Some people go all-out on pumpkin spice everything once fall hits. But at Havenly, we humbly prefer Nora Ephron rom-coms on repeat (okay, we wouldn’t say no to a pumpkin-scented candle wafting in the foreground).

From You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle to When Harry Met Sally and Bewitched, there’s something undeniably comforting about Nora Ephron’s iconic sets, characters, storylines, and charming dialogue. While the nostalgia factor definitely plays a role here (we are 80s and 90s babies, after all), Nora Ephron movies epitomize 90s shabby chic and fall coziness in one delightful 100-min package.

So, we tapped Havenly designer and resident Ephron enthusiast Heather Goerzen for her take on Nora Ephron-inspired interior design. Considering that her own home could easily pass for a scene out of You’ve Got Mail, it’s safe to say she knows her stuff. Keep scrolling for the ultimate cozy fall design inspo:

You've Got Mail

With coziness, charm, and a hint of nostalgia, Nora Ephron’s quintessential rom-com You’ve Got Mail is a must-see movie for fall feels. Think crisp autumn walks in the city and “bouquets of newly sharpened pencils.” As designers, we can’t help but fall in love with Kathleen Kelly’s home, also known as the patron saint of cottagecore coziness. 

Kathleen Kelly’s Office

Kathleen Kelly lives in a Pottery Barn meets Banana Republic world: classic, cozy, and next-level comfortable. She spends her time penning anonymous emails to her pen pal from a rustic wood desk set against a white shelving unit stacked with her favorite books (notice, all spines out for the literary lover). Add in some fresh cut florals (to nod to her cheerful character) and natural textures for a sense of warmth, and you have yourself a Kathleen-worthy home office. 

When Harry Met Sally

Another rom-com classic set in New York, When Harry Met Sally is a top-notch Nora flick that exudes coziness and comfort every fall. Without fail. Between Meg Ryan’s sweetheart status and Billy Crystal’s signature dry sarcasm, we just can’t get enough. Add in Harry’s classic cable knit sweaters and the duo’s “friendly” strolls through autumnal, leaf-laden Central Park, and there are countless scenes to get you into that fall mood.

Harry’s Living Room

We’re not exactly sure what kind of political consultant can afford this NYC apartment, but apparently Harry is living large. Regardless of budget, his living room (and overall vibe) is the epitome of modern-industrial minimalism, with a cultured twist. Iconic cityscapes fill the expansive, black-trimmed windows, while sleek, contemporary pieces dominate the floor plan. A leather sofa is a must for the ultimate bachelor pad (pre finally falling in love with Sally, that is). 

Sally’s Bedroom

Sally’s abode, on the other hand, feels light, bright, and whimsical. The cheerful yellow and blue bedroom palette takes center stage, alongside plenty of playful pattern mixing and classic furniture. She was clearly a trendsetter with bold blues and floral prints, and now, thanks to the cottagecore resurgence, her modern-day bedroom would feel equally Instagrammable. Of course, just like Sally, it would be neat, tidy, and compulsively organized. 

Julie & Julia

If fall were a flavor, it would be something delectable that Julia Child and Nora Ephron cooked up together. Toggling between Julia Child’s charming 1950s Cambridge kitchen to Julie Powell’s tiny Brooklyn apartment, Julie and Julia is a feast for the eyes (and stomach). 

Julia Child’s Dining Room

There’s an undeniable warmth to Julia’s kitchen. While the 1950s version certainly features those mid-mod moments, the abundance of wood tones and blue hues feel perfectly relevant for today. We picture her modern-day kitchen nodding to her life in Paris, complete with wooden shutters and a beaded chandelier. Paired with a wood-burning stove, plenty of florals, and some dried herbs, this space is a winning recipe in culinary coziness that’s perfect for fall.

Sleepless in Seattle

This movie is the classic of all classics. From the inimitable Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan chemistry to the iconic Empire State building rendezvous, we highly recommend pouring yourself a tea, grabbing a cozy throw, lighting a candle, and cuddling up for an iconic fall movie night with Sleepless in Seattle.

Sam’s Open-Concept

While Sam lived on a cozy and quaint houseboat, this open-concept design mirrors his style and channels his warm and practical character. We envision this as the landlocked home he builds for Annie and Jonah (he is an architect, after all). Complete with a relaxed color palette, cozy textures, and timeless decor, it’s classic Sam. 

Bewitched

A highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved 1960s classic, this iteration of Bewitched features Nicole Kidman as the lovely Isabel (a modern day Samantha) alongside Will Ferrell’s Jack (a self-important actor). Unsurprisingly, the two fall in love amidst whimsy, charms, and the usual rom-com antics. 

Isabel’s Dining Room

Bright, cheery, and full of whimsy, this dining room is an extension of Isabel’s cozy cottage aesthetic. With a welcoming yellow and white palette, playful floral print wallpaper, classic furniture, and a touch of crystal, the space is classic, a hint nostalgic, and a touch magical (pun intended).

Want a cozy fall design overhaul of your own? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.