.
2. Balance rustic style with a little luxury
(Image credit: The Misfit House)
One of the most satisfying elements of the Nancy Meyers look is how they walk the line between relaxed and refined. Her interiors often feature rustic touches like exposed beams, terracotta tiles, and linen slipcovers, but they’re always balanced with something a little elevated.
In It’s Complicated, Meryl’s Santa Barbara home is the ultimate case study: the space feels organic and earthy, with its farmhouse table and warm plaster walls, but she pairs these with honed marble countertops, a statement chandelier, and plush upholstery that feels indulgent without being flashy.
‘If you’re looking for a jumping off point to inspire a beach house style or modern farmhouse dream home, look no further than Nancy Meyers classics like Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated,’ agrees designer Kathy Kuo.
‘Some may categorize the Nancy Meyers look as ‘coastal grandmother’, but I really see it as taking coastal or rustic aesthetics to the next level in a way that is luxurious as well as lived in. The California casual trend is perhaps a better way to describe it. Replicate this look by mixing family heirlooms and knick-knacks with beautifully curated art and designer furniture – an example could be a designer dining table topped with a vintage tablecloth and an artisanal vase full of seasonal flowers just picked from the backyard.’
3. Mix new with old for a timeless transitional style
(Image credit: Paige Rumore)
When I think of a Nancy Meyers film set, it’s the word ‘effortless’ that often first comes to mind. Nothing looks overly curated or styled; the homes in those movies really do just look like real homes with real people behind them. And out in the real world, those kinds of rooms are often created with transitional style – a mixing of many styles, old and new. As this dining room, seen above, demonstrates.
‘This room exudes comfort and warmth,’ explains Connie Vernich, founder of Vernich Interiors. ‘Although it is a formal dining space, it feels comfortable enough to enjoy a book club meeting, family dinner, or evening cocktail.’
‘The mix of patterns and textures is monochromatic and calming. This room is filled with a mix of both modern furniture and family-inherited antiques. The mirror has been passed down through generations, giving the room a curated feel. The draperies with their peek-a-boo fabric behind the linen show a hint of the pattern seen in the wallpaper without being overwhelming to the room. By adding fresh flowers throughout the space, this room is the epitome of timeless classic beauty.’
The trick? Don’t aim for perfection – aim for contrast. Try pairing a sleek sofa with an antique coffee table, or hang modern art above a skirted, English-style console. Or layer mid-century modern lighting with antique rugs and classic architecture, as seen in The Intern.
4. Design a home that feels like you
(Image credit: Linda Pordon Photography)
The easiest way to recreate Nancy Meyers’ interiors? Design a home that feels like you. Don’t lean too closely into trends unless you love them, and decorate with pieces that actually mean something to you. Hang prints and photographs, decorate with books, display family heirlooms, and fill rooms with personality and character.
As designer Jamie Toporovsky of JBT Design explains, ‘The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is the feel of home the moment you walk into the space. It has charm and character, comfortable sitting spaces, and an all-American, classic Hamptons style, mixed with old-world European touches.’
Try to create a look that feels personal, not prescribed. In The Parent Trap – one of Meyers’ earlier films – the interiors tell a story of character and contrast. On one side, you have Elizabeth’s elegant London townhouse with ornate wallpaper, gilt mirrors, delicate florals, and a formal sense of refinement.
On the other hand, Nick’s Napa Valley ranch is all about warmth, exposed beams, oversized armchairs, and terracotta tones. Whether you lean classic or coastal, the magic lies in how each space feels lived-in, loved, and styled to look deeply personal.
5. Trust in classic color combinations
(Image credit: Paige Rumore)
Color in a Nancy Meyers home is rarely bold or trend-driven, but it’s never boring. Instead, her spaces rely on timeless color combinations that always feel fresh.
Classic, another way I would describe the Nancy Meyers aesthetic. So stick to the tried and tested, especially when it comes to color combinations. White and blue, for example, are seen a lot in her films, and yes, it always works, a total classic just like the movies. Diane Keaton’s beach house in Something’s Gotta Give is a masterclass in this: its mix of soft neutrals and blues creates a scheme that’s both calming and elegant.
‘How timeless and inviting does this kitchen look?’ asks Connie Vernich. ‘Exuding warmth, light, and comfort. The white cabinetry is beautiful, but the room needed the natural oak wooden hewn beams to pull the room together and give character to the space. With its mix of vintage art, a brass candlestick collection, and summer flowers, you are drawn to this space and can almost smell the bread baking in the oven. We love how pretty the delft blue kitchen island looks in this bright room with bar stools that remind us of the fabric on a homey striped tea towel.’
6. Layer up textures for plenty of depth
(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)
Texture and depth are key to many of the rooms you see in the Nancy Meyers films. They never feel flat or staged or in any way like a set, so recreate that vibe by layering up different fabrics, different finishes, and different shapes. Books are always great for this, and shelving provides the perfect space to create this character and texture in a room. But you can use soft furnishings too – throws, drapes, pillows, rugs, etc.
