There’s something undeniably magical about a Nancy Meyers kitchen. As the backdrop for some of cinema’s most heartwarming moments, these culinary spaces have transcended their role as mere film sets to become design icons in their own right. Meyers’ distinctive aesthetic—characterized by bright, airy spaces, classic finishes, and impeccable attention to detail—has influenced interior design trends for decades and created what many now call “kitchen porn.” Here’s a definitive ranking of the most memorable Nancy Meyers kitchens that continue to inspire home renovations worldwide.
1. “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003) – The Hamptons Beach House
Arguably the most iconic Nancy Meyers kitchen of all time, Diane Keaton’s Hamptons haven features gleaming white cabinetry, abundant natural light, and that unforgettable center island. The kitchen’s open layout, subway tile backsplash, commercial-grade appliances, and warm wooden floors created the perfect balance of professional functionality and homey comfort. This kitchen single-handedly launched countless renovations and remains the gold standard of Nancy Meyers’ culinary spaces.
Signature elements: Double islands, glass-front cabinets, pendant lighting, commercial range, and an abundance of white surfaces.
2. “It’s Complicated” (2009) – Jane Adler’s Santa Barbara Kitchen
Meryl Streep’s character Jane Adler owned a thriving bakery, so naturally, her home kitchen needed to reflect her culinary expertise. This warm, Mediterranean-inspired space featured beautiful exposed wooden beams, a large center island perfect for rolling pastry, and professional appliances seamlessly integrated into a rustic-chic design. The kitchen’s copper pots, open shelving, and cozy breakfast nook created an atmosphere that was both aspirational and somehow attainable.
Signature elements: Copper cookware, marble countertops, open shelving, rustic wooden beams, and that perfect butcher block island.
3. “The Holiday” (2006) – Amanda’s Los Angeles Mansion
Cameron Diaz’s character lived in a sleek, modern Los Angeles home with a kitchen that embodied California luxury. The space featured pristine white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a massive island that served as both workspace and entertaining area. The kitchen’s clean lines and minimalist approach created a contemporary counterpoint to the cozier English cottage kitchen also featured in the film.
Signature elements: Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, hidden appliances, waterfall countertops, and dramatic pendant lighting.
4. “The Intern” (2015) – Jules Ostin’s Brooklyn Brownstone
Anne Hathaway’s character Jules lived in a beautifully renovated Brooklyn brownstone with a kitchen that perfectly blended historic architectural details with modern conveniences. The space featured a stunning mix of traditional elements like Shaker-style cabinetry alongside contemporary touches like industrial-style lighting and professional-grade appliances.
Signature elements: Marble countertops, subway tile backsplash, industrial pendant lights, and that perfect breakfast nook.
5. “The Holiday” (2006) – Iris’s English Cottage
The charming counterpart to Amanda’s sleek LA kitchen, Kate Winslet’s character’s cottage kitchen represented cozy English charm. This smaller but equally appealing space featured exposed beams, vintage appliances, and an authentic lived-in quality that made it feel genuine and welcoming. The kitchen’s rustic elements—from the farmhouse sink to the Aga stove—embodied quintessential English cottage style.
Signature elements: Farmhouse sink, open shelving with mismatched dishes, wooden countertops, and abundant greenery.
6. “The Parent Trap” (1998) – Napa Valley Vineyard Estate
Though technically directed by Nancy Meyers but written and produced by Charles Shyer, this film features a kitchen that definitely deserves a spot on the list. The Parker family’s Napa Valley estate kitchen combined rustic wine country elements with high-end finishes. The space featured warm wood tones, terracotta floors, and beautiful stone details that created an atmosphere of casual luxury.
Signature elements: Stone walls, wrought iron fixtures, commercial range, and terracotta floors.
7. “Father of the Bride” (1991) – The Banks Family Home
While directed by Charles Shyer, this film was co-written and produced by Nancy Meyers and definitely bears her aesthetic hallmarks. The Banks family kitchen, where Steve Martin’s character frets over wedding costs, represents classic American upper-middle-class comfort. With its traditional cabinetry, cozy breakfast nook, and perfect blend of functionality and style, this kitchen established many of the design elements that would become Meyers’ signatures.
