Famed filmmaker Nancy Meyers is known for two things: heartwarming movies brimming with early-aughts nostalgia, and jaw-dropping set design. From the stunning Hamptons home in Something’s Gotta Give to Iris’ charming, ivy-covered English cottage in The Holiday, Meyers-curated homes are just as memorable as the lines delivered by the likes of Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and more.
Unsurprisingly, the coveted Nancy Meyers aesthetic is trending this summer, and we’re 100% on board. Timeless ticking stripes, sprawling gardens, classic architecture, vintage accents, stocked bookshelves — what’s not to love? The look is beloved and celebrated for a reason — it’s equal parts chic and comforting, and it never goes out of style.
Ahead, we’re breaking down Nancy Meyers’ signature interior design style, and sharing exactly how to get the classic look in your home.
1. Highlight architecture
Whether you’re home boasts a decades-old fireplace or stunning curved windows and rustic ceiling beams, always let the original architecture shine. Keep furnishings understated, simple, and lived-in, and draw attention to your favorite features with touches like floor-length drapes, bold black paint, or eye-catching greenery.
2. Get playful
Nancy Meyers interiors typically have a touch of whimsy, whether in the form of perfectly cluttered bookshelves or soft pops of color. Bring that je ne sais quoi into your space with playful patterns, funky florals, and subtle animal print — The Inside is a great resource!
3. Incorporate vintage finds
The magic of a Nancy Meyers interior often lies in the thoughtful mix of old and new. To get the look in your space, embrace a good vintage find, like an antique crystal chandelier, and pair it with modern pieces, like a clean and simple dining table and hide area rug.
4. Keep it laid back
When it comes to styling, think natural, laid back, and lived in. In the kitchen, for example, use fresh produce and flowers as decor, and embrace the chaos a bit — not everything has to be perfectly tucked away in a drawer or cabinet. Let your favorite pieces shine!
5. Embrace outdoor living
Every good Nancy Meyers movie has a sprawling garden or poolside setup that rivals the home itself. Add charm and creature comforts to your patio, backyard pool, or small balcony with a dining or lounging setup and twinkle lights for a little ambiance. If you can host outside, embrace al fresco dining!
6. Add natural textures
The Nancy Meyers aesthetic leans slightly traditional (and even a little coastal), but natural materials like jute, wicker, and cane play an important role. These accents add texture and modernize the look a bit (think: a classic ticking stripe sofa with a jute rug, for example). Just add white wine!
7. When in doubt, slipcover it
No Nancy Meyers-inspired home is complete without a slipcovered sofa or accent chair duo. This look perfectly toes the line between classic and laid back, just like Meyers’ signature style. Consider the Dixon sofa from Interior Define for a beautiful slipcovered centerpiece — you won’t regret it.
8. Lean into tradition
From a soft pleated arm and wood-turned legs to a paneled fireplace, this look is all about the traditional details. We love a modern home with clean lines and minimalistic decor, but nothing adds charm to a home quite like traditional area rugs, a classic English roll arm, and hand-painted artwork.
9. Mix & match patterns
Nancy Meyers interiors are curated, but never boring. Make sure your space has warmth and personality with thoughtful pattern mixing. For example, pair a classic striped headboard with a floral throw pillow and geometric quilt. Just tick to a tight color palette, and the look will read “charming” rather than “maximalist.”
10. Say yes to blue and white
There’s something so incredibly timeless about a crisp white and blue color palette — it’s not as harsh as black and white, but still offers a little contrast. Embrace this timeless pairing when selecting upholstery, throw pillows, and the like — it’s slightly coastal, but in a non-kitschy way.
Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.