After over four decades of movie making – and having fans swoon of nearly all the interiors – we have hit the Nancy Meyers Style moment in the zeitgeist. #NancyMyersCore is all the rage at the moment. And after spending nearly two decades covering her movies set designs – I am here to jump on that bandwagon. Heck – after that long I should be leading the band!
At some point in the distant past, I had done blog posts on several of her movies but then lost a bunch of photos. So I’ve really only been keeping my Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday posts updated. But there is so much more to her oeuvre. Nancy started movie making as a writer along with her then husband Charles Shyer. They wrote Private Benjamin starring Goldie Hawn which came out in 1980. They co-wrote and he directed their next project Irreconcilable Differences in 1984 starring Shelly Long, Ryan O’Neal and Drew Barrymore – not a bit box office hit.
Nancy Meyers Style – Baby Boom (1987)
Production Design by Jeffrey Howard / Set Decoration by Lisa Fischer
In 1987 Meyers and Shyer wrote (and he directed) Baby Boom starring Diane Keaton, in her first of three Meyers projects, playing a high powered single woman executive who “inherits” a baby from a distant relative – chaos and misogyny ensue when her boss can’t understand the whole baby-care thing. I can’t find good photos of the set design other than this one above – but her NYC apartment is all coldish chrome and Barcelona chairs. She then quits her job and moves to a cozy fixer upper (aka disaster) of a farmhouse in Vermont with the baby. I do recall this farmhouse setting made a sweet decorative impression. So did Sam Shepard as the love interest – but I digress.
Nancy Meyers Style: Father of the Bride – Pt 1. 1991 and Pt. 2 1995
Written by Meyers and Shyer | Directed by Shyer
Part 1: Production Design by Sandy Veneziano / Set Decoration by Cynthia McCormac
Part 2: Production Design by Linda DeScenna / Set Decoration by Ric McElvin
Father of the Bride Pts 1 and 2 definitely caught decor fans attention – both the cozy and inviting interiors as well as a sweet exterior which is a popular tourist attraction. This is really the first of the inspiring Nancy Myers style interiors and I would say that along with Home Alone (funny – little Culkin boys in both movies!) – one of the first really inspiring movies for aspirational and yet livable set decors.
Nancy Meyers Style – The Parent Trap – 1998
Written by Meyers and Shyer and David Swift | Directed by Nancy Meyers in her directorial debut
Production Design by Dean Tavoularis / Set Decoration by Gary Fettis
It’s hard to find good photos of this movie – once upon a time I went through the movie and did screen grabs which I lost. So this is a taste of the two homes featured – the London Town house and Napa Valley Vineyard home. Both are elegant and warm in what was becoming the Nancy Meyers style. I always loved how the sets had lots of warm apricot colors which went so well with Lindsey Lohan’s hair.
Nancy Meyers Style – What Women Want – 2000
Directed by Nancy Meyers
Production Design by Jon Hutman and Set Decoration by Rosemary Brandenburg
It’s hard to find good photos of this movie starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt (my distant cousin!). This is the first of Meyers movies with Jon Hutman as production designer (he would follow with the blockbusters Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday and It’s Complicated) and we can see some classic elements such as the use of fabulous artwork in the interiors.
Nancy Meyer’s Style: Something’s Gotta Give – 2003
Written and Directed by Nancy Meyers (post divorce from Charles Shyer)
Production Design by Jon Hutman / Set Decoration by Beth Rubino
I first saw this movie a couple of years after it was released on a plane returning from France. I recall thinking – cute movie – but those interiors are amazing! I have to blog about them! And thus began my fascination with movie interiors.
Nancy Meyers Style: The Holiday – England and LA – 2006
Written and Directed by Nancy Meyers
Production Design by Jon Hutman / Set Decoration by Cindy Carr, Cynthia McCormac, David Smith, Al Hobbs
It’s Complicated – 2009
Written and Directed by Nancy Meyers
Production Design by Jon Hutman / Set Decoration by Beth Rubino
These dining chairs are for sale on 1st Dibs – check them out below!
Nancy Meyers Style – Home Again (2017)
Written and Directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer | Produced by Nancy Meyers
Production Design by Ellen Brill / Set Decoration by Nicole Cates
Moving to the next generation we see many of the same Meyers design style influences in Home Again starring Reese Witherspoon. Cozy neutral furnishings, interesting art, etc.
Nancy Meyers Style – The Intern – 2015
Written and Directed by Nancy Meyers
Production Design by Kristi Zea / Set Decoration by Susan Bode
This movie starring Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro is mostly set in the office and in car rides. The townhouse is ok. The kitchen is nice and definitely within the style we’ve come to associate with Nancy Meyers style movies – statement lighting, livable clutter, classic architectural features. The floors are spectacular. I don’t think this hit the zeitgeist like her other movies have.
In 2000 – the Father of the Bride teamed up for a super cute “Part 3-ish” short film to entertain us during Covid and raise money for World Central Kitchen.
I’m not sure what’s next for Nancy Meyers – I do know fans are clamoring for another Nancy Meyers style project.
Top 9 Hallmarks of Nancy Meyers style:
- Gorgeous Kitchens: Meyers is known for featuring stunning, well-equipped kitchens that often serve as a focal point of social interaction and character development.
- Comfortable Living Spaces: Her sets prioritize comfort with plush sofas, cozy throws, and inviting spaces that feel both luxurious and lived-in.
- Neutral Color Schemes: Meyers typically favors neutral palettes, using shades like whites, creams, and soft grays to create a timeless and soothing atmosphere.
- Natural Light: Light-filled interiors are a trademark, with large windows and airy spaces that emphasize natural sunlight and openness.
- Classic and Timeless Design: She often incorporates classic architectural elements and furniture pieces that give her sets a timeless appeal.
- Attention to Detail: Every item in Meyers’ sets feels carefully curated, from artwork on the walls to decorative accents and statement lighting that reflect the characters’ personalities.
- Blend of Old and New: Meyers mixes vintage finds with contemporary pieces, creating an eclectic yet harmonious décor that feels authentic and stylish.
- Emphasis on Homey Atmosphere: Her sets are designed to feel like real homes, with personal touches, family photographs, and items that reflect the characters’ lifestyles.
- Aspirational Yet Accessible: While her interiors are aspirational in their beauty and design, they also feel accessible and relatable, inviting viewers to imagine themselves in these spaces.
You might also enjoy: Decorating the Home Alone House
Nancy Meyers Style Boutique
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What a delightful read! Nancy Meyers’ style has always been a source of inspiration, and your post beautifully captures her timeless influence over the decades. Thank you for this insightful and visually appealing piece, Linda!
Just like these films are timeless, the style you break down in this article is equally so…I have to rewatch all these movies, now!! This was such a pleasure to read, and with so much new information about Nancy Meyers, about this type of design, and about you, Linda!! Thank you for sharing.
I love all these movie sets – particularly the kitchens! I’ve seen almost all of them…may have to look up the 2 I’ve missed… Such a fun look at the common denominators that make these interiors all so appealing! Great post, Linda!
What a fun post to browse through, Linda. My favorite style here is the Home Again look. I appreciate all the work that went into this post, too!