Signature elements: Classic white cabinetry, subway tile, window-side breakfast nook, and family-centric design.
8. “Home Again” (2017) – Alice Kinney’s Los Angeles Bungalow
Though directed by Meyers’ daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer, this film’s production was influenced by Nancy Meyers and features a kitchen with her distinct aesthetic DNA. Reese Witherspoon’s character’s kitchen balances vintage charm with modern updates through its farmhouse sink, marble countertops, and classic white cabinetry. The space seamlessly combines functionality with laid-back California elegance.
Signature elements: Open shelving, farmhouse sink, pendant lighting, and breakfast bar seating.
9. “What Women Want” (2000) – Darcy McGuire’s Apartment
Helen Hunt’s character’s sleek apartment kitchen represented urban sophistication with its clean lines and modern appliances. Though featured less prominently than kitchens in other Meyers films, this space showcased the director’s ability to tailor her aesthetic to her characters’ personalities while maintaining her signature attention to detail.
Signature elements: Stainless steel appliances, minimalist cabinetry, and urban professional style.
10. “The Intern” (2015) – Ben Whittaker’s Brooklyn Apartment
Robert De Niro’s character’s kitchen reflected both his traditional values and his adaptability. The space featured classic elements like subway tile and white cabinetry alongside more contemporary touches. Though smaller than many Meyers kitchens, this space demonstrated how her design principles could be applied to more modest urban homes.
Signature elements: Classic cabinetry, efficient layout, and timeless finishes.
11. “Baby Boom” (1987) – The Vermont Farmhouse
Co-written by Nancy Meyers, this film features Diane Keaton’s character relocating from Manhattan to a rustic Vermont farmhouse. The kitchen transformation from dilapidated country space to charming culinary haven showcases early examples of what would become Meyers’ signature style, blending functional work areas with comfortable gathering spaces.
Signature elements: Country charm, farmhouse sink, and practical work surfaces.
12. “Private Benjamin” (1980) – The Benjamin Family Home
Though from earlier in her career, this Meyers-co-written film includes glimpses of an upscale family kitchen that hinted at the aspirational spaces she would later become famous for creating. The traditional design and attention to detail foreshadowed her future aesthetic.
Signature elements: Traditional cabinetry, formal dining area connection, and high-end appliances.
13. “Father of the Bride Part II” (1995) – The Renovated Banks Home
The sequel to “Father of the Bride” featured an updated version of the original Banks family kitchen. With its expanded layout and refreshed finishes, this space showed how Meyers’ kitchen aesthetic evolved even within her own filmography.
Signature elements: Expanded island, updated appliances, and brighter color palette.
14. “It’s Complicated” (2009) – Jane’s Bakery Kitchen
Beyond her home kitchen, Meryl Streep’s character also owned a bakery with an impressive professional kitchen. This space highlighted Meyers’ understanding of functional commercial design while maintaining the warm, inviting atmosphere present in all her spaces.
Signature elements: Commercial-grade equipment, open shelving, and efficient workflow design.
15. “The Holiday” (2006) – Graham’s English Country Home
Jude Law’s character’s family kitchen represented practical family living with its lived-in charm and functional layout. While less prominently featured than other kitchens in the film, this space showed Meyers’ range in creating spaces that suited different characters and lifestyles.
Signature elements: Practical storage, kid-friendly design, and country charm.
Why Nancy Meyers Kitchens Matter
Nancy Meyers’ kitchens have become cultural touchstones that transcend the films they appear in. These spaces represent not just beautiful design but aspirational lifestyle—places where families gather, romances bloom, and characters find themselves. Their enduring appeal lies in their perfect balance of fantasy and function, creating spaces that seem simultaneously ideal and somehow attainable.
What makes these kitchens so distinctive is their consistent attention to detail: the perfectly placed bowls of lemons, the strategically hung copper pots, the immaculate organization that somehow never feels sterile. They are spaces that feel both lived-in and magazine-worthy, capturing a domestic ideal that continues to influence how we envision our homes.
Whether you’re a film buff, design enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates beautiful spaces, Nancy Meyers’ kitchens offer a visual feast worth savoring—one perfect pendant light, marble countertop, and subway tile backsplash at a time.
