Nancy Meyers interior design style easily marries elegance with comfort, producing rooms that look inviting and lived-in. With iconic films like Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, Father of the Bride, and It’s Complicated, Meyers has become a sought after interior design inspiration for a cozy, warm feeling.
In this post, we're diving into what makes Nancy Meyers' interior design so timeless and inviting. I'll be sharing the top 10 ways to bring that signature Meyers look into your own home, using elements from my own space as inspiration.
By the end, you'll have plenty of ideas to create that warm, curated, and cozy feel we all love from her movies!
Introduction to Nancy Meyers Style
As an interior designer who began my career in the 90s, I've been inspired by the aesthetic Meyers brought to life on screen. Watching her films, it's impossible not to be drawn to the attention to detail in every room.
From overstuffed slipcover sofas and creamy white walls to carefully curated personal touches, each set design invites viewers to imagine themselves living in such spaces.
Her ability to blend the old with the new seamlessly sets Meyers apart. Her rooms often feature a mix of antiques, vintage finds, and modern accents that make the space feel curated over time.
This approach not only adds depth but also a timeless charm that is hard to achieve. For example, the stunning kitchen in Something's Gotta Give showcases white cabinetry and large island, creating an open, airy feel perfect for gatherings.
Behind the Nancy Meyers Interior Design Style
I recently stumbled upon a YouTube video that, although unrelated to interior design, reminded me how powerful and inspiring visual media can be. It's fascinating how Meyers' film sets have inspired so many to recreate that same warmth and elegance in their homes.
It’s a credit to the talented set designers like Jon Hutman and Beth Rubino, who have played a significant role in bringing Nancy Meyers' vision to life. Their work on films like It’s Complicated and Something’s Gotta Give set a high standard for interior design.
They have influenced both homeowners and professionals alike. Their attention to detail and ability to blend old and new elements create spaces that feel both lived-in and sophisticated.
Top 10 Nancy Meyers Decorating Tips
Meyers' spaces often revolve around a neutral color palette of creamy whites, beiges, and taupes, setting a sophisticated and welcoming backdrop that never goes out of style.
We polled our readers and they're so excited to learn more about how to get the Nancy Meyers interior design aesthetic. So, let's explore the elements and tips that will bring unmistakable Nancy Meyers magic into your own living spaces.
Classic Yet Comfortable Furniture
Big, comfy sofas and cozy sectionals are a big part of her style, making the space feel warm and inviting. She mixes classic and modern pieces, so the room looks stylish but still feels relaxed and welcoming.
When designing your room, start with the sofa. Look for one that’s both comfortable and inviting. In our living room, we took inspiration from Nancy Meyers by anchoring the space with a slipcovered sofa from Pottery Barn, topped with plenty of cozy pillows.
Meyers often uses slipcovered sofas in her movie sets—maybe because they’re easy to clean or because they add that effortlessly cozy feel she wants to bring to life on screen.
Mix of Old and New
In Meyers' movies, the rooms are thoughtfully curated, showcasing a blend of carefully selected antiques, charming vintage finds, and new accents. This eclectic mix creates an inviting atmosphere that adds personality. Each space feels unique and full of character.
Get tips on the best ways to incorporate vintage finds at my post 33 Best Decorating from Thrift Stores to Liven up your Home Decor.
In our home, I shop for home decor at thrift stores, antique stores, new product stores like TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target, Etsy, and such. Combine old and new pieces together. I find mixing vintage modern pieces at stores like Target with actual old pieces gives your decoration more character and charm.
Here is an example. The mirror to the left is a new vintage looking mirror from Walmart and printable lithograph bunny art but the frame around the bunny is old, found at Goodwill.
It is easy to mix old and new if you look for vintage looking pieces at local stores or online.
Open and Airy Kitchens
Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with bright white cabinetry that instantly makes the space feel open and welcoming. In the center, there’s a spacious island that’s perfect for everything from cooking to hanging out with friends or family.
It’s the kind of place where everyone naturally gathers. The island seating is not just for looks—they invite you to sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and catch up with loved ones.
This kitchen is all about creating a relaxed vibe and drawing people in. Where conversations flow easily, and memories are made over shared meals and laughter.
Want to get that cozy Nancy Meyers kitchen look? Start by adding seating near or in your kitchen. If you have the space, a breakfast nook or island with stools is perfect. But even in a smaller kitchen, a simple stool nearby gives family or friends a comfy spot to sit while you cook.
Our kitchen is on the smaller side, so instead of an island, we created a kitchen sitting room just off the space. People love gathering there in our old family rocking chairs while we cook—it makes the kitchen feel even more inviting!
Another easy way to get that Meyers-style warmth is by brightening up your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. Light, airy colors make a big difference!
Check out my post on how to paint your cabinets and another on the best white paint for cabinets to help you pick out the perfect white.
Soft, Cozy Textiles
Layering different textiles, like soft linen slipcovers and cozy natural fiber rugs, can really transform a space. It brings in warmth and a sense of depth, making your room feel inviting and comfortable.
