Sorry, Stripes: Nancy Meyers Proves This Anti-Trend White Palette Rules The Most Elegant Pool Areas
Bypassing busy patterns, Nancy's crisp palette is the chicest way to future-proof your patio
While Nancy Meyers is synonymous with the Hamptons aesthetic she popularized in Something's Gotta Give, her actual home is a Provençal-style estate, located in Pacific Palisades, California. Her entire estate has a Mediterranean aesthetic (we're constantly dreaming of her plant-filled porch), but arguably no space captures this European aesthetic as beautifully as her pool area. The secret? Her anti-trend color palette (best exemplified by her white-and-cream outdoor furniture).
Increasingly, outdoor furniture trends point towards more daring colors and vibrant patterns – and while there's something to be said for coastal stripes, Nancy Meyers's space reminds us of the true power of classics.
Mediterranean-style resort gardens, much like Nancy's, are defined by their grounded qualities, beginning with a soothing color palette. In true, quiet luxurious style, cream and white furniture doesn't feel overwhelming. For example, her white loungers (like this one from Wayfair) allow the landscape to do the talking. The result is both timeless and beautiful.
Shop the Nancy Meyers-Inspired Edit
Designed by Christopher Knight, these chunky wooden club chairs bring a traditional yet surprisingly sleek feel to a patio or porch. The solid wood frame gives them that grounded look that feels very Nancy-coded, while still looking polished enough for a more elevated outdoor setup.
This is an especially good price for Anthropologie. It's designed to handle both sun and sudden showers, and the cream colorway feels far more elevated than your average outdoor essential. It’s the kind of piece that instantly pulls a poolside set-up together.
Made from eucalyptus wood, this lounge chair has a relaxed, resort-style look that instantly makes a pool area feel more put-together. The warm wood finish keeps it feeling elevated rather than overly functional, while the weather-resistant design means you can leave it outside season after season.
If you love that relaxed, Nancy Meyers-style outdoor aesthetic, these patio chairs are such a good find. The combination of the wooden frame and woven rope detailing makes a patio look more considered and inviting. They have that easy, lived-in elegance her spaces always do so well.
Nothing captures that Mediterranean mood quite like an oversized urn. This statement piece looks especially beautiful on a patio, where the textured finish catches the summer light throughout the day. With its old-world feel, it’s an easy way to bring a Nancy-inspired look to your yard.
Crafted for both indoor and outdoor use, the Conrad pillow features intricate stripes and tasseled corners that feel effortlessly refined. I love it layered with florals and plaids to create a timeless, livable-luxury look that works just as well on a patio as it does indoors.
Soft neutrals are effortlessly beautiful as a stand-alone piece, but as Eric Bramlett, a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, explains, you can also use these pieces as the perfect 'blank canvas' in your garden.
'Wood and neutral-toned furniture make a great base for any patio because they are easy to work with. They are like a blank canvas that lets you build your style on top. With just a few simple touches – such as color, texture, and lighting – you can bring the space to life without a lot of effort,' he says.
'Start with a bold yet balanced color scheme. Choose two strong cushion shades, for example, emerald and terracotta, and place them on seats that face each other. Add one lighter accent, such as soft cream, on a throw pillow. This mix keeps the eye moving but never feels loud. If bright tones feel risky, place them on smaller items first. A vivid outdoor tray or a planter lets you test the look before you buy a full set of covers.'
Since we are talking about the garden and pool area, it's also vital to choose materials that can handle the sun and rain without much maintenance.
'Go for cushions made with fade-resistant fabric so the colors stay fresh over time,' Eric adds.
'Add one or two special pieces you really love, like a bold chair or a fire bowl, and keep everything else simple so the space feels open and easy to enjoy.'
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
