Even after my millionth time streaming It’s Complicated, I find myself fawning over the masterfully crafted kitchen in Meryl Streep’s character’s Santa Barbara home. It’s truly the kitchen of my dreams, and if you’re here, I think it’s safe to say that it may be yours, too. I’m captivated by each and every detail, from the tucked-away lamps to the open shelves stacked with dishware to the mossy green centerpiece on the dining table. Watching this movie is quite literally escapism. So, in an attempt to re-create what many of us have probably had on our Pinterest boards for years, I tracked down affordable products that’d help me transform my kitchen into a Nancy Meyers set that I’d love waking up to every day. If you still love the It’s Complicated kitchen after all these years, here’s everything you need to nail the look at home.
1. A Hanging Pot Rack
I’d just like to begin by saying sign me up for any opportunity to free up more storage space in my 700-square-foot apartment. I’ve got pans tucked away inside the oven, hanging out in the dishwasher, toppling over in the closet, and overflowing out of cupboards. But instead of trying to stash them all behind closed doors, why not store pots and pans out in the open with a hanging rack? This fixture can bring an elegant, Nancy Meyers-inspired touch to any kitchen while offering the piece of organization you never knew you needed. One major perk is that you can purchase as many hooks as your preferred rack will allow to maximize your use.
2. Serving Boards
The It’s Complicated kitchen was crafted for a woman who loves making huge feasts for her family, bakes three different types of pie for her friends, and sets an immaculate table for a romantic dinner with her steamy fling. Jane is truly a hostess at heart, and one kitchen tool you see every time she has guests over is a serving board. Whether you use it for actually prepping ingredients, plating up a convenient girl dinner spread, or serving hors d’oeuvres when guests come over, a classic wood cutting board is so versatile. And when you’re not using it, you can simply lean the board against your kitchen backsplash for instant decor.
3. A Cake Stand and Treats
There’s no better way to cozy up your kitchen than with a display of freshly baked treats. True to her baker nature, main character Jane displays all sorts of mouth-watering cakes, pastries, and breads throughout her kitchen. To take a page from her book, spend a Sunday morning baking up a fresh batch of cookies or throw something sweet on your grocery list, then pop it onto a cake stand to display. Look for one with a glass dome to keep things fresh, or choose a simple pedestal for easy serving.
4. Neutral Dishware
Maximalists, hear me out. Colorful plates and bowls can be super fun, but for a classic choice that will always feel timeless, opt for neutral dishware. Especially if your kitchen has open shelves like those in the film, sticking to mostly white or off-white dishes will give the space a more cohesive look. And if you only have closed-door cabinets, you can still nail the look by adding a couple of stacks of neutral plates and bowls tucked in the corner of your countertop or under an exposed kitchen cart.
5. Potted Herbs
You’ll never believe that many of the It’s Complicated kitchen scenes were filmed mid-winter on a sound stage in New York City as opposed to the summery Santa Barbara illusion we all fell for. One aspect that makes the set look especially realistic is the presence of potted herbs. This is such an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Simply line a sun-exposed area of your kitchen with mini planters and nurture your own herb garden. Plants like basil and mint are easy to grow and can supply fresh ingredients when you’re whipping up a seasonal dish or refreshing beverage. To mimic the kitchen’s neutral color scheme, choose pots in materials like terracotta and ceramic.
6. High-Quality Cookware
What I admire most about Meyers’ designs is that they are delightfully inviting without sacrificing functionality. Let’s not forget that the kitchen is for cooking, but no one said you couldn’t do it in style. Since Jane is a professional baker and a keen home chef, naturally, her kitchen features a large collection of pots and pans. Investing in your own high-quality (and cute) cookware is a purchase that could last a lifetime and help you romanticize the simple act of cooking dinner. Also, don’t feel like everything has to be matchy-matchy either—mixing metals is totally Nancy Meyers-approved!
7. Crocks Full of Wooden Utensils
If you’re going for the Nancy Meyers look, this is not the time to hide everything away in a drawer. For easy access while you’re cooking and a more lived-in look, store your cooking utensils in a ceramic crock on the counter. And if you’re trying to channel your inner Jane Adler, opt for wooden utensils instead of plastic or silicone ones. The warm wood tones will contrast the cooler look of common kitchen materials like stainless steel and marble.
8. A Kitchen Cart or Island
If you’re looking for a way to majorly transform your kitchen without turning your space into a construction zone, a kitchen cart or movable island might be just what you need. The piece you choose doesn’t have to be as grandiose as the marble-topped one in the film to make this a worthwhile kitchen investment. Even a small cart or island can provide extra counter space for meal prep, add storage for dishes or cookware, and even serve as bar-style seating for guests. Not to mention, it’s a great place to have a flirty conversation over some croque monsieurs and lavender ice cream.
9. Fruit Bowls
Putting fresh produce on display is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a Nancy Meyers look. It instantly adds a pop of color to your kitchen countertop or table, and it literally takes seconds to throw together. Grab a few large serving bowls (stoneware or wood pieces are best if you want to match Jane’s vibe), then pile them high with citrus fruits, bananas, or apples and pears.
10. A Glass Pitcher
Even if it’s just for pouring yourself a glass of iced tea like Jane does near the opening of the film, a glass pitcher is a simple way to romanticize your kitchen. Whether you’re usually alone or constantly having company over, you can easily embody her effortless hostess vibe with an iced-down pitcher of your beverage of choice. Bonus points if you have some lemon slices on hand to pop in as garnish.
11. Patterned Cushions
A vital part of Meyers’ set designs is a stylish yet comfy-cozy ambience, and that extends to the kitchen. Take a cue from Jane’s kitchen seating and spruce up your chairs or counter stools with some decorative cushions. If your seats are made from a hard material like wood, plastic, or metal, tying on some cushions is an easy (and affordable) way to update the look while adding some extra comfort. Your bum will thank you for it.
