I didn’t believe in all-neutral design – but Nancy Meyers’ warm, layered living room made me rethink everything I thought I knew about style
Nancy Meyers' neutral living room is visually appealing, dynamic, and never boring, proving you can be playful with soft and muted shades


Listen: I love neutrals as much as the next person. But I wouldn't say I lean into the natural hues as much as I do colors in my home. However, leave it to Nancy Meyers to convince me that neutral layering is the way to go.
The film director (and unofficial interior influencer) recently shared a snap of her warm, minimalist living room, and I was immediately drawn to the variety of soft shades and natural textures.
I suppose my critique around neutrals is that all too often, they can fall flat, making a room feel lifeless. This room is a masterclass in achieving the opposite; with different textures, such as wood, rattan, and linen, peppering the space. Needless to say, it's making me rethink my color palette, as well as giving me some neutral living room ideas.
A post shared by Nancy Meyers (@nmeyers)
A photo posted by on
Shop the neutral living room edit
Create a calming and sophisticated living room decor scheme with this textured cream pillow, complete with fringed edging for added interest.
A tray is such a versatile piece all year round, but it comes into its own in the summer months when you are constantly carrying things between indoors and out. This would be a lovely way to build a centerpiece on a table or ottoman, like Nancy has done.
Featuring a beautiful neutral hue and a soft brushed finish, this ottoman is almost too beautiful to be functional. The seat is filled with foam to provide ample support, while button tufting completes the design.
One of the key features I love in this space is the blend of organic materials. From the wicker base of the ottoman to the handsome wood bookcase, I love the mix of nature-inspired pieces, which give the room a calm and relaxing feel.
Additionally, the variation between shades keeps the room visually appealing. From the taupe of the ottoman cushion to the soft cream of the loveseat, the assortment of colors maintains interest.
Playing around with shapes in a neutral room is a fantastic tactic as well. The curve of the ottoman offsets the edges of the sofa beautifully.
Finally, I would be remiss to not mention the vase of bright, yellow flowers, which adds just the right touch of color (and greenery) to the space. Plants and florals are the perfect addition to a neutral space, as they tie in well to the natural color scheme while infusing some needed vibrancy to the room.
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

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 rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.