Turns Out, There’s a Secret Formula to Creating a Nancy Meyers-Inspired Home
How to get the look.
Thomas J. Story
She might be known for her full-blown, heartfelt filmography, but in this corner of the internet, Nancy Meyers is a design icon. Throughout her decades-long career, the cinematic visionary is known to dream up environments that toe the line between luxury and lived-in. While there are plenty of Meyers-crafted interiors that delight our inner design enthusiasts—like Annie James’s townhouse in The Parent Trap and Iris’s country abode from The Holiday—we’ve been obsessed with the residence from Father of the Bride ever since the movie premiered in 1991.
It might be incredibly difficult to recreate every last detail of the Colonial Revival home, but House of Hive has schemed up the perfect formula to bring the idyllic look at home. According to the San Diego design firm, the vibe can be broken down to a science.
“The formula came from studying images of spaces that reminded me of the warm, timeless style of the house featured in Father of the Bride,” says Kailee Blalock, the company’s co-founder and principal designer. “These elements together create a home that feels both lived-in and curated over time.”
So what does it take to score those George Banks-approved vibes? Well, you need to start with the foundation. According to Blalock, every room should have at least two of the following: A Oriental or jute rug; stripes or plaid accents; or a blue and white chinoiserie accent. Once you have the basics down pat, you’ll want to sprinkle in illustrations of animals, nature-inspired art, or tennis rackets hung on a wall.
“The combination of classic patterns like plaid and chinoiserie, along with art that evokes a more masculine energy, brings a sense of tradition and familiarity,” Blalock says. “The look is comforting but also sophisticated, as if the pieces have been collected over the years, each one adding to the room’s character.”
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The Father of the Bride aesthetic is eclectic—Blalock calls it “refined maximalism”—and it will take some time to cull all of your furnishings. However, you shouldn’t feel rushed to bring the whole look together. “It’s important to gather items from various places—flea markets, estate sales, and different stores—to create that curated-over-time aesthetic,” Blalock shares. “To make this formula shine, avoid perfectly matching colors: Part of its charm is that it feels thoughtfully pieced together, rather than overly coordinated.”
Just because this look is inspired by the Father of the Bride doesn’t mean it should be a carbon copy of the Banks family’s residence. “Focus on personalization,” Blalock insists. “Incorporating pieces with history or that have personal significance will make the space feel more authentic.” However, if you’re looking for some direction, we hand-selected a few essentials to give your home a Hollywood touch.
Get the Look
Revival Sigira Vintage Distressed Rug
Set a fashionable foundation—literally—with a storied rug. This layer from Revival is distressed in all the right places, giving it that made-for-you flair.
Quince Sutton Chunky Textured Jute Rug
Jute is a core ingredient in the coastal grandmother look, so it’s also fitting that it would fit squarely in your Father of the Bride-inspired home. Those breezy, beachy vibes is just a click away…
Stoffer Home by Cloth & Company Brooke Upholstered Ottoman
Kick up your feet—and look good doing it—with the help of this upholstered ottoman. The softness of the solid fabric perfectly offsets the chunky wooden feet.
Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Plaid Blanket
Not only is this plaid throw blanket snuggle-worthy, but it’s also made with eco-conscious materials.
Frontgate Blue and White Ming Table Lamp with Wicker Shade
Looking for a bright idea? This lamp from Frontgate has a Chinoiserie-inspired base and wicker shade. Two essentials for the price of one.
Le Maé Vintage Seascape
You don’t have to live by the sea to enjoy this idyllic, oceanic print. The subtle strokes featured here make this a neutral piece that can be incorporated into an eclectic gallery wall.
Schooner Bay Co. William Barraud Hunter in Landscape Oil Print in Antiqued Gold Frame
Lean into your animalistic instincts with this refined oil print from—wait for it—Amazon.
Living Spaces Schiller 58-Inch Writing Desk With Three-Drawer Storage
In an Instagram reel that broke down the trend, House of Hive Design said that every Father of the Bride home should have a room with a central desk. (Very Something’s Gotta Give, if you ask us!) This rich writing desk from Living Spaces offers a healthy mix between business and pleasure.
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