Nancy Meyers, queen of the romantic comedy, has blessed us with The Parent Trap, Father of the Bride, It’s Complicated, and so many other feel-good movies we can’t help but rewatch. In recent years, however, her name has taken on a new meaning, becoming synonymous with the concept of a cozy, collected home. Googling the “Nancy Meyers aesthetic” yields hundreds of results—all offering tips to help you decorate like the director and design icon herself. But even though the Nancy Meyers aesthetic is trending, it isn’t exactly trendy. In fact, the homes in her movies are the definition of timeless. Every room is layered and lived in, authentic to the main character inhabiting it. Whether it’s a suburban colonial, English cottage, or Napa Valley ranch, these homes look and feel so real, it’s easy to forget they’re just movie sets.
Want to create this level of movie magic in your own home? These are all the Nancy Meyers home essentials you’ll find in nearly every one of her set designs.
1. Books
A collection of well-loved books in every room is the ultimate proof of life. Show off your reading material everywhere you can with a stack of cookbooks in the kitchen, a pile of magazines on the coffee table, and shelves or built-ins brimming with your favorite novels. A Nancy Meyers home is never perfectly tidy, but rather, it reflects the interests of the people living in it.
2. Slipcovered furniture
There’s something about a slipcovered sofa that makes me want to spend the entire day horizontal. This style exudes laidback comfort—and white linen in particular adds a touch of coastal charm (see: the Hamptons home in Something’s Gotta Give). Whether you go for an accent chair or a whole sofa, slipcovered furniture sets an inviting tone that’s signature to a Nancy Meyers home.
3. Natural fiber rugs
Lay the groundwork for a Nancy Meyers-approved home with a rug made from natural fibers. A sisal or jute rug is neutral enough to complement all kinds of living room decor and will never go out of style. It’s a classic foundation that adds plenty of texture and laidback charm.
4. Table lamps
One cardinal rule in any Nancy Meyers home? Turn off the overhead lights and embrace cozy lighting from lamps. Collect a variety of table lamps (ideally with a fabric shade for a soft glow) and display them everywhere: on kitchen counters, bookshelves, nightstands, end tables, and fireplace mantels. In this case, more is more. Aim to distribute light throughout all four corners of a room for lighting that feels plenty bright while remaining easy on the eyes.
5. Candles
Do as any heroine in a Nancy Meyers film would do: After you’ve turned on every lamp in your house, continue to set the mood with an array of lit candles. Display pillar and taper candles in glass hurricane holders, antique candlesticks, or wall sconces for chic ambience.
6. Fresh fruit and flowers
Whether your style leans more contemporary or classic, there’s one element of a Nancy Meyers home that can transform any living space: fresh fruit and flowers. Organic touches like a bowl of oranges or a vase of blooming hydrangeas breathe life into a room, and can be achieved with a quick trip to Trader Joe’s.
7. Cozy quilts and pillows
If you’re like me and dutifully watch The Holiday every December, then you’ve probably memorized the entire Rosehill Cottage floor plan, including the bedroom where Cameron Diaz has the ultimate night in. Good news: Even if you don’t have a wood-burning fireplace next to your bedside, you can easily recreate this cozy scene with layers of quilts and mismatched throw pillows. Opt for textiles in a variety of English cottage-inspired prints, and you’ll be transported to the Cotswolds.
8. Cookware on display
The Nancy Meyers aesthetic isn’t about having everything perfectly organized or tucked neatly away behind closed doors. Instead, Nancy Meyers’ kitchens often have open shelves filled with dishes, copper pots hanging on a rack above the stove, and a tea kettle on the stove. These signs of life are not only pretty but practical, granting you easy access to your most-used cooking essentials.
Emma Guillen, Contributing Writer
Emma is an NYC-based writer with a master’s in communication from Boston University. She’s currently on the brand authority team at Macy’s, bringing print and digital campaigns to life for the country’s most iconic retailer. Beyond The Everygirl, Emma’s editorial work has been featured in publications like POPSUGAR, HelloGiggles, and Darling Magazine, among others.
