Something’s Gotta Give House Decor

It’s officially the 20th Anniversary year of the amazing Nancy Meyers movie “Something’s Gotta Give“!

Way back in 2007  I was inspired to start posting about movie set decorating by the then four year old movie Something’s Gotta Give.  I saw it on a flight coming back from Paris (when I went to Maison et Objet) and thought – gosh, that’s a pretty movie set – I should write a blog post about it! It’s not overstating things to say the various posts I did about the movie have been my most popular, got me interviewed in major newspapers, introduced me to new friends and opened some doors to me that may not have been opened otherwise. Through a circuitous route too long to go into, it’s the reason I was able to make a trade agreement for all new kitchen appliances when I made over my own condo kitchen. I still get a significant amount of  international website traffic and even the occasional question related to the movie.

Over the years I’d written several posts on the various aspects of the movie set decor and in 2017 I combined all those posts into one organized place – which is below.  At the end are links to lots of other resources for fans including a brand new 2023 podcast with director Nancy Meyers herself!

Color and other movie fakery!

By and large, the single most asked question about this movie is: what is that color on those walls??? And guess what? I cannot answer that question because they didn’t use household paint! Those fabulous house interiors were built entirely on a sound stage and because of that, there was no natural light. All the light – the feeling of light streaming in from the open windows – everything was movie magic. And because there was no natural light or the normal lighting one would find in a home, the paint on the walls had to be formulated to look a certain way with movie lighting and recorded onto film. We got this from the horses mouth, so-to-speak, Something’s Gotta Give set decorator Beth Rubino, whom we interviewed on the podcast The Skirted Roundtable. It’s disappointing news, to be sure, but it’s true!

In the same spirit, the floors and the kitchen countertops were also not as they appeared. The countertops were faux painted to look like a greenish soapstone and the floors were faux painted to look like a glossy dark stained wood.

The value of filming on a movie set is that they can build the sets to be moveable so that cameras, people, etc. can be moved in and out as needed. Also, take note the different sizes of the tables from above and below. It’s all in the perspective of the camera’s eye!

Even this lovely pool:

Is really just a make believe wading pool!

The Art

A close second when it comes to web searches and requests for information was about the artist R. Kenton Nelson. Several of his pieces were used in the set of the movie – some from Diane Keaton’s personal collection. However, clearly director Nancy Meyers is a fan, as another work can be seen in Mel Gibson’s characters bathroom in the Nancy Meyers film What Women Want and I think I recall seeing a piece in one of the Father of the Bride movies as well.

One of the disappointing things for fans ten years ago was that Mr. Nelson wasn’t selling prints of his paintings. The good news is that he is now selling limited edition giclee prints of some of his works, though they are still quite expensive. And, not surprisingly, they are sold out of the two prints seen in the movie!

There are also some very well priced posters available (though not of the same pieces seen in the movie) as well. His style is so unique  – I just love it.

Over the mantel is said to be a reproduction of “Rockaway Beach” by Edward Henry Potthast,  an American Impressionist painter who painted many seaside pieces. 

Actually, there is a bit of a mystery here. While there are many similar Potthast prints available, this specific one seems fairly elusive. It doesn’t even show up on the Potthast website which claims to show his complete works or on Athenaeum.org, which shows 303 paintings by the artist and who owns them. My original post said this reproduction was provided by Film Art, L.A, which provides art to the movie industry. This information is included in the Set Decoration Society of America’s story about the set decor in 2004.  This painting certainly is in the style of Potthast and the signature looks like his (though I am not any kind of expert in these things). So, I wonder if this piece was created to be in the style of Potthast, but wasn’t an actual Potthast? I don’t know and am not sure why when there are so many prints available online. Possibly because they wanted to depict the piece as original art? I’ll update if I learn more or, if you know more, please let me know in the comments!

Shown in the kitchen is a reproduction of  “French Money” by Larry Rivers, also provided by Film Art LA according to the Set Decorator’s Society of America article. It kind of looks the same? Perhaps the angle squished it in the still above?

The House

Taking a bit of a step back, the house exterior was a real house in the Hamptons, which last sold in 2014 for an astounding $41M to Jimmy Tisch, CEO of Loews Corporation. Hard to imagine a playwright (Diane Keaton’s character Erika Barry) could swing this place – even a hugely successful one. The interiors of the house weren’t really designed to match the exteriors. They were allowed to go inside and dress the windows to look like the interiors sets, but when they filmed, it was all outside on the porch and in the driveway.

