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The Aesthetics of Nancy Meyers (think Kate Winsletinto the house The holiday or Meryl Streep‘s kitchen It’s complicated) is the gold standard for effortless luxury. Her signature look is all about creamy neutrals, overstuffed bookshelves and bedrooms you’ll never want to leave.
Nancy’s daughter, interior designer Annie Meyers, has clearly inherited her mother’s taste. That’s like the Oak House, the five-bedroom 1940s house California she shares with her husband and their two sons is all she can do. Here she takes us inside her movie set-worthy home and shares her styling tips.
Annie prefers neutral tones paired with rich woods such as mahogany and walnut throughout her home. Perch & Parrow sells similar wooden consoles.
The paint
Walls should be warm, inviting and elegant. Bright colors and super bright white are prohibited. Think cashmere tones, not cotton.
It’s neutral tones or nothing
These are timeless and allow families to grow without having to rethink paint colors in a few years. I like to use warm, earthy tones – favorites include Farrow & Ball Dorset Cream and Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. Then I introduce bolder colors through fabrics and accessories.
Always test white paint
Surprisingly difficult to judge from a small sample; When white paint covers a large area, it can appear much brighter than expected. Therefore, after you’ve selected your favorites, paint an entire wall in each shade of white before making a final decision. You won’t regret it!
Illuminate the ceiling
Choose a shade that is slightly lighter than the surrounding walls. Most paint stores will mix your chosen wall color at 50 percent strength for the ceiling, creating a softer finish that feels calm and considered. It will also make your space appear larger.
Use a brush for woodwork
While many decorators prefer to spray or roll for speed, I prefer a traditional brush-applied finish and have the final coat applied this way whenever possible. I like seeing the brush strokes; they add texture and character.
Customize your favorite color that suits every room
Have you found the perfect shade, but do you want it a little lighter or darker? Rather than forgo it altogether, ask your paint supplier to change the pigment. I often ask for colors to be adjusted approximately 25 percent, allowing for a unique, bespoke finish without losing the character of the original shade. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint offers various options in various depths.
Flowers from Annie’s garden are displayed in a mix of vintage vases.
The planks
These are never left empty; instead, books and objects are stacked and displayed as part of the space scheme.
Start with a blank canvas
At the Oak House, I fill my shelves with everything from dog-eared books and sculptures to the kind of treasures that look as if they have been collected over decades. To create your display, start by completely clearing each shelf. Group your belongings into categories – books, artwork, decorative objects, trays, vases and keepsakes – so you can see exactly what you have to work with.
Play with the screen
Combine books stacked horizontally with books displayed vertically, and don’t be afraid to let some lean naturally. The goal isn’t perfection – you want the planks to feel relaxed and lived-in. Color coding is not allowed!
Low in decorative objects
Once your stacks of books are in place, you can place decorative items on them, lean framed artwork against the backs of the shelves, and weave in sculptural pieces such as bowls or vases. These don’t have to be expensive; a find at a flea market or a bowl full of collected matchbooks can add just as much character as an investment piece. The key is to play with height, scale and texture.
Aim to create balance
Think about the overall composition rather than styling each plank individually. If a shelf has horizontal stacks of books, balance them with upright books on the shelf above or below. Mixing arrangements gives a more ‘collected’ look.
The flowers
Fresh flowers are pretty much the supporting role in a Nancy Meyers film – and one vase is never enough. When it comes to the atmosphere, think: ‘I just walked into the garden with pruning shears.’
Stick to one variety of flower
Rather than combining several flowers, I prefer to focus on a single variety. This is known as a mono-bloom arrangement and creates a clean, elegant look without looking too difficult.
Arrange in odd numbers
This always looks more organic. Whether you choose three, five, or seven stems, the arrangement will feel softer and more natural than an even-numbered rendition.
Choose unexpected ships
Although small vases work best, you can experiment with mismatched containers, such as pitchers and jars. Charity shops and vintage markets are a great place to buy unique pieces.
Vary the length of the stems
For a looser, more organic feel, avoid cutting each stem at the same height. As a guide, you can cut your stems to about one and a half times the height of your vase. You can then make small adjustments to create a relaxed silhouette.
The cozy room has custom shelves displaying Annie’s books and treasures. For a similar chair, try The Conran Shop.
The bedroom
Cozy layers are non-negotiable. Think crisp white sheets, cloud-like comforters, and enough pillows to make you want to hit the snooze button.
Invest in your mattress
If there’s one thing worth splurging on, it’s the mattress. Be sure to try out different options in person. Woolroom and Floks do a 100 day trial where you can return the mattress at the end if you’re not completely happy.
Upgrade your bedding
High thread count cotton sheets feel luxurious and soften over time. I like both satin and percale sheets and switch between them often. Satin has a silky finish, making it smooth to the touch, while percale is fresh and cool, like slipping into a worn men’s shirt. Attempt Rise and fall for a selection of each.
Add a place to sit
If space permits, add an armchair or chaise longue. It immediately makes the room feel more like a private retreat than just a place to sleep.
Edit your bedside table
Don’t let your bedside table become cluttered. Keep only what you really need within reach: a book, a carafe of water, a jewelry bowl, and maybe a sculptural lamp.
This is an edited excerpt from The Oak House: a renovation story with interiors to inspire your own homeby Annie Meyers-Shyer, to be published by Chronicle on September 17, £35. To order a copy for £29.75, with free UK delivery, until September 13, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937
