How to decorate a living room that looks like it has come straight from a Nancy Meyers film – 5 spaces that are perfect for the change in season

There is nothing quite like the nostalgia that comes with simply speaking of The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, and many more of our favorite movies by the iconic filmmaker, so it comes as no surprise that we look to Nancy Meyers' films for fall living room ideas.

After all, fall is the best season to gather around the fireplace and ignite cozy conversations. Some of the sweetest moments in Nancy Meyers' films are lifted by the backdrop of a living room that is effortlessly staged and inviting on every level.

Should crisp leaves underfoot leave you in the mood for fresh fall decor ideas, brew a warm cup of cocoa, and dive into some of our favorite Nancy Meyers-inspired living rooms that are perfect for autumnal moments.

5 Nancy Meyers-inspired fall living rooms

From the homes that captured our hearts, to the fleeting seasons between romantic, hilarious, and iconic scenes, the interior design inspiration you can find in these films is a plenty. Here are some Nancy Meyers-inspired fall living rooms we love.

1. Combine comfort with a hint of luxury

One of the reasons Nancy Meyers-style living rooms work so well for fall, is they redefine conviviality. With soft gray tones, tactile materials, and couches all pointing towards the fireplace, this living room by Brad Ramsey brings us perfectly into the season.

'Nancy Meyers’ living rooms are renowned for their blend of vintage charm and contemporary comfort,' says Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors in Atlanta speaking of a more recent addition to the star's portfolio. 'In her movie, “The Intern,” Anne Hathaway’s character, Jules, resides in a stunning brownstone apartment in New York. The living room features exquisite architectural elements, like intricate molding and an elegant fireplace, which add a sense of grandeur and history. These are complemented by modern furniture, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.'

With traditional details like wooden beams and a stone hearth, blended with modern touches, a little like Anne Hathaway's own living room, this space has design depth without being overly luxurious; it strikes the perfect balance for a home that never dates too.

2. Layered natural textures

The quiet luxury look of this fall living room makes us reminisce of Cameron Diaz' living room space in The Holiday. 'What truly makes these spaces feel like home are the lived-in details,' continues Theresa. 'Books, photos, and various interior accessories are displayed throughout, infusing the room with life and character.'

As we can see in this neutral space created by Lauren Lerner, founder of Living with Lolo, a gorgeous fireplace and simple display of ceramics in natural tones add an effortless ambiance for a rustic finish.

'Interestingly, despite their familiar and aesthetically pleasing appeal, these spaces avoid current trends. The walls in Meyers’ films are typically painted white or beige, and natural materials like stone and wood are prominently featured. Moreover, Meyers’ living rooms are characterized by extensive layering and texture,' adds Theresa.

Choose furnishings and accessories that will envelope the space rather than make it feel starkly put together. 'Rugs help define spaces and soften the hard natural materials, while a mix of textures such as cotton, rattan, wood, and metal creates a curated, lived-in feel rather than a staged set,' suggests Theresa.

3. Keep things simple and elegant

In true Nancy Meyers living room style, a fresh coastal aesthetic shines through in this space. A simple and elegant neutral sectional is brought into the season with tactile soft furnishings like throws and a flurry of pillows with cozy and defined patterns.

'We brought in some dark neutral tones and bold patterns to complement the light, airy freshness in an unexpected yet tasteful way,' says Noelle Harvey, founder of Sunday House who designed the above lounge. 'Selecting timeless finishes was essential for this project, so we could create a space to love for years.'

Lighting can add ambiance to a living room too, Nancy Meyers stages her own entryway with the perfect mix of pendants, table lamps and sconces for an inviting feel. 'We also wanted to make the living extra cozy and relaxing, so we added warm touches like the luxe throws and warm-toned sconces,' continues the designer.

4. Be bolder with rich colors

From crisp fall foliage to heavy fabrics that drape rich hues over couch arms and chairs, a Nancy Meyers-style autumnal living room will layer all of the best colors for fall with ochres, burgundy, and shades of cappuccino all coming together for a cocooning effect.

'Bringing the outdoors in with colors and materials will make your room feel more like autumn,' says Hannah Oravec from Lawless Design. 'Materials that are cozy like woods and velvets will bring in a warmth that is perfect for this time of year. In particular, regarding colors, a base of earth tones like rust, greens, mustards and beiges will highlight those characteristics, as well.'

5. 'Overstuff' with pattern and nostalgia

Transitional and nodding to traditional, farmhouse styles on many sets, the combination of linear stripes with intricate floral designs and even geometric prints puts on a show of cozy exuberance.

'This Nancy Meyers trend is similar to recent grandma trends in my opinion in that it’s all about a quest for comfort, nostalgia, family memories, and warm and fuzzy stuff,' says Katie Rosenfield. 'Overstuffed everything, stripes, blue and white, cardigans on the beach, and the Hamptons- what could be more of an American Classic? I think we all yearn for that throwback to Jack and Diane.'

The Nancy Meyers aesthetic may have been a growing trend through 2024, but the look is timeless. It's why the sets (and wardrobes) of her films never date. The cozy, lived in look with a touch of luxury is perfect for transitioning from the end of summer into those early fall months too.