If you’ve ever watched a Nancy Meyers film and thought, “Wow, I want my kitchen to feel like that,” you’re not alone. Nancy Meyers kitchens feel effortlessly chic yet warm and welcoming, the kind where friends linger with wine in hand while you cook, and where fresh flowers are always a mainstay on the counter and the smell of freshly brewed coffee swirls in the air. These kitchens were meant for slow Saturday mornings and baking cookies barefoot at midnight. And when it comes to recreating the look, it’s really not about the size of your kitchen (remember the cottage from The Holiday?) or the surfaces and appliances. A Nancy Meyers kitchen is more about the little things that add up to give the room that cozy, lived-in charm.
This guide is your friendly cheat sheet to getting that Nancy Meyers feel without having to make drastic, costly changes. And you likely have most of the items on this list already. Pour yourself some tea, get cozy, and let’s dive into the 10 things you need for a Nancy Meyers kitchen.
1. Wooden cutting boards
There’s something that feels particularly homey about having wooden cutting boards out and ready to use at any given moment. Not only are they healthier for you than plastic ones (which are basically microplastic factories), but they also double as decor. Layer a few boards in different sizes and shapes for visual interest—propped up against the wall or backsplash—for that collected, well-loved look Nancy Meyers kitchens do so well.
2. A table lamp
Cozy lighting is a non-negotiable in a Nancy Meyers kitchen. Instead of turning on the harsh overhead lights, rely on natural light, lamps, and candles to illuminate the space. Adding even a single table lamp to your kitchen countertop will bring warmth to the room and make those spontaneous late-night baking sessions feel extra romantic. Style a petite lamp atop a stack of cookbooks or on a cutting board for height. You could even go for a cordless, battery-powered table lamp so you don’t have to hide cords or sacrifice an outlet.
3. A rug or runner
I think we can all agree that a rug is all it takes to make any space at least 50% more cozy, and the kitchen is no exception. Swapping standard kitchen mats with a singular runner or area rug can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen, while making it easier to channel your inner Barefoot Contessa. Since kitchens are prone to spills, washable options (like Ruggable) are especially practical.
4. Cookbooks
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel more Nancy-Meyers-esque is to take a note from your mom and let your cookbooks be seen. Stack them on the counter, display them on open shelves, or prop one up on a stand to style them. Cookbooks add comfort, nostalgia, and a sense that good food is always being made here. And they just might inspire you to get more creative in the kitchen.
5. A vase for fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are one of the most recognizable hallmarks of a Nancy Meyers kitchen. It’s a small touch that signals care and appreciation for the everyday. Keeping a vase (or two) on your kitchen counter makes it much easier to bring home a bouquet on a whim and maintain a steady rotation of fresh flowers. A simple grocery store arrangement goes a long way to soften the space, adding that touch of warmth and effortless charm that Nancy Meyers kitchens are known for.
6. A fruit bowl
Fruit bowls appear in nearly every Nancy Meyers kitchen—and for good reason. They make kitchens feel welcoming and constantly in use. Whether you have one central fruit bowl or several scattered among your countertops (like the kitchens in It’s Complicated and Something’s Gotta Give), a fruit bowl invites people in and makes your kitchen feel open to everyday moments. Plus, keeping fruit out on the counter might just encourage you to reach for a healthy snack more often.
7. A cake stand
In a Nancy Meyers kitchen, everyday food is treated like decor. A cake stand is less about special occasions and more about elevating the ordinary. Think stacks of bagels, a casual pile of croissants (as seen in It’s Complicated), fresh sourdough bread, or fruit ready to be eaten. It creates a sense of abundance, like the kitchen is always ready for company. Even when not being used, a cake stand adds height and dimension to your counters. It’s a little detail that makes people want to linger a bit longer, in case there’s something good to snack on.
8. A hanging rack for pots or utensils
The thing about Nancy Meyers kitchens is that they always look like the person who lives there truly loves to cook. Pots, pans, and utensils are all on full display instead of hidden inside cabinets or drawers. A hanging rack is a lovely way to add cottage charm and an English countryside feel to your space, while keeping all your most-used cookware within easy reach. Even if you don’t have room to hang a full set of pots and pans, a small hanging rack is a great way to store items like coffee mugs, tea towels, and utensils. Choose brass or iron finishes for that old-world, Nancy-Meyers feel, and don’t worry if everything doesn’t match perfectly—it will only add to the overall character of the room.
9. A stovetop kettle
Take a note from The Holiday and keep a kettle on the stove for both function and style. A stovetop kettle is practical for quickly heating up water, but also serves as a cozy visual anchor in the kitchen (a reminder that a warm mug of hot tea is just a whistle away). Even when it’s not in use, it brings a whole lot of warmth and personality to the room that—I promise—an electric kettle won’t match.
10. Candles
Like table lamps, candles bring a lot of ambiance and warmth with very little effort. Keeping a few scattered across your counters makes it convenient to light them while cooking your favorite meal or when hosting friends. Choose scents that are subtle or comforting—like vanilla, linen, or a herbal scent like basil—to create a welcoming atmosphere without overpowering the already-good smells your kitchen will naturally produce.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
The post 10 Things You Need for a Nancy Meyers Kitchen appeared first on The Everygirl.
