The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is on the rise again

The nostalgic, tranquil home decor of favorite rom-coms is trending on Pinterest.

By Courtenay Hartford

Wealth of Geeks
September 10, 2024 at 10:36PM
Jon Hutman, who designed sets for "It's Complicated," said: "There's slipcovered furniture with natural linen, beautiful old wood on the doors, dining table and floors. There's also a very Italian influence in terms of color and materials. There's a casual comfort that's very approachable and appealing." (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures)

Director Nancy Meyers is known for creating cozy, sophisticated spaces in her romantic comedies, such as 2003′s “Something’s Gotta Give” and 2009′s “It’s Complicated.” In times of uncertainty, that aesthetic has a visceral appeal.

Searches on Pinterest show “Nancy Meyers living room” searches are up 2,090%, “Nancy Meyers bedroom” up 1,505%, “Nancy Meyers homes” up 2,055%, and “Nancy Meyers kitchen” up 620%. Terms such as “cozy reading room” and “serene color palette” also rank as some of the most frequently entered phrases submitted to search engines so far in 2024.

Each season, the Pinterest trend report offers insight into popular ideas and inspirations for home décor, fashion, food and more. The findings are based on the social media platform’s global analysis of user search metrics.

For the past few seasons, Pinterest found an uptick in pinning and searching activity for search terms such as “dopamine décor” and “grandma core bedroom,” along with “Nancy Meyers.”

Searching for comfort and ease

The landscape of 2024 has been filled with war, political unrest and economic instability. Although living through times of uncertainty affects people differently, some reactions can be remarkably similar across large groups.

A mass consumer search is underway for things that bring comfort and joy back into people’s homes and lives. Homeowners are improving their environments, seeking feelings of warmth, happiness and well-being. With trending searches such as “cookbook club” and “vintage dinnerware,” it’s clear that homeowners are ready for a cozy, snug fall, with the kitchen as a central area of focus for these tranquil domestic vibes.

The light-hearted appeal of Nancy Meyers films

While most rom-com characters and stories are sweet and endearing, charming set design expressly sets Nancy Meyers films apart. Although some of these movies are decades old, the allure of the interiors is growing. It’s not so much about following a particular style but more about how these spaces make viewers feel. The approachable set design evokes a sense of contentment, creating a vision of a satisfying life lived beautifully.

Meyers’ rooms display antiques collected during weekends in the Hamptons and fresh produce from the farmers market. With these interiors, happy endings are a given.

The rom-com kitchen look is a grown-up and settled-down evolution of the modern farmhouse kitchen, with direct ties to the simple life and a connection to nature and country living, but with a softening of harsh lines and high-contrast color palettes.

Elements of rom-com decorating

A Nancy Meyers kitchen begins with a base of soft, neutral paint colors, emphasizing any available natural light and bringing an instant sense of brightness to the space. Textures layer with mixed wood tones and woven textures such as rattan and wicker.

Life is on display. A healthy, colorful bowl of fruit sits on the counter, rustic cutting boards leaning against the backsplash. Family-favorite cookbooks are stacked, ready to be flipped through at a moment’s notice. Fresh herbs grow in pots on the windowsill, and the fictional homeowner can always properly harvest basil without killing the plant.

Dishes, mixing bowls and cooking tools are out and accessible, often displayed on beautiful open shelves, as though one of the home’s inhabitants is likely to swoop in and whip up a quick streusel topping at any moment. Softness and texture throughout other areas are critical elements.

Light paint colors are typical, although some dark paneling or wallpaper isn’t out of the question. Fabrics made of natural materials with subtle patterns make up rugs, upholstered furniture, cushions and throw blankets. Bamboo shades, baskets and books add much-needed texture. With storybook charm brought in through vintage finds and family heirlooms, the spaces themselves play a role.

A hallmark and finishing touch is a touch of luxury — fresh flowers displayed in a beautiful vase, sparkling glass surfaces, a tray featuring flickering candles.

While homeowners can’t guarantee a fall free from worry, stress and unnerving news headlines, they can create a comforting, serene retreat.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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Courtenay Hartford

Wealth of Geeks