In The Holiday, Iris’s English cottage is a treasure trove of cozy textures: think knit throws, slouchy cushions, creaky floorboards, and ticking stripe upholstery, all working together to create that lived-in charm. Meanwhile, It’s Complicated layers smooth marble counters against rustic wood shelving and terracotta flooring.
‘Adorning rooms with a textural element, optimizing natural light, books askew, personal photos, and a vintage piece of furniture. Creating fully realized comfort in rooms that at first glance are meant for function, like a kitchen or office space,’ explains Stacy Chiavaro of Chiavaro Design.
7. Ground light colors with darker woods
(Image credit: Paige Rumore)
As previously mentioned, Nancy Meyers’ interiors are often about the neutrals. But there’s always a coziness to the spaces, too, and that comes with using dark shades to ground all those light and airy shades.
This very Nancy Meyers bedroom, designed by Connie Vernich, is the perfect example. The blue and white feel fresh and bright, but the darker woods create a needed contrast, adding a classic, timeless feel to the room.
‘Dark woods and light fabrics give this room its stunning contrast and its comfortable and cozy feel. We love the vintage marble lamps that flank either side of the bed. Light linen draperies banded with delft blue velvet frame the windows and bring in the sophisticated mix of patterns on the bed,’ explains Connie.
To bring this into your own space, try adding a dark wooden side table to a cream-colored living room, or consider a vintage armoire in a neutral bedroom. These touches give a sense of history, contrast, and balance to all the softness – and they’re a big part of what makes the Nancy Meyers look feel so classic and lived-in.
8. Blend touches of traditional
(Image credit: Caroline Sharpnack)
There’s no denying that the rooms created in the Nancy Meyers film do err on the side of traditional. Traditional in a timeless way, not a stuffy way. I always notice how the homes in the films (much like the outfits and the styling) never date, and that does come from using a lot of traditional, classic decor.
In It’s Complicated, Meryl Streep’s character has a classic range cooker, glass-fronted cabinetry, and antique chairs, but the space still feels entirely liveable, not overly formal. Likewise, The Parent Trap’s Napa home leans heavily on traditional architecture, but it’s softened by linen upholstery, woven textures, and plenty of personality.
Again, Connie talks of this style inspiration behind this guest bedroom, which brings in a lot of plaid, yet doesn’t feel too antiquated. ‘Traditional design is exemplified in this guest room. Its grey-green walls are soothing and peaceful, Connie continues.
‘The blue and green wool plaid and Ralph Lauren pillow fabrics are the perfect mix of texture and pattern. A comfortable leather chair sits in the corner by the window for a rainy afternoon of catching up on the latest book. Throughout the room are curated items and antique rugs. Unsurprisingly, guests say they never want to go home.’
Shop the Nancy Meyers look
Amicale 100% Cashmere Throw
If you have always wanted to recreate Diane Keaton sitting on the beach wearing cashmere in Something’s Gotta Give (me too), then you’re going to want to get yourself a buttery-soft throw like this generously sized one.
Montrose Ceramic Table Lamp
Nailing a classic Nancy-inspired print and her favorite colorway in one, this terracotta lamp from Pottery Barn feels like a thrifted or estate sale buy. I love the slight 3D texture to the soft print.
Inspired by French antiques, the Vera Nightstand, designed by Joanna Gaines, has been made from a rich mahogany with vintage-inspired turned legs, ball feet, and a brass cup handle to look centuries old.
Box Pleat Upholstered Chair
Shea McGee truly nailed the skirted furniture trend with the design of this box pleat armchair for her line at Target. Budget-friendly yet super design-led, if you can fit a pair in the living room, you’ll instantly feel elevated to Nancy levels of comfort.
Vintage Country Gallery Wall Cottage Art
Another great accessible find is these curated gallery walls that have been pre-designed by a creative on Etsy. I love the vintage-inspired landscape depictions, and the hydrangeas are a Nancy staple.
Tane Vintage Floral All Seasons Quilt Set
You can’t go wrong with a block print floral design, and this one from Wayfair has been printed on soft yet breathable 100% cotton for a luxurious look and feel. With plenty of vintage charm, this is sure to impress guests or your other half.
Nancy Meyers’ interiors are essentially just about rooms that reflect the person within them. They are timeless, traditional without being old-fashioned, curated without being overly so, and characterful without being cluttered.
Of course, a lot of time and thought goes into the backdrops of the iconic films, but my advice would be to just not overthink it, decorate in a way you love.
And if you’re looking for some more inspiration, be sure to check out Nancy’s daughter Annie Meyers-Shyer’s home renovation for all her inherited decorating wisdom. Trust me, it’s a Meyers goldmine.
link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/H9_SPRINGBANK-206-521a04fc5ecc4199abea1b9257e5be20.jpg "8 Design Trends Designers Think Are Finally Back in 2026")
