I’m admittedly obsessed with the Nancy Meyers aesthetic—and I know I’m not alone in this. Not only is the iconic filmmaker well-known for directing some of the world’s most beloved films, but her movie set designs are equally noteworthy. The interiors in movies like The Holiday and It’s Complicated perfectly capture the timeless, lived-in, and cozy look that so many of us aspire to achieve in our own spaces. Simply put, watching a Nancy Meyers movie makes you want to crawl through your screen so you can live inside one of her charming scenes.
While there’s certainly no lack of design tips or home finds that offer a Meyers-esque feel, it can be a challenge to source picks at an attainable price point. Here, we’re sharing a handful of easy decorating ideas to replicate the look on a budget. Whether your style is in line with the comfort-driven living room in Father of the Bride or the coastal-inspired set of Something’s Gotta Give, your home is about to get a major upgrade.
1. Thrift some antique finds
The secret to achieving the Nancy Meyers look on a budget? Thrifting. Her set designs never look too perfect or pristine—they’re full of personal touches that help create a one-of-a-kind feel. Thrifted pieces let you achieve the same layered, collected-over-time look without the budget of a major movie production studio. To channel that Nancy Meyers charm, look for items like vintage lamps, unique ceramics, wood furniture, and other tchotchkes that speak to your personality.
2. Cozy things up with a lamp
If you learn one thing from her set designs, it’s that Meyers loves a good table lamp, and placement is everything. They’re often tucked away in corners of the kitchen or in an unexpected but practical spot on a bookcase, lending a cozy feel to each room. Round ceramic lamps are classic, but rattan materials and scalloped detailing are also on theme.
3. Accessorize your coffee table
A cozy, inviting living room is a hallmark of any Nancy Meyers set. Lounging on a white linen couch while reading? Yes, please. Of course, the coffee table is an integral piece in every living room, and Meyers has taught us that accessorizing it in a slightly messy way is totally OK. The idea is to make your space look lived-in while maintaining a sense of style and taste. So, rather than sticking with just a coffee table book and some coasters, try styling your coffee table with a variety of trays, candles, books, bowls, and other decorative objects. For a curated (not cluttered) look, vary the scale of your items and work in layers.
4. Add a jute rug
Jute rugs are a through line in many Nancy Meyers movie sets. They add gorgeous natural texture and a laid-back, relaxed feeling that’s signature to her designs. Luckily, these rugs also tend to be fairly affordable. Use a large jute rug to anchor the room with a big dose of texture, or layer a smaller rug on top for some extra contrast and color.
5. Display faux or fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are a must for any Nancy Meyers movie set, but keeping a vase filled with cheery hydrangeas at all times isn’t always possible. That’s where faux varieties come in handy! Pop a handful of stems into a rustic vase, and you’ll have a sophisticated centerpiece for your coffee table or kitchen counter. Oh, and if you happen to be blessed with a green thumb, you could also pot fresh herbs or low-maintenance florals in a small planter—either would look adorable on a windowsill.
6. Fill your couch with throw pillows
There’s a reason why couches in Nancy Meyers movies look so inviting: They feature throw pillows galore. A major perk to pillows is that they’re generally affordable and easy to swap out. For the most seasonally versatile option, choose pillows in mostly neutral tones, but don’t be afraid to mix in prints like stripes or florals.
7. Decorate with lots of books
If their homes are any indication, most of Nancy Meyers’ main characters are incredibly well-read. In any one of her films, you’ll likely see shelves overflowing with books and stacks of them on coffee tables, nightstands, and countertops. It’s a simple trick that makes these movie sets feel lived-in and authentic, and you can easily apply it to your own home as well. Store your cookbooks out on the kitchen counter, display your favorite reads on bookshelves, or stack books on any surface that could use some extra height. Books are a great way to show off your interests and infuse personality into your home.
8. Show off some art or photos
Wall art and framed photos are a must in every home, and luckily, there are a ton of affordable options that give off a timeless feel. Lean a small art print against your kitchen backsplash or add a few picture frames to your bar cart or entryway table. Framed art is also a nice addition to a bathroom, which is a space that’s often overlooked when it comes to decor.
9. Spruce up open shelving
Open shelving is a design lover’s dream because it sets up so many opportunities to add interest and dimension to a space. To take a note from Meyers’ book, deck out shelves in a living area with stacks of books, leaning art, vases, and other small trinkets. If you’ve got open shelves in your kitchen, line them with stacked coffee cups, cake stands, serving bowls, or a couple of your favorite cookbooks.
10. Make your front door welcoming
Decorating starts before you even walk in the door, so make sure your front entry feels welcoming—even if it’s not as grand as the Spanish-style entrance in The Holiday. One of the easiest ways to level up your entry is with a pretty doormat. Anything made with jute or scalloped detailing will feel Nancy Meyers-inspired (bonus points if you choose one with a monogram). Some outdoor planters or a wreath for the door would also not be remiss.
11. Swap out your hardware
Another decorating trick you can pick up from Meyers is that keen attention to detail can go a long way. It really is the little things that catch your eye, and there are so many delightful details in every one of her scenes. A budget-friendly way to replicate this concept is by swapping out the hardware around your home. Try upgrading your basic bath towel hook to something with character, or consider replacing your dresser knobs with hardware in a fun shape or finish.
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
