Decor & Styling

8 Simple Ways to Get the Nancy Meyers Look on a Budget

written by KARA THOMPSON

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Source: Bria Hammel Interiors
Source: Bria Hammel Interiors

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. 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.

Threshold with Studio McGee
Natural Wicker Table Lamp
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Wayfair
Ceramic Lamp

7 colors available

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Pottery Barn
Woven Table Lamp
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Threshold with Studio McGee
Ceramic Table Lamp
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Source: Cohesively Curated | Carina Skrobecki Photography

2. 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.

Pottery Barn
Embroidered Lumbar Pillow

3 colors available

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Crate & Barrel
Linen Scallop Edge Throw Pillow

3 colors available

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Threshold
Woven Striped Throw Pillow
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Pottery Barn
Linen Lumbar Pillow

3 colors available

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Threshold with Studio McGee
Woven Square Throw Pillow

2 colors available

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Threshold with Studio McGee
Oversized Reversible Linen Square Throw Pillow

4 colors available

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3. 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.

Threshold with Studio McGee
Artificial Baby’s Breath Arrangement
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Crate & Barrel
Faux Queen Anne’s Lace Stem
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Threshold with Studio McGee
Ceramic Textured Decorative Vase
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Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Faux Wildflower Arrangement
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Source: Harlowe James

4. 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.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Stoneware and Glass Cake Stand
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Amazon
Sunday Suppers Cookbook
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West Elm
Textured Stoneware Mug Sets

2 colors available

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Threshold with Studio McGee
Ceramic Carved Bowl
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5. 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.

CB2
Knotted Taper Candle Holder
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Threshold with Studio McGee
Tall Carved Ceramic Vase
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Threshold with Studio McGee
Ceramic Link Bowl with Handles
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Magnolia
Decorative Marble Knot
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Magnolia
Antiqued Wood Scalloped Tray
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Amazon
The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home Book
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Source: @emilykennedyphoto

6. 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.

Anthropologie
Gold Double Frame
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Threshold with Studio McGee
Antique Floral Framed Wall Poster
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Pottery Barn
Handwoven Frame
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Threshold with Studio McGe
Framed Wall Canvas
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7. 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.

Pottery Barn
Three Stripe Jute Doormat

2 colors available

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Threshold with Studio McGee
Baby’s Breath Wreath
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Wayfair
Urn Planter

9 colors available

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Anthropologie
Monogram Doormat
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8. 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.

Amazon
Rattan Drawer Handles
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Anthropologie
Heritage Knobs, Set of 2
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Anthropologie
Daisy Knobs, Set of 2
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Urban Outfitters
Floral Wall Hook
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