Nancy Meyers created a Mediterranean-inspired poolside worthy of a staycation – it all starts with the right furniture
The director tackles the enduring European-influenced trend with her backyard pool, featuring soothing umbrellas and smooth stone tiles
Nancy Meyers is a master at creating atmospheric interiors. It's no surprise, then, that the It's Complicated and The Holiday director's own home is as aspirational as the sets in her films – and this extends to her backyard.
In a recent snap shared to her Instagram page, Meyers shows off her outdoor pool, complete with beige, stone floors, cream and wood patio furniture, and matching white umbrellas.
The picturesque yard is reminiscent of a Mediterranean resort – in fact, it taps into an enduring trend of creating a vacation-worthy atmosphere right in outside our own homes (yes, staycations). Want to create an oasis in your own backyard? We spoke to an expert for some key design and accessorizing tips to achieve a Med-style pool.
A post shared by Nancy Meyers (@nmeyers)
A photo posted by on
First and foremost, consider the tiling that will go inside (or even outside) a swimming pool – this is a great way to infuse the area with some colors that are reminiscent of vacation destinations.
'Instead of traditional terracotta, go for oversized, colorful ceramics that reflect the bright blues and yellows of Mediterranean coastal towns,' suggests Jodi Peterman, the CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs. 'I use them for plants, water features, or even as standalone art pieces.'
Placing live plants next to a pool is fantastic for bringing greenery to a cement or stone pool. However, Peterman recommends taking it up a notch by planting some scented herbs alongside the swimming area.
'Think about engaging all the senses,' she says. 'Build an aromatic herb garden right next to your pool, filled with Mediterranean staples like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Not only will it give you fresh ingredients for cooking or cocktails, but it also brings the scents of the Mediterranean to your poolside.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Finally, create a Mediterranean ambiance with some staple accessory pieces that are sure to (literally) light up a pool.
'Add contrast to your watery oasis with stone fire bowls,' Peterman suggests. 'The flickering flames create a luxurious balance of the elements—fire and water—evoking those warm, evening vibes of Mediterranean beachfront lounges. If you're still in the construction phase, it’s smart to plan ahead by running gas lines to where your fire bowl(s) will be. This not only makes them easier to use but also adds a touch of sophistication and convenience to your outdoor setup.'
We would also be remiss not to mention the white and wood patio furniture in Meyers' yard, which has a resort-like quality to it thanks to the plush cushions and soft materials.
Below, we have rounded up some Mediterranean-inspired accessories to elevate any pool.
Stackable
We love how this monochromatic colorway allows for a minimalist look – something that is unlikely to fall out of style.
Indoor or out
Outdoor furniture doesn't have to be cold or sterile, as this chair (blending form and function) demonstrates.
Tropical
The perfect accompaniment to a neutral lounger – this outdoor umbrella brings just the right amount of Med-style to your yard, wherever you live.
We love the look of a Mediterranean-inspired pool, and suggest adding just a few accessories so that the pool's perimeter does not look cluttered.
Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivalled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
I ditched dryer sheets for this 1 cent essential oil dryer hack and loved how expensive-smelling my laundry turned out – you have to try it
My towels and clothing smell so luxurious with lasting geranium notes, and it's all natural
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
How to prepare your home for a freeze – 7 things to check and put in place now before deep winter weather hits
Being snowed in can be stressful – here’s how to prep ahead
By Chiana Dickson Published