I’m an interior stylist – nail the Nancy Meyers aesthetic with a ‘soft glow’ lighting choice & her furniture ‘hallmark’
AN interior design expert has shared how she easily achieves the Nancy Meyers home aesthetic.
She explained that the film director creates her signature home movie sets with specific lighting choices and a go-to furniture piece.
Victoria Foster, an interior stylist at ScS, shared the interior design tips.
Nancy Meyers’s homely movies, including The Holiday and It’s Complicated, evoke a sense of nostalgia, partially due to its charming interior sets.
Those who want to recreate similar vibes at home, Foster said, should invest in neutrals and add just a hint of color.
“One of the key signifiers of a Nancy Meyers’ home is her use of color,” she said.
“The feel of the homes in her films is always relaxed, yet sophisticated and elegant. That’s largely due to the neutrality of the color schemes – leaning into beige, white, and black, especially in living room setups.”
While a room’s color theme can be cohesive due to its coordinating color, it doesn’t have to be boring.
Foster explained that different textures in a room can break up its monotonous vibe.
“This style also uses texture through wood and stone features, contrasted with thick carpets and shiny hardware to add interest to the space, along with pops of color through accessories,” she said.
“Even these subtle additions of color add a touch of classic charm – think buttery yellows, cornflower blues, and warm browns.”
Foster added that the director rinses and repeats her interior design success thanks to a few go-to styling choices.
“For those looking to recreate the scheme, keep your bigger pieces of furniture neutral, such as sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables,” she said.
“Add warm colors through your accessories – a striped or plush rug against a hard floor and a pop of color at the windows with curtains or a Roman blind are all Nancy Meyers film staples.”
To evoke the comfy and cozy mood of a Nancy Meyers set, the interior expert recommends zeroing in on seating and lighting options.
“Another element of Meyers’ interiors is the emphasis on comfort. Her spaces feel warm and lived in, welcoming the viewer in,” she said.
Nancy Meyers movies
- The Parent Trap (1998)
- What Women Want (2000)
- Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
- The Holiday (2006)
- It’s Complicated (2009)
- The Intern (2015)
“Kitchen spaces are family-orientated and have lots of seating options – usually a breakfast bar, dining table, and added armchairs – offering different zones for getting comfortable and spending quality time together.
“Pendant lighting is also a common feature in kitchens, which gives a soft glow that feels welcoming.”
A signature piece that true Nancy Meyers fans can’t go without, she revealed, is the two-seater.
“The layout of living rooms in these movies is often quite traditional. In my opinion, the Meyers’ hallmark is two matching cream two-seater or three-seater sofas, parallel or intersecting each other and armchairs to close off the space,” she said.
“This setup can feel formal, but the oversized furniture, soft hues, and characterful accessories make the space feel cozy and intimate, creating the perfect setting for socializing.”
And, of course, to truly make your home yours, attention to detail and personalization is the most important thing.
“As a director Nancy Meyers is known for paying attention to detail, so the style of the homes in the film are designed to be distinctive and personal. Adding pieces of furniture or accessories that relate to the character’s personality and interests is key,” she said.
“These details are subtle but add interest to the room; for example, Nicky Parker’s bottles of red wine on display in the kitchen in The Parent Trap nod to his vineyard and love of wine.
“The floor-to-ceiling bookcase in Iris’ cottage in The Holiday showcases her love of books and hints at her career as a journalist.
“Meryl Streep’s character in ‘It’s Complicated’ has doorless cupboards in her kitchen with crockery and cookware on display to emphasize her love of cooking.”
“In the same way, you can show your personality and interests through your home.
“If you’re a lover of music, consider using a vintage instrument such as a guitar or saxophone as a decorative piece. Those who love to travel might use artwork to document their favorite destinations.
“Or, if you follow a sporting team, add touches of memorabilia to your home to create talking points with guests and create a truly personalized space.”
