I’ve wasted more hours than I’d like admitting to stopping Nancy Meyers’ films just to admire the interior designs. Recently, though, it’s her bathroom scenes that I find myself repeatedly revisiting. These areas manage to exude both a sense of being well-used and pristine simultaneously, making them the type of place where you can’t help but imagine yourself sinking into a warm bath, lighting some candles, and relaxing for quite some time.
So you shouldn’t be shocked that it’s the
Nancy Meyers aesthetic
that I aim to replicate in my bathroom renovation. Each Meyer’s movie bathroom varies significantly – ranging from small and cozy to much larger with distinct atmospheres, such as the petite bathroom featured in
The Holiday
versus Anne Hathaway’s apartment in Brooklyn
The Intern
— yet they all convey a feeling of gentleness, enduring quality, and a multi-layered,
vintage bathroom
appeal that’s difficult to counterfeit.
However, what specific steps can one take to achieve that sought-after Nancy Meyers bathroom vibe in their personal space? Experts suggest that simply incorporating a clawfoot tub isn’t enough—although these undoubtedly play a significant role.
the finest room designs from films
Here, I outline the top tips and essential components that can transform your bathroom into a space reminiscent of a scene from a Meyer’s film.
Ways to transform your bathroom into an aesthetic reminiscent of a Nancy Meyers film
To me, there’s an inherent motivation coupled with achievability in the concept of aspiration.
bathroom ideas
In Nancy Meyers’ films, brimming with emotion, personality, and warmth, there isn’t a specific detached aesthetic that permeates her work; instead, these movies exude a cozy atmosphere for the characters on screen.
‘Designer Nancy Meyers is celebrated for her seamlessly elegant and hospitable interior designs, where each element appears purposeful but still easygoing,’ notes the designer.
Becky Shea
‘Her distinctive aesthetic adapts seamlessly to bathroom spaces, providing a chance to craft a tranquil sanctuary that embodies subtle opulence with a delicate, feminine flair.’
In
The Holiday
, Iris’s
cottage bathroom
is delightfully quaint, featuring exposed beams, vintage-inspired fittings, and an extremely small
freestanding bathtub
nestled under a stonework window – an ideal place for contemplating life decisions while holding a drink.
In
It’s Complicated
, Meryl Streep’s bathroom could similarly feature a bathtub, yet the likenesses stop there. This area exudes an airy elegance, adorned with subway tiles and offering a garden vista that lends it a nearly spa-like ambiance. As for Anne Hathaway’s bathroom, it stands distinctive as well.
The Intern
— remains pristine and timeless, but with a slightly more contemporary touch, featuring sharp tiles, sleek brass accents, and paneled walls.
Every bathroom has its own distinct vibe but still clearly embodies “Meyers”: bright, multi-dimensional, and practical. Follow these steps to recreate this style at your place.
1. Opt for a color scheme that is both natural and balanced.
The first thing noticeable in a Nancy Meyers film bathroom is that the color schemes should be serene, traditional, and muted.
neutral bathroom ideas
With gentle, natural hues and splashes of color. Her bathrooms often strike me as being cohesive in tone yet remain far from dull.
Gracey Wilson, who leads creativity at Ca’ Pietra, remarks: “Bathrooms inspired by Nancy Meyers exemplify the art of crafting environments that appear classic, welcoming, and stylish without effort. Neutral hues like gentle whites, creams, and taupes function as an ideal setting for organic materials that anchor the area and introduce coziness.”
‘I usually prefer sharp, clear colors for the walls, such as
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Becky Shea recommends, “This choice features a soft white hue with delicate warmth, preventing the area from appearing cold or sterile—essential for fostering a cozy and welcoming ambiance. It culminates in an elegant fusion of classic elements and modest sophistication, ideal for a setting designed to help you relax and rejuvenate—a hallmark of the sophisticated yet practical style Nancy Meyers is renowned for.”
2. Fit in a standalone bathtub
If there’s one defining feature of a Nancy Meyers bathroom, it’s the standalone bathtub. Often, it’s the iconic claw-foot version that steals the show.
rustic bathroom
from
The Holiday
Or the more contemporary slipper tub instead
The Intern
Meyers really enjoys a good bathtub scene.
This type of bathroom exudes a sophisticated level of luxury through the meticulous choice of premium materials that instill a feeling of enduring sophistication,” states Barrie Cutchie, the design director at.
BC Designs
At the heart of these areas lies the incorporation of standalone bathtubs, acting as the central element for unwinding and pampering oneself.
He recommends taking into account the material of the bathtub, suggesting options like tin or aged copper, which lend an air of rustic elegance. Additionally, high-end bathtubs may feature solid surfaces crafted from natural minerals, ensuring they stay pleasantly warm to the touch whether filled with water or not, thereby enhancing the overall comfort during your soak.
Despite limited space, you can usually find a smart solution by rearranging existing elements or choosing a smaller version. As the centerpiece of the area, a bathtub can be enhanced with accessories like a stool, a candle, a book, and a glass of wine.
