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How to Create a Nancy Meyer's Inspired Home (Part 1)

Updated: Apr 1

Are you tired of chasing trends? I know I am. I would rather be spending, time, energy and money on experiences with the people I love. And so, over the last few years I have been settling into a timeless approach to our home that is combining all of the things I've always loved: a dose of traditional with cottage influences from around Europe and the East Coast, and a casual, lived-in feel. Then it occurred to me - that's Nancy Myer's style! These are the homes from our favorite movies that have withstood the test of time - You've got Mail, Father of the Bride, Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday. There is something nostalgic about these films and maybe it has a lot to do with that timeless idea of home and how our hearts always feel peaceful there.



So if you're ready to stop chasing trends and finally settle in to finished home, let's go on this journey together! In this post, I'll be covering the elements of the style and in future posts I will break down ways to incorporate these things into your home on a budget. Below are some of the key design elements that define Nancy Meyers' signature style. Pick out a few you might already have in your home (or are drawn to recreating), and let's build on that.


1. Cozy, Light-Filled Spaces

  • Large windows for natural light

  • Soft, neutral base color palettes (creamy whites, beiges, warm grays)

  • A mix of traditional and modern elements

    A person sits at a wooden desk in a bright room with large windows, curtains, and garden view. Papers and books are scattered around. Cozy ambiance. Nancy Meyers style home


2. Classic Yet Comfortable Furniture

  • Plush, overstuffed sofas with slipcovers (often neutral)

  • Upholstered armchairs and ottomans

  • Well-worn wooden furniture (farmhouse tables, vintage cabinets)

    Cozy living room with blue sofas, striped rug, and bookshelves. Lamps illuminate the room. A colorful painting hangs above the fireplace. Nancy Meyers inspired home from Something's Gotta Give, living room.

3. Layered Textiles & Soft Furnishings

  • Linen and cotton upholstery

  • Cozy throw blankets and pillows 

  • Subtle patterned rugs (often Persian or sisal/jute)

    Cozy living room with floral patterns, striped sofa, and teal ottoman. Warm lighting, rustic wooden beams, and a bowl of oranges on a table. The Holiday living room is a perfect example of Nancy Meyers style


4. Thoughtfully Curated Kitchens

  • Spacious, white kitchens with marble or butcher block countertops

  • Classic tile backsplash that doesn't follow a trend

  • A central kitchen island with barstools


    Nancy Meyers style kitchen. Spacious kitchen with a large island, blue flowers, and lemons. Open shelves, clock on wall, and light streaming through windows. Cozy mood.

5. Inviting Fireplaces & Living Spaces

  • A large fireplace as the focal point, and usually a built in bookcase or two

  • Stacks of books, candles, and personal touches on coffee tables

  • A mix of antique and modern decor


    The Holiday living room. Nancy Meyers inspired living room. Cozy living room with stone fireplace, lit fire, floral armchairs, blue ottoman, bookshelves, and warm lighting, creating a calm ambiance.

6. Elegant Yet Relaxed Bedrooms

  • Soft, luxurious bedding with layers of linen and fluffy duvets

  • Light, flowy curtains layered over woven shades

  • Classic wooden or upholstered headboards

    The You've Got Mail bedroom has a fluffy, duvet covered bed with floral pillows. Framed photos and a lamp are on the bedside table.


7. Subtle, Understated Luxury

  • Gold or brass accents (faucets, cabinet handles, picture frames)

  • Table lamps and sconces for soft, warm lighting

  • Fresh flowers or simple greenery in vases


    Cozy Nancy Meyers living room with bookshelves, wicker chairs, and lamps. A striped rug and flowers on tables add color. Bright, inviting atmosphere, from Something's Gotta Give.

8. Timeless Coastal or Countryside Vibes

  • Homes often have coastal influences (Hamptons, California) or a European countryside feel

  • Natural materials like rattan, wicker, and reclaimed wood

  • French doors that open to a lush backyard or ocean view


Cozy Nancy Meyers living room with two wicker chairs and a small table beneath a lamp. Bookshelves fill the background. Curtains frame glass doors. from Something's Gotta Give.

Which elements did you pick?

Over the coming posts, I'm going to share how we can break down ways that we can curate slowly into a more permanent approach to our homes. It won't happen over night, but that's ok. After all, creating home is about collecting memories and experiences within a space. It's about our shared history and stories and the things that remind of those.


Until next time...



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Laura of The Simple Farmhouse, posed for a portrait in a ruined stone archway overlooking the Italian countryside

Meet Laura

Hi!  I'm Laura - a pastor's wife who homeschooled our five children (all of whom are nearly grown now!), and who curated our home as an avid thrifter and DIY-er.  I love to share how I've created a modern European farmhouse aesthetic on a budget, with spaces that feel comfortable, timeless and unfussy.

A house should feel lived-in and well-loved.  And keeping home shouldn't break the bank, because there are wild and wonderful experiences to be shared out there in the world with your loved ones.  In these pages, I am happy to share how we've travelled the world and saved on our journeys, and lived an adventure outside our home as well as in it.  I hope you feel inspired to linger here a while with me.

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