Plus, mixing textures adds visual interest, giving your decor a relaxed, lived-in vibe. Here is an example in my home where I place a textured throw on the back of my sofa and toss pillows on the couch with more textures.
Statement Lighting
Oversized pendant lights, paired with stylish sconces, cast a warm, inviting glow throughout the space. This cozy lighting helps to create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for hanging with friends or a quiet evening at home.
Finding lighting is only one element to consider. After you select your lighting consider what type of bulb. This is very important because not all bulbs created equal. Here is a blog post on selecting the right kind of bulb to fit the ambiance you desire.
Personal, Lived-In Touches
When decorating your space, don’t forget to sprinkle in some personal touches. Adding items like your favorite books, family photos, or memorable souvenirs can help make the area feel warm and inviting. It gives each room character and reflects your personality, making it feel less like a staged setting and more like home.
This is a detail that made Nancy Meyers film sets stand out. It was realistic as if that family or person actuallly lived there so when decorting make sure to include things that make it feel like home.
A great example is my grandmother, Ranny's, Currier & Ives dishes. We use them and decorate with them like I did in this window seal in our kitchen. So add small and large pieces that give your home that personal lived in touch.
Subtle, Muted Color Accents
Soft blues, gentle sage greens, and warm neutrals infuse the space with character and charm. And it keeps the overall neutral palette balanced and not too busy. These colors add a subtle pop that really enhances the atmosphere without stealing the show.
In the scene above you will find a beautiful neutral color on the wall. If I had to guess that looks like Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams or Bone White by Benjamin Moore. These are great colors and easy to decorate around.
I used Kilim Beige in in my hallway below but if you notice they look different because on the set they are using warm light bulbs to give the space a more cozy look.
And Bone White in my living room on the walls not the fireplace.
If you love neutral check out these popular beige paint colors. It is a great place to start.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
French doors and large windows create a beautiful transition between the inside of your home and the outdoors. They let in plenty of natural light and offer stunning views, making the space feel fresh and inviting.
If you don't have large window or a room with a view then no worries. Adding mirrors to your room help reflect light and give a more open airy look.
Thoughtfully Styled Open Shelving
Open shelving in kitchens and stylish bookcases strike a perfect balance between beauty and practicality. They serve as a great way to showcase your favorite decorative pieces and provide easy access to everyday items.
You will see lots of shelving decorating in the Meyer's films so here is where you can have fun and add stacks of books, everyday items on shelves or anything that give your home that lived in look.
Here is an example in my living/dining room where I have a set of bookcases and end tables with lots of items that make the space feel warm and cozy.
Whether it’s displaying beautifully arranged dishes or housing a curated collection of books, you can keep your space organized while adding a personal touch to your home.
Breakdown by Room
Each room in a Nancy Meyers-inspired home has a unique charm.
Living Room
Drawing inspiration from the dreamy Hamptons house in the Nancy Meyers movie Something’s Gotta Give, focus on creating a cozy yet elegant space. Choose overstuffed sofas and plush seating arrangements in soft fabrics in neutral tones.
Check out my favorite slipcovered sofas in my post The Best Affordable Slipcovered Sofas of 2023.
Incorporate personal touches such as stacks of books, framed photos, and curated art pieces. The blend of traditional furniture with modern accents will give the room a balanced, timeless feel.
Bedroom
Inspired by the cozy cottage in The Holiday, the bedroom should evoke a sense of tranquility and comfort. Layered bedding with soft linens, cozy throw blankets, and plenty of pillows creates an inviting atmosphere.
Consider adding a statement headboard and subtle color accents like sage green or soft blue to enhance the serene environment.
Bedside lamps with warm lighting can provide a cozy ambiance perfect for winding down.
Kitchen & Dining Room
As showcased in It’s Complicated, the kitchen should be the heart of the home. White cabinetry and marble or soapstone counters to keep the space bright and airy.
A large island serves as a central hub for meal prep and casual gatherings. Open shelving allows you to display beautiful dishware and cookbooks. Oversized pendant lights and bar stools can add both functionality and style to the space.
Natural elements such as wooden accents, bowls of fruit, window pots of herbs, and fresh flowers will help integrate an indoor-outdoor connection.
By focusing on these elements in each room, you can capture the essence of Nancy Meyers’ warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic interior design style.
Inspiration and Resources for the Nancy Meyers Interior Design Style
For those looking to bring the Nancy Meyers interior design style into their homes, Amazon offers decor items that are on trend and capture her signature style. From cozy textiles and elegant lighting to timeless furniture pieces, you can find everything you need to recreate that warm, inviting Nancy Meyers aesthetic.
For further inspiration, consider exploring magazines and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. You can find fresh ideas and practical tips to help you achieve the Nancy Meyers look in your own home.
Whether you’re doing a full redesign or simply adding a few new touches, you can create a space that’s both stylish and comfortable.
Which movie set is your favorite? Share in the comments.
Happy Decorating!
