How to Add Color to the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic Without Losing That Effortless Feel

There’s something about the Nancy Meyers aesthetic that has lasting appeal. Maybe it’s the dreamy settings it's based on, the soft and inviting textures, or the entire concept that makes us feel like the life shown in her movies is all somehow within reach. However, as much as we love this design style, we can't help but feel that a bit of color would add some life and interest. If you feel the same way, you're in luck. We polled an all-star team of designers and tastemakers to help us nail this style, one luxe neutral—and a splash of understated blue—at a time.

How to Add Color to the Nancy Meyers Aesthetic

Consider the following tips to incorporate more color into the otherwise mostly neutral design style. Start with one tip and see what you think before adding more hues with another.

1. Use Subtle Pattern Underfoot

“To introduce color while keeping that relaxed elegance intact, try swapping neutral rugs for softly patterned vintage pieces with gentle color stories,” says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors. She advises sticking to sun-faded or washed tones, rather than saturated shades. "The goal is for color to feel effortless, like it’s always been there, aging gracefully alongside the home,” Soto explains.

Kate Turner, founder of Kate & Co., suggests taking this decor idea to entertaining-centric spaces, like a breakfast nook or dining room, in the form of faded Persian rugs in soothing blush and sage tones. “I love them in rooms that double as gathering spaces,” she says. ”They invite people to linger.”

2. Incorporate One Painted Piece

A wild card can shake up the perfectly serene feel of this decor style in the best way. “I’m a fan of injecting personality through one ‘surprise’ piece, like a robin egg blue sideboard in your dining room, or a lavender velvet bench near the entry,” says Turner. “It’s a great conversation starter when hosting.”

Scope out your local secondhand store or antique warehouse for budget-friendly buys that don’t feel too precious. After all, taking a paintbrush to your heirloom Louis XVI marble-top commode is one style choice you can’t quickly take back.

3. Use Wallpaper

When you’re looking to impart a splash of color, nothing pulls it off quite so impactfully, or quickly, as wallpaper. “Adding a great wallpaper that complements the other hues that make up a room (furniture, throw pillows, blankets, etc.) can add color while exuding a feeling of luxe,” says Paula Taylor, senior stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

To keep the wall covering within the Nancy Meyers aesthetic but with a subtle splash of color, Taylor suggests opting for neutrals and soft hints of blue like Apple of Grenada Sky & Green Wallpaper, Esther Breathe Wallpaper, or Hopwood Cottage Duck Egg Wallpaper.

4. Focus on the Florals

While all-white blooms certainly have their place in the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, consider switching it up with a bouquet of soft shades, like apricot, muted coral, and lavender, Turner suggests. The event planner says this palette can lend an unexpected, yet elevated feel. “For a dinner party, place a single stem at each setting for a charming, guest-focused touch.”

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