3. Experiment with terracotta or natural stone tiles
Even in the most
minimalist bathrooms
in her movies, there is nothing overtly modern or cold about these spaces, thanks to the soft color palette, styling, and use of natural materials and textures.
Grab the weathered, old stone in Meryl Streep’s restroom in
It’s Complicated
Although initially it seems like plain gray tiles, they actually form a subtle natural stone checkerboard pattern. This lends these areas a cozy, serene appeal reflective of the characters’ personalities. Essentially, everything revolves around narrative creation.
Gratzie also enjoys experimenting with new things.
clay tiles in a bathroom
‘The terracotta tiles, characterized by their deep, warm tones and rough texture, provide a sensory contrast that adds both color and dimension to the space while also conveying an atmosphere of natural opulence,’ she elaborates.
When combined with marble details, like when utilized as countertops on bathroom vanities,
bathroom shelf ideas
The area strikes an exquisite equilibrium between rough and polished elements. These components together capture the seamless sophistication found in Nancy Meyers’ movies, turning the bathroom into a tranquil haven that seems both classic and intensely individualistic.
4. Incorporate a cozy wooden vanity
No matter if it’s an old-fashioned dresser converted into a vanity or a traditional Shaker-style cabinet in a coated oak finish, the inclusion of wood adds charm.
bathroom vanity
enhances dimensionality and gentleness that no shiny white module could provide.
According to Barrie, decorating a bathroom goes further than just picking materials; it’s about achieving a sense of comfort and understated elegance. Custom-made vanity units, usually made from luxurious wood types or with personalized coatings, offer functional storage solutions along with a tailored touch.
Even if your bathroom is brand new, incorporating wood can impart a sense of durability and timelessness.
patina
It anchors the room and brings an element of sophistication that feels both laid-back and refined.
To attain that classic Nancy Meyers look, I enjoy using natural oak for cabinets or decorative elements, complemented by burnished brass fittings that bring warmth and refinement,” remarks Becky. “Additionally, marble is essential—it can be featured on countertops, flooring, or shower walls—offering an enduring and sophisticated base.”
5. Complete the appearance by arranging the gathered items.
‘Designer suggests that whenever you aim to emulate Nancy Meyers’ style in your home decorating, embracing a well-lived-in luxurious feel is key,’
Kathy Kuo
Never plain or overly styled, these bathrooms brim with distinctive elements that seem to have accumulated gradually over time.
To create a bathroom reminiscent of one directed by Nancy Meyers, consider acquiring ultra-premium towels and linens, a calming-scented candle, and thoughtful wall decor. Adding an aged-looking mirror would also be a splendid detail that fits perfectly with the set design you might see in her films.
The Holiday
or
It’s Complicated
,’ she adds.
The smaller, gathered elements are what breathe life into the bathroom. For my personal space, I sought out some antique items, such as a petite oil painting and a French bobbin stool positioned beside my bathtub.
‘Adding towels and cloth shades can infuse the space with coziness and warmth,’ says Barrie. ‘Decorative elements such as wicker baskets, vibrant blooms, and thoughtfully positioned art pieces contribute to a welcoming atmosphere without compromising sophistication.’
Explore the bathroom style from Nancy Meyers’ designs
Although Target may not be the initial brand that comes to mind, Shea McGee has created an array of vintage-style items for her Threshold line designed with Studio McGee. This includes the recently launched twisted stool, ideal for positioning beside your bathtub.
Intended to resemble an vintage item, this hanging frame mirror from West Elm brings a subtly refined yet elaborate touch to your bathroom vanity. Simply place some wall sconces alongside it for additional atmosphere.
I enjoy incorporating floral elements, whether real or artificial, into bathrooms, and to achieve that quintessential Nancy Meyers aesthetic, I’m looking for some long-lasting hydrangea arrangements. Although more affordable options are available, this particular set from Pottery Barn appears just as vibrant and lifelike as genuine flowers.
If you’re searching for the
top locations for purchasing bathroom vanities
, Wayfair is at the top of my list. They offer an extensive selection of brands, sizes, and styles, but what really stands out for me is this particular piece from Birch Lane, featuring a sleek Carrara marble surface paired with a rugged wooden frame.
For a touch of luxury and tranquility in your bathroom, consider incorporating some refreshing, natural aromas. Diptyque’s offerings have the elegance found in five-star hotels. This fragranced pendant can be conveniently hung from a towel hook to fill the space with an intoxicating blend of rose and geranium scents.
Traditional white hotel-like towels will certainly be essential, yet they can still stand out. Crafted entirely from cotton, these soft towels feature an elegant scalloped edge, adding a touch of cottagecore charm.
By using appropriate finishes, a gentle color scheme, and some carefully chosen decor items, your bathroom can exude the same charm and tranquility found in any Nancy Meyers film setting. If you seek additional inspiration, extend this elegant style across your whole house with help from our guide.
Nancy Meyers’ inspiration for living room designs
,
Nancy Meyers–inspired kitchen concepts
, and
Nancy Meyers-inspired bedroom concepts
.
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