The Kitchen that launched a generation of white kitchens

As mentioned above, the counters were painted to look like soapstone and they were also on casters to be moveable. Otherwise, isn’t this fabulous kitchen?

Shortly after my initial blog post about the movie, I was interviewed by Terri Sapienza of the Washington Post about the popularity of this Somethings Gotta Give kitchen in an article appropriately titled They’ve Gotta Have It.  As the articled showed, many, many homeowners were asking for the look of this kitchen, and the whole house, as they contemplated their own remodels.

I would say that it’s just beginning to look a little bit dated with the dark oiled bronze hardware and the light fixtures – but those would be relatively easy fixes.

The Rug

It’s clear from the various images of the Something’s Gotta Give living room that the blue and white striped dhurrie rug was pieced together. Set Decorator Beth Rubino shared that the rug was a huge (I mean huge like 70 feet long huge!) antique rug which they had cut and restitched together to fit the large living room set.

Something’s Gotta Give Furnishings, fabrics and other tidbits

The reality is that most of what is in this design is actually quite straight forward and simple to reproduce at many budget levels. Over the years, I’ve been asked about everything from the rug to the fabrics to the candlesticks on the mantels. And, for the most part, it’s all easy to mimic. White sofas, mix of blue, white and sandy beige pillows, traditional dark wood furnishings, etc. That said, there are a few pieces which are unique and/or distinguishable:

In the master bedroom is this sweet Nantucket Side Table by Rose Tarlow. Rose Tarlow is only available to the trade. I can make purchases for anyone who might be interested, however, I will warn you, it’s $$$$ – as in with tax and shipping/freight, it would be in the high four-figures. 

The fabric used on the Something’s Gotta Give dining room chair slipcovers was also a hit. This was Lee Jofa’s Bordeaux Toile – which they unfortunately discontinued a few years ago. I received many, many requests for the fabric and actually sold 22 yards to a client in Australia! (That was quite something to see me checking 22 yards of fabric before I shipped it off across the world to be sure it was okay). Unfortunately, most of those interested in the fabric weren’t prepared for the $150+ per yard price tag. It is what it is – decorator fabric can be very expensive. I do wish they’d bring this back though.

And a final pretty… 

I always thought this image above was the entirety of the Something’s Gotta Give house decorating scheme all in picnic form. You can also infer from their costumes that this is where they truly start being in synch with one another.

What is the “Something’s Gotta Give” classic look?

1. Neutral Color Palette:
   • The movie’s interiors are characterized by a soothing and neutral color palette. Use a combination of whites, beiges, and light blues to create a calming and elegant atmosphere. Incorporate these colors into your walls, furniture, and decor.
2. Timeless Furniture and Decor:
   • Choose classic and comfortable furniture pieces that have a timeless appeal. Think about slipcovered sofas, upholstered chairs, and wooden tables. Look for pieces that are not only stylish but also inviting and cozy.
3. Coastal and Nautical Elements:
   • “Something’s Gotta Give” features a beach house setting, so incorporate coastal and nautical elements into your decor. This could include striped patterns, natural textures like wicker and sisal, and artwork or accessories with a beach or ocean theme.
4. Natural Light:
   • The film is known for its abundant natural light. Maximize the use of natural light in your space by using light and sheer window treatments. Opt for light-colored curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through, creating a bright and airy ambiance.
5. Personalized Touches:
   • Add personal touches to your space to make it feel lived-in and welcoming. In the movie, the characters’ personalities are reflected in the decor, so include items that have sentimental value or tell a story. Family photos, travel souvenirs, and unique artwork can all contribute to a personalized and charming look.

If you’re looking to Get The Look of the classic Something’s Gotta Give beach house – look no further! (Disclaimer: the following items are affiliate links. A small commission is paid on any purchases made at no additional cost to the buyer. This goes to help support this blog. Thank you!)

Something’s Gotta Give Final credits:

Written and Directed By: Nancy Myers

Production Designer: Jon Hutman

Set Decorator: Beth Rubino

Great Something’s Gotta Give posts and articles I recommend:

• A NEW 2023 podcast with director Nancy Meyers on Hollywood Gold
• Set Decorators Society of America article, 2004
• Cote De Texas
• Hooked on Houses
• Between Naps on the Porch
• Architectural Digest
• Elle Decor
• Hollywood Reporter

And of course, The Skirted Roundtable

You might also enjoy:

Linda’s interview in Renovation Style on how set decor can inspire home design