The Real Reason The Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Isn't Working In Your Home

When you think of timeless aesthetics, Nancy Meyers' signature traditional and charming rustic decor probably comes to mind. There's something nostalgic and heartwarming about the beachy house in the Hamptons in "Something's Gotta Give" and the stunning Spanish-style home in the classic Christmas romantic comedy, "The Holiday." And with the revival of the traditional Y2K vibe, more people are searching for how to decorate their homes like the early 2000s. Clearly, there's no question of whether the critically acclaimed director's taste in interiors is as relevant today as they were in the 2000s. Employing the classic Nancy Meyers aesthetic in your own home, however? That's a different love story. It's not that you're choosing the wrong slipcovered armchairs or missing the mark on your neutral color palettes that is necessarily the issue here. In fact, it has more to do with your home's architecture.

You may think that furniture pieces are paramount to capturing a certain interior design aesthetic, but it can fall flat if the architectural style of your home doesn't support the vibe you're going for. Not only are the bones of your home integral to the flow of your space, but they can also determine the overall vibe of your home's decor style. Even if you employ certain design choices or have the perfect decor for a vintage-inspired space, in a high-rise apartment with industrial ceilings, it can look as if you're trying too hard to make a modern home look classic.

Meyers is a pioneer in curating stunning set designs, with traditional-style homes that are cozy and lived-in. It's easy to see why, despite the many design trends that come and go, you would want to emulate Meyers' tasteful classic aesthetic that stands the test of time. But here's the hard truth: It just won't work in certain homes simply because of the architecture, even if Meyers herself designed your home.

That's because many of Meyers' sets are characterized by big windows that allow a flow of natural light, neutral color palettes, and traditional furniture, typically set in Georgian, Cape Cod, and Colonial style homes. As use @gracemcelhinny says on TikTok, the curated aesthetic is not one that can be packaged and sold at a department store. For example, if you live in a modern high-rise condo with industrial ceilings, exposed beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows, these furniture pieces are prone to clashing with the architecture. Instead of carefully crafted home decor, what you actually get is an interior design that looks off and unusual because you're forcing traditional details to work in a space designed for a contemporary aesthetic.

While having a Georgian or Colonial style architecture is the perfect setup for a Meyers-esque backdrop, it doesn't mean you're out of luck if you want to embody the popular decor style. Meyers' traditional design style is described as inviting, warm, rustic, and elegant, so you'll want to keep these keywords in mind when choosing paint color, furniture, and hard finishes. Stick to bright and airy color combinations that feel cozy, like creamy beiges and soft whites, as well as earthy grays, greens, and soft blues à la Cape Cod interiors. 

When it comes to furniture, the trick is to incorporate inspired elements to get a curated look of your own, such as blending old and new elements. Think transitional style furniture, which meets in the middle of contemporary and traditional design, like neutral plush slipcover sofas, chairs, and recliners, layered with chunky knit throws and pillows. Charming wooden buffet cabinets and sideboards, and coffee tables with modern silhouettes can be a great middle ground between modern and classic details. More importantly, though, vintage pieces you'd collect over time at thrift stores and estate sales are the perfect way to employ a curated Meyers-inspired home.

As far as decorative elements, you want to lean on pieces that feel homey and practical. Meyers is known for displaying everyday items that overflow spaces to capture the lived-in aesthetic, so layering is paramount to this design. For example, mountains of books on shelves and desks, full pot racks overhead in the kitchen, plush pillows and throws adorned on slip-covered furniture that look like it's been loved and used for years, and open shelving filled with dishes, utensils, and other practical items.