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For decades, Nancy Meyers’ cozy, coastal depiction of a home has captivated the big screen. From It’sComplicated to The Parent Trap, to Something’s Gotta Give, something about the warm, laidback aesthetic depicted in her movies stands the test of time. And in more recent years, the design style has taken on a new wave of popularity, thanks to social media.
This coastal grandmother style draws inspiration from classic comfort, light and airy coastal vibes, and warm, eclectic taste. It’s the kind of home you strive to host backyard dinner parties under the pergola or wake up, make a cup of coffee, and curl up with a good book.
If you have always dreamed of stepping onto the set of a Nancy Meyers movie or want to create the coastal grandmother look in your own home, we’re breaking down exactly how to do just that below.
What is Coastal Grandma style?
Coastal grandma style originated years ago, but it’s making a reappearance on social media in recent years. It references the Nancy Meyers films that were popular in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
While the style is notable in the fashion world through the styling of cozy cardigans, oversized button-downs, linen pants, and bucket hats, it’s transitioned into an entire lifestyle — permeating home design and culture.
The coastal grandma aesthetic is marked with a mix of calming elements and family heirlooms. It often relies on neutral tones like light blues, creamy whites, and touches of gold.
How do I achieve the Coastal Grandmother trend in my home?
You don’t have to live near the coast or be a grandmother to achieve this cozy home aesthetic. However, it may take some patience and time to create the optimum experience. Collecting items and making design tweaks to your home are what this aesthetic is all about.
These are some elements to keep in mind when designing your space over time:
1. Coastal Color Palette Â
Coastal grandma doesn’t embrace the cheesy beauty aesthetic, but does incorporate some of the colors that are traditional to coastal design. A few colors to add to your space are light blues, creamy whites, and neutral, airy color palettes.
2. Focus on Light-Filled Rooms
Coastal grandma decor prides itself on bringing sunlight into the home. In many of Nancy Meyers’ films, we see this in large, arched windows that let the light stream in throughout the day. The architectural element that the windows add to each space intentionally helps to create a light, bright coastal feel, too.
3. Wicker Baskets Are a Key Feature
Coastal and nautical design are known for wicker accents in furniture and decor pieces. For the coastal grandma look, these wicker pieces are likely seen in small details, like lamps, wall sconces, or decorative baskets.
Safi Handwoven Basket
Large Round Rattan Basket
4. Gold Accents
Gold accents add touches of elegance to a home. You can see these in a gold frame, gold hardware, or gold decorative pieces.
Kuba Metal Pillar Holders
Modern Dimmable Light
5. Warm Textures
Another characteristic of coastal grandma design is the layers of warm textures in a space. This could be incorporatedthrough a neutral jute rug, pillows of varying textures, or soft, creamy curtains.
6. The Nostalgia of Ginger Jars
Ginger Jars are such a classic staple decorative piece in coastal grandma style. Amazon has some that are super affordable and help you achieve the look on a budget. Anthropologie and Pottery Barn have more gorgeous ginger jars that are more expensive in price, but are absolutely stunning!
Blue & White Ceramic Planter
Lotus Ginger Jar
7. Layer Pillows and Textiles
Coastal Grandma style is all about layering different textures, patterns, and fabrics to create a lived-in, coastal look. Thiswill help create a laid-back feel in your living room or bedroom. Keep the tones neutral, but focus on mixing and matching textures.
8. Add Upholstered FurnitureÂ
Unholstered furniture that has a more traditional and classic look is representative of the coastal grandma style. Opting for fabrics like linen, boucle, and classic prints is key to creating a coastal grandmother feel in your home. This could look like a slipcover sofa, an upholstered ottoman, or a fun accent chair.
Sophie Skirted Slipcover Sofa
Isadoro Slipcover Swivel Chairs
9. Focus on Coastal Charm and Function in Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home in every Nancy Meyers film. Lean towards coastal-inspired details like butcher block countertops, beadboard paneling, classic white cabinetry, and silver hardware. Don’t forget to add charm to the space and use items that are functional in the kitchen too — decorate with layered cutting boards, wooden fruit bowls, and vintage dishes.
10. Fresh Flowers Are a Must
Another decorative staple in Coastal Grandma style is beautiful, full florals. Place these florals in a gorgeous ceramic vase to bring life and beauty into your space.
If you want to opt for a long-lasting floral situation, there are so many amazing faux floral companies to shop from. Brands like Floral and Magnolia make realistic fake flowers that you can keep around your home and never have to worry about replacing.
11. Focus on a Green Landscape and Plentiful Garden
The coastal grandmother style does not just apply to the inside of the home. One of the foundational features of the aesthetic is continuing the experience outside. Work on maintaining lush, green grass in your front and back yard. In addition, a plentiful flower garden adds beautiful landscaping features. Full hydrangea bushes, large trees, and garden boxes can create the dream outdoor space in your home.
