Nancy Meyers elevates her front porch with a variety of climbing and potted plants – experts say they're naturally fresh and inviting

The Nancy Meyers cinematic universe is one of the cozy interiors; her films, like Somethings Gotta Give and It's Complicated, feature robust kitchens, soft linens, and soothing color palettes. Less discussed but equally important are the exteriors of Nancy Meyers, and this stands true for her own vacation home.

In a recently-shared Instagram post, we can see the white front porch of Meyers' vacation home, decorated blissfully with a range of plants crawling up posts and along the ceilings. The greenery cuts through the clean white facade, providing a natural form of decor to the otherwise minimal area.

The benefits of plants in the home are widely known and thus, widely utilized. Greenery provides clean air and a calming ambience, so it's natural to want one (or several) in spaces that can otherwise feel hectic. We believe that one of the best ways to incorporate some greens into a home is placing them outside the home in high traffic areas; and experts say that depending on backyard space, this is also a strategic move.

'Growing plants can be joyful and provide a connection with nature,' says award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist Tom Massey. 'If you don’t have a garden consider houseplants to bring that piece of nature indoors, utilize a windowsill to get growing.'

However, it is crucial to select plants that will be maintainable in the conditions provided.

'Select plants that thrive in your space's conditions, whether it’s a sunny windowsill or a shady balcony,' he says. 'Choose wisely, and your garden will flourish.'

Climbing plants are a no-brainer for any area, such as a porch, that features high ceilings or stand-alone beams. We recommend wisteria for a whimsical appearance or the golden hop for a classic vine appearance, like Meyers'.

Massey continues, 'Reach new heights with vertical gardening; let climbing plants add a touch of greenery to walls, trellises, or balustrades.'

Alternatively, try placing some potted plants along the perimeter of the area to create some dimension and visual interest closer to the ground.

'Many people don't have traditional garden space, pots and containers can allow you to grow anywhere; get creative and experiment with different plant combinations to expand your urban oasis,' Massey suggests.

We can see that Meyers has included some potted plants on the ground in addition to her climbers; think of it like floor lamps in addition to overhead lighting.

Finally, while we can do all that is in our power to preen and care for our plants, sometimes they will spark new and unexpected growths and patterns (as all living things do). Massey says this should be looked at as a positive, providing even further visual interest to a space.

'Embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies of your garden; imperfection is a sign of life and vitality,' he says. 'Each leaf, each bloom, tells a unique story we don't need to strive for perfection to have a beautiful garden that provides for the human inhabitants, and local wildlife too.'

We recommend utilizing plants as decor in the front of the home as a warm and inviting marker of a property. Ensure that plants are adequately watered to maintain a strong and healthy appearance.