The Best Kitchens to Ever Appear in Those Over-the-Top Nancy Meyers Movies
Writer, director, and producer Nancy Meyers has said that her set design “sometimes” overshadows her work “a little bit.” That’s one way to put it.
If you want to witness wacky rich people fall in love, sure, go to Nancy. But what really sticks with you from a Meyers film is the sickening, aspirational feeling that maybe one day you, too, could own a massive kitchen featuring expensive pans, freshly baked croissants, and light.
Brew some tea using homemade peppermint you grew in your yard, then curl up on one of your four couches and take a tour through my favorite Meyers’ kitchens.
5. The Intern, 2015
(production design by Kristi Zea, set decoration by Susan Bode)
City dwellers will weep at Meyers’ foray into the digital era with a Brooklyn townhouse owned by a young, successful start-up owner who found enough time to pick out those perfect complementary shades of blue for her kitchen. The set design was influenced by J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons, making it all the more difficult to take in — because it’s real.
4. Something’s Gotta Give, 2003
(production design by Jon Hutman, set decoration by Beth A. Rubino)
Diane Keaton’s white and granite setup has been called “the most-copied kitchen of all time” by people whose houses I have yet to visit. The countertop island is at least the size of a full-size bed but, don’t worry, there’s still more counter space to be found.
3. The Parent Trap, 1998
(production design by Dean Tavoularis, set decoration by Gary Fettis)
Don’t think for a second that I’m talking about that boring Annie’s London townhouse. Hallie’s Napa Valley ranch, complete with horses and a servant in cool clothes to tend to your every need, became every child’s dream until Y2K hit. I can still picture its colorful blue cabinets and plastic yellow bowls (she was allowed to eat in her room!).
2. Father of the Bride, 1991
(production design by Sandy Veneziano, set decoration by Cynthia McCormac)
This idyllic house is one of the few conversation topics my mother and I can always rely on. “Isn’t the Father of the Bride kitchen beautiful?” “Yes.” And scene. More importantly, there are double sinks, hanging pots that you know Diane Keaton’s character actually uses, and the exact right amount of trinkets.
1. It’s Complicated, 2009
(production design by Jon Hutman, set decoration by Beth A. Rubino)
Meyers finally gives the people what they want in It’s Complicated: a movie that works the kitchen into the plotline. As Meryl Streep (thank god) cooks her way through multiple lovers, try not to get distracted by how blinding the light is in this kitchen.
This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Nancy Meyers’ Film Kitchens, Ranked
You totally agree with my ranking, right? No? Which kitchens are your favorites?