This Nancy Meyers-Inspired Aesthetic Is Full of Nostalgic Home Design Ideas

Some trends are fleeting, but other aesthetics hold perennial appeal. The decor featured in director Nancy Meyers' classic movies (like What Women Want, Father of the Bride, The Parent Trap, and Something’s Gotta Give) is timeless, making this popular design aesthetic a cultural touchstone for multiple generations of rom-com fans.

Pinterest's recent trend report shows a surge of 2000% for "Nancy Meyers homes". While the term is grouped with other "dopamine decorating" searches, it might be better coined a "serotonin style." The Nancy Meyers design style doesn't give a quick hit of happiness—it offers a steady flow of serotonin brought on by a familiar beige, but never boring, interior. We gathered expert design advice to help you achieve this elegant yet lived-in look in your own home.

Related: BHG Editors Share Their Favorite Home Design Trends of 2024

Meet the Expert

• Meg Young is the founder and creative director of Cailíní Coastal, a luxury home decor and furnishings brand.

• Olivia Dreizen Howell is the founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a registry & resource platform.

Why the Nancy Meyers Design Style Is So Popular Right Now

Meyers achieves the perfect balance between aspirational and attainable, says Meg Young, the founder and creative director of Cailíní Coastal. Even the grandest of homes in her films are ones that anyone can picture themselves living in.

"Nancy Meyers creates highly aspirational homes with true timeless design. Many of her films are now 30 years old, and the homes are still inspiring to the viewer today," explains Young. "Whether it's the set of a multimillion-dollar home in the Hamptons or a quaint cottage in the English countryside, she delivers interiors that withstand the test of time and truly speak to classic style in a way that still feels modern and fresh."

Olivia Dreizen Howell, founder of Fresh Starts Registry, hosts a sample registry on the brand's site filled with Nancy Meyers-themed decor. The color palette is full of neutral colors and makes your space feel put together with minimal effort. Howell says anyone can achieve this look, no matter their budget.

"It's a popular interior design aesthetic on social media—especially with elder millennials who grew up with Nancy Meyers movies," says Howell. "The appeal of the style is that it's cool and sophisticated while also being cozy and breezy. It feels intentional without being clinical and sanitized."

How to Implement Nancy Meyers' Design Style in Your Home

While a base of neutrals is a great starting point for achieving this design style, the key to making it set-worthy is balance. While Meyers' homes always have bright and airy kitchens and creamy colors on the walls, Young notes that the director also uses contrasting pieces like dark wood accent furniture to ground the light color palette. The decor is always layered with varying textures and patterned accessories to add visual interest to the room.

"If I had to summarize what I consider to be her main aesthetic, I would describe it as an artful blend of timeless classics and vintage treasures assembled through the lens of lived-in charm. Add in a pinch of coastal, and you have a recipe for Nancy Meyers style," says Young.

Focus on Quality

While there's usually nothing too showy on Meyers' sets, it's clear that there's a focus on quality. From stone countertops to warm hardwoods and linen fabrics, natural materials take center stage. So invest in a few similar, high-quality pieces—they'll fit right into a Meyers-inspired home and last for years to come.

Related: Quiet Luxury Interior Design Can Be Achieved Without the Cost

Use Collected Decor

Think outside the big box store. "Meyers always has pieces that wouldn't come from a traditional retail store. Whether they're vintage, antiques, or family heirlooms, she always adds something collected and unexpected to her spaces," says Young. Search for a handful of pieces that speak to you, even if they seem a bit outside of the typical Meyers decor scheme.

Details, Details, Details

Thoughtful attention to detail is a large part of what makes Meyers' homes so memorable. The kitchens have beautiful bottles of olive oil, neatly folded tea towels, and, per Young, "bookshelves stocked with curated finds, everything from coral to classic hardcover novels" that give each home a distinct flare. Take some time to add the little touches that fill your home with personality.