It’s that part of summer where some of you are collecting tan lines. I may not live on the coast, but I’ll never tire of collecting coastal inspiration. So today’s gallery is for fans of preppy coastal decor, and Nancy Meyers chic. Think: laid-back luxe, barefoot elegance fresh with hydrangeas, understated neutrals, and bowls of citrus. Romantically chic Nancy Meyers movie sets are still inspiring us!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Romantic Coastal Nancy Meyers Chic
Tour a Sweet Beach Cottage
What’s all the romantic coastal chic fuss?
Jimmy Fallon poked fun at coastal grannies and the trend here:
“Got me eating dinner at 3” is maybe my favorite lyric…hahahaha. And just in case you need that Grace & Frankie mood board after seeing the above…
But are divorced status and watching THE VIEW prerequisites for loving the look? All the nopes. You need not live near a beach or even be a grandparent. Heavens, I’m a card carrying Midwestern romantic coastal chic type along with Stanley Tucci, who is a convincing ambassador.
Maybe it is about enjoying the little things. Right? This aesthetic is easily applied to lifestyle, interiors, gardening, wardrobe, and even self-care habits.
Something about the idea of solving all the problems combined with late night cheesecake feels like a winning summer. Could romantic coastal chic be a state of mind? For example, I will not apologize for turning my simple bathroom into an at-home spa:
I know full well that “self-care” is an instrument of marketers to get us to buy product for bathing, but for me it’s still a path to stillness and quiet. How can calming the nervous system and pampering the largest organ of our bodies for 30 minutes not be a sort of liberation from so many chaotic demands out of our control? (And those Jenni Kayne skincare products? The best I have ever used, and they don’t supply product or compensate me for any mentions.)
“It’s more about the way you live your life — slowing down and taking time to enjoy the little things.” – Lex Nicoleta via HGTV.
Psst. Coastal lovin skin can glow too…
Can you dig it? There’s no ocean or sea breeze here, but there’s a breezy barefoot elegance, yes?
CANNOT wait for the hydrangeas to bloom magnificently like this soon!
Why is a Romantc Coastal Aesthetic Classic?
It is no surprise this aesthetic for interiors and lifestyle endures even as fashions fizzle. Maybe it is classic because it relies on traditional timeless style and reminds us to decompress.
In the 2020s, folks are exhausted by divisive politics, addictive apps, and the threat of war. There are so many unknowns along with information overload. We’re deeply concerned and want to be a part of reconciliation and resolutions, but we still need breaks to re-energize. Things “cozy and calm home” and nostalgically romantic appeal as uncertainty blooms.
More than ever, many homebodies are after a safe retreat to recover. In recent years I have questioned why it is I feel the need for so many “recovery days.” But I don’t think it’s just me with chronic illness. I look around and see more “coping” and “managing” than “thriving.”
Romantic Coastal Icons?
Certain celebrities and influencers spring to mind. I mentioned Stanley Tucci. But also, Oprah, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, Anne Hathaway, fictional characters created by Nancy Meyers (Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep), and if we go back to the 1950s…Brigitte Bardot!
Talk about a single human propelling a coastal village to fame!
Eclectic Glimpses of Coastal Chic
Capture a Nancy Meyers Romance at Home
Emulating an effortless, Something’s Gotta Give look? Ummm. It’s Complicated and requires effort!
Study The Movie Sets!
We shall not discuss the number of times I have paused scenes to spend more time with the set decoration of a Nancy Meyers movie. Train your eye. Notice the architecture, layering, and furniture placement.
Notice what’s there and what’s not. BTW. The interiors within that unforgettable Hamptons manse in Something’s Gotta Give were actually movie sets built to Nancy Meyers’ specifications. Even the kitchen countertops only appear to be soapstone! They were painted to look like the real thing.
Don’t Shop the Nautical Section
Kitschy beachy-themed décor at your favorite discount stores is seldom your friend. Natural sea fans or coral cluster can be beautiful accents, while a slew of faux shells from Homegoods may miss the mark.
Keep the Color Story Cool & Neutral
White sofas are right at home in a beach house, and blue is a timeless coastal accent. I’m partial to grey and white since it reminds me of the moon (yes, a hippie coastal not-yet-granny), and I don’t tire of the combination.
Paint trim a crisp white (see this for ideas for the right white), and search my archives for timeless and tranquil inspiration.
I may not live near a coast or enjoy grandchildren, but a coastal state of mind appeals!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether the aesthetic suits you too.
p.s. thank you for joining me on the journey – so much lovelier with you here, friends.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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