The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is so much more than an aesthetic—it’s a feeling. There’s a reason her movies are so beloved! Good design should move you in some way, and out of all her film sets, nothing makes me feel cozier than the house from Father of the Bride. In Diane Keaton’s honor, I recently re-watched Father of the Bride and its sequel, and her performance, as well as the Banks family’s home, wrapped me in a warm blanket of nostalgia. It reminded me how perfect and wonderful the Father of the Bride house truly is.
Even though I don’t live in Pasadena in an enormous Colonial-style house like the Banks family, the movie offers plenty of classic Nancy Meyers design inspo you can apply to any home. If you want to bring the same warm, timeless style into your own home, here are a few design tips I learned from gushing over the Father of the Bride house.
1. Start with a warm, inviting color palette
The first thing that struck me about the Father of the Bride house is how warm and welcoming it feels. And, knowing what I know now about design, I think the color scheme plays a huge role in that. The Bankses’ home has pale yellow walls and creamy white trim, which instantly create an inviting atmosphere. Opting for a palette of soft, warm-toned colors will lift your spirits every time you enter your room.
While yellow is a sunny, hopeful, and romantic color when you get it right, it can be a tricky color to work with. You don’t want it to lean too bright, or it’ll feel overwhelming. Test out samples and see how the color looks in your space at different times of day. And if yellow really isn’t your thing, other warm colors like cream, beige, and terracotta can achieve the same cozy effect. Remember to focus on how the color makes you feel, and delight in the coziness.
2. Decorate with lots of lamps
Lighting is everything. As you watch Father of the Bride, pay attention to the lamps. They’re everywhere! Instead of a single bright light source, like an overhead fixture, distribute the light around the room to create a cozy glow. Fill your space with table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces (you can make this renter-friendly with plug-in options or battery-operated puck lights!) outfitted with warm white bulbs. The Bankses’ kitchen also has cozy under-cabinet lighting, which you can easily achieve with puck lights. Sprinkle smaller sources of light around your home, and the vibes will be immaculate—trust.
3. Live in your living room
The living room in the Father of the Bride house practically begs you to sit down and relax. The whole room is designed for connection—with two plush sofas facing each other and a gorgeous fireplace in the center. The fireplace is flanked by two built-in arched bookcases, lined with books and framed photos. Notably, there isn’t a TV in sight. Re-watching this movie was a great reminder that your living room should be designed for living, not staring at screens.
Even if you don’t have a large living room with built-ins or a fireplace, create a layout that’s built for coziness and conversation. Arrange your furniture so your sofa and chairs face each other instead of the TV. Have stacks of books nearby so you can settle in and read with ease. Line your sofa with lots of pillows and cozy throws. All of these things will make your living room feel much cozier day-to-day and help it seamlessly transition to an entertaining space when you have company over.
4. Prioritize comfort
Speaking of the living room, the sofas in this space look so comfortable because the cushions are plush, and the edges are soft. If you’re in the market for new furniture, look for sofas and chairs with rounded armrests and extra-plush cushions. Aesthetics are important, but above all, your furniture should feel comfortable and inviting—the kinds of pieces you want to sink into.
To add to the comfort factor, don’t be afraid to pile on the pillows. The sofas and chairs in the Father of the Bride house are all lined with throw pillows in various floral patterns. The set design leans heavily on chintz (an elaborate, floral-patterned fabric), which you’ll definitely vibe with if you’re into grandmillennial style, but feel free to layer in any patterns or colors of your choosing. Afternoon naps, slow weekend mornings, or late-night movie marathons will be even cozier with lots of pillows to cuddle up with.
5. Personalize your space
Picture frames, books, and vases filled with flowers cover nearly every surface in the Bankes’ home. This is a home that feels truly lived in (even though it’s a movie set!), and you can create the same vibe in your space by leaning into what makes you you. Get your favorite photos off your phone and into frames—then display them everywhere. Fill your walls with art, and decorate surfaces like consoles and coffee tables with plenty of books and items you’ve collected over the years. Not only will these things make your space feel homier, but they can also act as conversation starters when you have guests and loved ones over.
6. Stick with classic, timeless pieces
Father of the Bride was released in the early ’90s, yet the house still feels inspiring today—proving that good design never goes out of style. When shopping for decor and furniture, pick pieces that you truly love, and invest in quality items that are built to last. And keep in mind that creating a cozy, lived-in home takes time. The Bankses’ home reflects the family’s story, just as our homes tell ours. When you furnish your home with furniture and decor that is meant to be treasured for years to come, that is exactly what will happen. Soon enough, you’ll create a space that reflects who you are and everything you love—which is exactly what the Father of the Bride house represents.
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.
