Nancy Meyers-Inspired: Adding Character and Charm to Your Home
Do you too love the houses in Nancy Meyer’s movies? Father of the Bride, The Holiday, The Parent Trap, and the list goes on. Everyone who watches these movies not only falls in love with the characters, but the homes, as well! But why? Easy, these homes have so much character to them that they are in fact like a character themself! Meyer’s is even quoted saying, “I see a house as a lead character in a movie. It tells you so much about a person.”
You may be asking yourself how you can achieve such charm and character in your own home? Today, I am sharing tips on exactly how to achieve this.
Look for unique details on everyday items. For example, a framed piece of artwork is a typical items you would see in a house. Take the artwork one step further by selecting a piece that has something unique about it. For example, this squiggle frame is what really brings personality to this picture shown above. Using art as an example again, a frame piece of art with a linen mat certainly stands out from your everyday paper matboard.
It is okay to mix old & new. In fact, I recommend doing this! Mixing old and new items prevents your space from feeling so one dimensional. Antique stores really can be your friend!
Include different patterns & textures and layer them! Do not allow your space to become monotone. You can use the same color throughout a space without it falling flat. You can achieve that through patterned fabrics/wallpaper and textured linens & decorative objects. You see a lot of pattern & texture in Nancy Meyer’s movies. Don’t be afraid to also add in additional “natural colors” through wood, metals, & rattan.
Don’t rely solely on big box stores. I love a good trip to Target, but I am not going to source my entire home from there. Be particular & intentional when you are shopping at the big box stores (or any store for that matter). Look for quality pieces that are to the scale you actually need. Just because it is cute and on sale, does not mean it will work with your home. Where it matters, quality is always going to win. Shop quality retailers, or even better, look to your interior designer, to help you source unique items that the trade only has access to.
It is okay to mix and match furniture pieces. Just because you love a table that has coordinating chairs, does not mean you must get those chairs. If you love both the table and chairs equally, go for it! However, many times the right chairs are from a completely different store, and will add so much additional interest through texture & color!
Bonus Tip: Add lamps wherever you can. If you can put a lamp in every room, you can achieve that Nancy Meyer’s cozy level like Kate Winslet’s home in The Holiday! Don’t forget to check out my blog post on selecting the right light bulb.
Bonus Bonus Tip: Add plants! If you can keep a plant alive, by all means pick your favorites! Grab a variety: plants with structure, plants that are flowy, plants that flower. If your current season of life does not allow for plant care, find a low maintenance plant or a really good fake plant. Fake plants have come pretty far these days and some truly look real ! Do this and you will add so much life into your home!
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