Regardless of your interior design style, there’s no denying that there’s one director who nails home design in her films every time. From coastal chic to cozy cottage, Nancy Meyers — director of films like The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, The Intern and many, many more — simply knows how to design a home we all love looking at (and sometimes even pretending we live there) for hours at a time.
While Meyers seems to have covered every design style under the sun throughout her filmmaking career, there are still aspects all of her interiors seem to share. They make us feel comfortable, welcome and even at home, transporting viewers into the lives of her characters through superb design.
But even though many people seem to feel this way (“Nancy Meyers decor” has almost 12 million posts on TikTok), it’s difficult to put into words exactly what makes these interiors so loved. That’s why we asked a few interior designers to uncover the key design choices in some of Meyers’ most well-known films. Read on for their tips on how you can pull off the Nancy Meyers aesthetic in your own home.
Embrace a “lived-in” home.
First and foremost, forget the idea that your home should look spotless all the time. Although we all know that’s unrealistic, it can still be hard to push that thought aside, especially when you’re hosting. However, when in doubt, look to Nancy Meyers.
“A Nancy Meyers home looks like someone actually LIVES there,” says Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. “You can envision people putting their feet up on the ottoman, guests drinking wine at the kitchen island, kids jumping on sofas. Her spaces are layered and collected, reflecting a life well-lived.”
Just take the kitchen from The Intern, for example. The island is full of food, the shelves are stocked with glassware and Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules, is pouring coffee. The home reflects the character’s fast-paced life and ambitious personality, and she doesn’t need to hide that with an overly tidy space.
Just keep reading.
When asked what comes to mind when they hear “Nancy Meyers interior,” each designer mentioned books in one way or another. Nancy Meyers’ interiors are chock full of them, and for good reason. Books add character, texture and color to a home. Plus, there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with a good read.
Instead of hiding them away when you’re done reading, try leaving books out as decor like Diane Keaton’s character, Erica Barry, does in Something’s Gotta Give. Your book collection can say a lot about you, so don’t be afraid to display them for added charm.
Embrace your personality.
While all of Nancy Meyers’ interiors are gorgeous in their own right, they all take on different styles that match the character they belong to.
“The interiors feel so well aligned with Nancy Meyers’ characters. Of course, Kate Winslet’s bookish character lives in the most charming cottage while Cameron Diaz’s character fits in perfectly among her modern interiors and fancy motor-operated window treatments,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.
In other words, Meyers uses interior design as a character development tool. You (as a real person and not a character) can use it to express yourself. Find the pieces of furniture and decor that feel true to who you are. The result will be a unique, authentic home that communicates your personality to all who enter.
Experiment with texture.
Meyers’ films embrace layered textures in every room, whether that’s through slipcovered sofas paired with soft throws in the living room or sleek black chairs with fabric cushions in the dining room. The mix of materials in each interior helps create that not-so-perfect look that feels welcoming. These spaces no longer feel like sets; they feel like home.
“There is always an element of softness to her spaces,” says Gates. “A cafe curtain, pleated drapes, throws and worn woods. Even in the more modern sets, you feel cozy.”
Collect, but don’t clutter.
While collections add charm and personality to a home, clutter can quickly take that all away. Meyers is a master of collections, whether it’s a couple of old-school antiques, an assortment of books or a few framed pieces of artwork like the ones seen here in Father of the Bride.
“Pay attention to the details, but don’t let clutter overtake your space,” says Gates. “Collections are great, clutter is bad. Let your home show personality but also restraint.”
Keep it warm.
Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or tend to go for bolder picks, the homes in Meyers’ films often incorporate warm tones that invite us in.
“Her interiors are very neutral but warm and layered — stick to creamy, warm neutral paint colors, natural wood and stone, soft, tailored (often slipcovered style) furniture, lots of different lighting types and lots of books, throws, plants, pillows and, of course, antiques,” says Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design.
The warmth of Meyers’ interiors are part of the reason you might feel like you’re there just by looking at them. If you can practically smell Jane’s mouthwatering cooking in It’s Complicated from here, you’re not alone.
Focus on feeling.
Sticking to a certain interior design style or aesthetic can be important when decorating your home, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only factor. While Meyers tends to showcase a certain style for each of her character’s interiors, they aren’t perfect. And that’s the point.
“Maybe you don’t remember a specific furniture piece or the wall color, but you remember the way the interiors made you feel,” says Jay. “As designers, we’re so focused on aesthetics and how elements look together, but it’s also helpful to consider how our designs make people, particularly our clients, feel.”
Just like you can feel the salt on your skin by simply looking at Erica’s desk with a beach view in Something’s Gotta Give, you, too, can invent a feeling in your home that’s unique to you and your character.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
