Design & Inspiration

How to Design a Nancy Meyers Kitchen

How to Design a Nancy Meyers Kitchen

Who among us hasn't dreamed of stepping into a Nancy Meyers movie? Diane Keaton whipping up a batch of cookies in a sun-drenched Hamptons kitchen. Meryl Streep's charmingly cluttered, lived-in kitchen in It's Complicated. The open, airy space where Steve Martin's character navigates family chaos in Father of the Bride. There's an undeniable magic to these spaces – they're aspirational yet attainable, stylish yet inviting. And at the heart of every Nancy Meyers kitchen is timeless design elements that create a sense of warmth and welcome.

One key ingredient to capturing that "Meyers kitchen magic” is choosing the right tile. Tile sets the stage for the entire design, and Fireclay offers a range of options to help you create a space worthy of its own rom-com close-up.

Create a Classic Foundation

For a quintessential Meyers movie kitchen, our Ceramic Subway Tile in a classic white glaze like Calcite Gloss or Feldspar Gloss is an ideal choice. These versatile tiles create a clean backdrop for open shelving filled with your favorite cookbooks and vintage finds, and easily fit into any style from a rustic Napa ranch to a posh London flat (just like Hallie and Annie in The Parent Trap).

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Subway Tile Marble Backsplash

Go even more classic with a white square tile. This timeless shape can be hung in a neatly stacked pattern or timeless offset – either pattern evokes the comforting aesthetic you’re striving for.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Square Tile Backsplash

If you prefer a hint of color in your backsplash, our warm neutrals or cool greys evoke a Nancy Meyers look while adding subtle shades of sophistication. Ivory Gloss is a popular choice to create an elevated modern farmhouse feel, while a soft grey like French Linen fits transitional design beautifully.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Victorian Warm Neutral Tile Backsplash

Tile: 3x3 Ivory Gloss | Image: Sunset Magazine | Installer: Lynn K. Leonidas

If you love a neutral look but want to add a little oomph (or, dare we say, gumption) to your backsplash, you can always introduce texture and visual interest with our Glazed Thin Brick. Stick with a clean white glaze for a timeless look.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Brick Backsplash

Brick: Olympic | Design + Image: Monika Hibbs

Embrace Pattern and Color

Although unembellished design and a neutral color palette may come to mind when you think of a Nancy Meyers kitchen, several of her movies make use of color and pattern – like the white and blue patterned backsplash in Home Again. So don’t be afraid to incorporate color or pattern into your space!

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Blue White Handpainted Tile Backsplash

Tile: Sintra in custom colorway, 2x6 Feldspar Gloss | Design: Madelyn Roberts Design | Image: Jenn Rose Smith | Installer: Longbow Construction

Handpainted Tile in a classic motif adds a touch of artistry and personality to your kitchen. You can keep the pattern and color subtle, like the kitchen below, and place a thoughtful handpainted accent above the stove.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Tile Backsplash Handpainted Accent Above Stove

Or you can go all out with Handpainted Tile and do a full counter-to-ceiling backsplash. Even a more modern pattern can work beautifully in a Nancy Meyers kitchen if you keep the color story neutral.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Neutral Handpainted Tile Backsplash

You can also select a specialty shape rather than Handpainted Tile to incorporate pattern into your space. An interlocking tile like our Chaine Homme in a soft neutral sets the perfect cozy scene.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Grey Interlocking Tile Backsplash White Brick Floor

Tile: Chaine Homme Mist, Brick: White Mountains | Design: Orlando Soria | Image: Tramp Studio

Pair Your Backsplash with Colorful Cabinetry

Colors in Nancy Meyers kitchens tend to be earthier – think muted greens and soft blues. Complement your backsplash tile with cabinets in these shades and you’ll be channeling Ms Meyers in no time.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Brick Backsplash Green Cabinets

Brick: Olympic | Design + Image: Elana Jadallah and Aaron Haynes

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Cream Tile Backsplash Blue Cabinets

Tile: 2x8 Ivory Gloss | Design + Image: Erin Kestenbaum

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Green Tile Backsplash Green Cabinets

Tile: 3x6 Rosemary | Design + Image: Rejuvenation

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Handpainted Tile Backsplash Blue Cabinets

The Finishing Touches

Aside from tile, there are several iconic kitchen details found in your favorite Meyers movies. Pendant lights are a constant fixture, casting a warm glow across our beloved protagonists.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Blue Tile Backsplash Pendant Lights

Tile: 3x6 Flagstone | Design + Image: Rejuvenation

Pot racks, complete with at least one copper pot, are a must. We love this look hung in front of a handmade tile or brick backsplash.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Grey Brick Backsplash Copper Pot Rack

Brick: Sierra Nevada + Adirondack | Design + Image: Shavonda Gardner

Fabric is plentiful in Nancy Meyers' interiors, and the kitchen is no exception. Complement a linen sink skirt with perfectly worn butcher block countertops for an authentic look.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen Checkered Tile Floor Butcher Block Counter Linen Skirt

Tile: 12x12 Red Rock + Feldspar, 4x4 Hunter Green | Design: LaTonya Yvette | Image: Nina Barry | Installer: Dziewa Construction

The easiest way to channel your favorite Meyers movie? Pop a bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase on your kitchen counter.

Nancy Meyers Kitchen White Tile Backsplash Green Cabinets Fresh Flowers

These elements, combined with your Fireclay Tile foundation, will help you create a space that's aesthetically pleasing, endlessly comfortable, and always inviting – a kitchen where you can imagine yourself cooking, laughing, and creating memories for years to come.

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