Get the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic at Dwelling

If your TikTok For You Page has ever served you a sun-drenched kitchen with a farmhouse sink, bowls of lemons on the counter, and a stack of well-loved cookbooks, you already know the Nancy Meyers aesthetic — even if you didn’t have a name for it yet. The legendary filmmaker behind Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Holiday, Father of the Bride, and The Intern didn’t just make beloved movies. She built entire worlds inside those films — warm, light-filled, impossibly inviting homes that feel like a hug you can walk into.

The good news? You don’t need a Hollywood set design budget to bring that feeling into your own space. The Nancy Meyers look is less about buying one specific thing and more about layering comfort, warmth, and personal touches over time. Here’s how to make it happen, room by room.

Start Where It Matters Most: The Kitchen

If there’s a single room that defines the Nancy Meyers universe, it’s the kitchen. Think about Meryl Streep’s character whipping up chocolate croissants in It’s Complicated, or Diane Keaton’s gorgeous, lived-in cooking space in Something’s Gotta Give. These kitchens aren’t just beautiful — they feel like places where real meals happen and real people gather.

You can channel that energy by mixing timeless pieces with small, meaningful touches. A farmhouse sink is a signature element. Windsor chairs pulled up to a table or island add instant character. Marble serving boards, bowls of citrus on the counter, and small pots of fresh herbs all bring that effortless warmth without requiring a renovation.

The palette matters, too. Stick to neutral tones — creamy whites, sandy beiges, and warm woods. These colors keep things feeling calm and cohesive, and they’re forgiving if you’re building your look gradually over time rather than all at once.

One of the most achievable moves? Layer in natural materials. Think marble or stone countertops (or even marble-look accessories if you’re renting), woven shades on the windows, linen dish towels, and wicker baskets for storage. These textures create visual richness without any single piece needing to be expensive.

Display the everyday. Open shelving stocked with white dishes, cookbooks stacked casually, and copper pots hanging or sitting out all contribute to that signature “this kitchen is actually used” feeling. And when it comes to lighting, lean into softness — lamps on the counter, dimmer switches if you can swing them, and candles on the table.

Finally, style your kitchen and dining space for gathering. Family-style serving, simple white dinnerware, and fresh flowers that are always present — inspired by the cozy hosting scenes in Father of the Bride — make every meal feel like an occasion without a hint of fussiness.

The Living Room: Cozy Is the Whole Point

According to Casey Finn with The DIY Playbook, “Nancy Meyers’ living rooms are the definition of cozy. Across almost all of her movies, you’ll see slipcovered sofas and oversized armchairs. They are the kind you can curl up in with a book, surrounded by extra throw pillows and blankets.”

That right there is the blueprint. Slipcovered sofas and chairs in soft whites or linen tones — like the dreamy interiors in The Holiday — anchor the room. They’re also wonderfully practical, since slipcovers can be washed and replaced, making them a smart investment for a home that’s actually lived in.

Interior designer Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors in Atlanta, offered her perspective on what makes these spaces work so well. Speaking to Homes and Gardens, she highlighted a more recent addition to the Meyers portfolio:

“Nancy Meyers’ living rooms are renowned for their blend of vintage charm and contemporary comfort,” Butler said. “In her movie, The Intern, Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules, resides in a stunning brownstone apartment in New York. The living room features exquisite architectural elements, like intricate molding and an elegant fireplace, which add a sense of grandeur and history. These are complemented by modern furniture, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.”

That mix of old and new is especially good news if you’re furnishing your first home on a budget. A vintage chair from a thrift store next to a modern lamp you found online? That’s not cutting corners — that’s literally the aesthetic.

“What truly makes these spaces feel like home are the lived-in details,” Butler continued. “Books, photos, and various interior accessories are displayed throughout, infusing the room with life and character.”

“Interestingly, despite their familiar and aesthetically pleasing appeal, these spaces avoid current trends. The walls in Meyers’ films are typically painted white or beige, and natural materials like stone and wood are prominently featured. Moreover, Meyers’ living rooms are characterized by extensive layering and texture,” Butler added.

So what does that look like in practice? Layer cozy textures — linen, cotton, and knit throws — instead of relying on bold colors to make a statement. Choose timeless, comfortable furniture rather than chasing whatever is trending on social media this month. Warm lighting is non-negotiable: lamps, sconces, and candles create the atmosphere, while harsh overhead lights do the opposite.

For your coffee table, think stacks of books, fresh flowers, and personal touches reminiscent of The Intern. Around the room, lean into natural textures — sisal rugs, woven baskets, warm woods. And scatter books everywhere to create warmth, intelligence, and personality. That detail is a signature Nancy Meyers move that costs almost nothing if you’re a regular at your local library sale or secondhand bookshop.

The Bedroom: Comfort First, Always

The bedroom might be where this aesthetic pays off the most, because the Nancy Meyers approach here is basically a masterclass in making your space feel restful.

As Finn puts it: “The look is layered but never fussy. Soft linens and cozy throws create texture, while warm lighting from bedside lamps keeps the space inviting. Neutral color palettes dominate, with creamy whites and sandy beiges setting the backdrop. Everything feels timeless, but more importantly, it feels like real life! They are spaces designed for actual people who want comfort at the end of the day.”

That last line is the key: spaces designed for actual people. Not a photo shoot. Not a perfectly curated grid post. Real life.

Start by investing in high-quality bedding — a plush duvet, crisp sheets, and soft layered pillows. This is one area where spending a bit more genuinely changes your daily experience. Build comfort through texture by adding quilts, blankets, and mixing linen and cotton for a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Keep your colors soft and calming — those creamy whites, sandy beiges, and warm neutrals you’ve been seeing throughout this guide. Use warm, gentle lighting from bedside lamps or sconces rather than bright overhead light. And add meaningful personal details — framed photos, a piece of artwork you love, or a small stack of books on your nightstand.

The entire focus should be comfort first. The room should feel peaceful, cozy, and restful, not just look beautiful.

The Big Takeaway

The Nancy Meyers aesthetic isn’t about having the most expensive home or the most perfectly styled room. It’s about creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and unmistakably yours. Layer gradually. Mix new with old. Prioritize soft lighting, natural materials, and the things that make your house feel lived in. That’s the whole secret — and it’s one you can start building today, one farmhouse sink or stack of books at a time.