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We’ll admit it: We’ve watched Nancy Meyers’s The Holiday in the middle of July. Yes, the film is centered around Christmastime, but that’s not why we’re there. We seek constant design inspiration from Meyers’s movies, be it Father of the Bride or Something’s Gotta Give. Every shelf is layered with books and objects; every yard stars immaculately potted plants; every French door is framed by a puddle of drapery. They are the epitome of warmth.
And you don’t actually have to stream one of her movies to get your fix. You can just log onto Pinterest. According to the platform’s summer 2024 trends report, “Nancy Meyers core” is in full swing, with searches for “Nancy Meyers living room” up +2090% from this same time last year. To get at the root of what it is we’re all hunting for, we took a closer look at the living room belonging to Meryl Streep’s character in It’s Complicated (2009). Turns out, there are seven easy steps you can take to nail her living room recipe.
Start With a Sisal Rug Foundation
Sand Oak Sisal Area Rug, Rugs USA ($577 for 8'x10')
Shire Beige Woven Sisal Custom Rug, Annie Selke ($1,117 for 8'x10')
That warm beige glow doesn’t come from nowhere: It stems from underfoot. Meyers’s spaces are often anchored by a large, durable sisal area rug that instantly brightens up dark wood floors and beams.
Bring Back Slipcovered Chairs
Hinsdale Swivel Chair, Serena and Lily
Carlisle Slipcovered Chair, Pottery Barn ($1,349)
Ever Slipcovered Chair by Leanne Ford, Crate u0026 Barrel ($1,699)
Modern Accent Swivel Chair, Wayfair
There is nothing more casual than a slipcover you can rip off a chair or sofa and throw in the washing machine, but Meyers always makes the easy-living staple look elevated by opting for crisp white fabric.
Mix and Match Your Table Lamps
Ernest Cordless Table Lamp, Pooky ($150)
nuLOOM Lindos 30u0022 Resin Table Lamp, Target
You’re either an overhead lighting person or you’re not—and the director is clearly in the latter camp. Instead of relying on harsh ceiling cans, her living rooms are peppered with table lamps of all shapes, sizes, and shade styles.
Use Stackable Baskets as Side Tables
Stafford Woven Basket, Rejuvenation
Multicolored Plaited Basket Lid, Zara Home ($90)
Storage side tables do exist, but they’re often sleek and round. This alternative solution calls for a few lidded baskets—the extra texture will make your living room feel even cozier, plus they just hold a lot of stuff.
Add Storage in the Form of an Antique-Looking Armoire
Astoria Armoire 32u0022, Pottery Barn
You won’t find a throw blanket bin in this living room arrangement. We assume Streep’s character stuffed her extra linens (along with board games and a small TV) inside her wood armoire.
Stick With Neutral Pillows
Edith Pillow Cover, McGee u0026 Co.
Linen-Blend Cushion Cover, Hu0026M Home ($20)
Meyers tends to keep her pops of color minimal with a singular armchair or cashmere throw. So her pillow assortments typically skew toward the pale brown and creamy white family, often with a hint of a floral print or fun trim.
Filter Light With Colorful Window Treatments
Liz Polyester Linen Roman Shade Cord Lift, Twopages ($31)
Her love of soft linen fabrics extends all the way to the windows, where you’re bound to find terracotta- or almond-hued roman shades. Now you can give your search bar a break.