26 Comments
User's avatar
Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

This is such a fun and creative idea and excellent deep dive. And not the point but I will never understand why Diane picked Jack over Keanu who was so nice to her. It makes no sense! But yes the interiors! (Colman was my fave too)

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you!! Re: Keanu, if SGG were being made TODAY, she'd pick Keanu. A thousand million percent.

Expand full comment
Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

Oh yes — Diane would get her Babygirl moment for sure!! She was robbed!

Expand full comment
Cheryl Wischhover's avatar

It is all the STORAGE. The absolute dream

Expand full comment
Andrea S. James's avatar

I love reading your writing because it connects dots that I hadn’t before and brings to my consciousness that which was formerly unconscious. One thing I’ve realized, now that I am in my 40s, is that the home settings of what I then considered to be “wealthy people in the movies” created an unconscious aspiration in me. I wanted what they had and more importantly, what those homes symbolized, which seemed to be a world where people may have many concerns, but none of them were about money. “Something’s Gotta Give” came out the year I graduated college as a first-generation college student. Her home appeared accessibly grand to me then, and still does! Like, maybe if I worked hard and kept grinding, one day I could be wearing white turtlenecks in my gorgeous living room, stepping upon a giant throw, crowned by mouldings and picture rails and transom windows over my doors. Great post. I sent it to several friends!

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you, Andrea!! So happy to hear it! Also, your insights are BRILLIANT. The "people may have many concerns, but none of them were about money": spot on.

Expand full comment
Werner, Gail L's avatar

Okay, so when are we getting another book from you and, based on this essay alone, can it be an ode to Nancy Meyers and her work? (I'll give you the "fan" comment for how brilliant the casting of Keanu is in Something's Gotta Give - haha) Also, thanks for the reminder about Set Piece and the history behind it. Definitely need to pick it up. AND listen to that Polly Platt series from Karina -- her podcast is so amazing!

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

I would love to write a Nancy book! However, I believe her story is hers to tell. At the very least she should have a coffee table book!

Expand full comment
Odette Williams's avatar

Films forever for inspiration!

Expand full comment
Nienke Schuitemaker's avatar

Absolutely great read!

"While sitting in a room with white furniture and sporting a beige jacket, Jelen continued, “At this point, it feels cheugy. It feels like a checkered rug. It feels like a chevron rug. Like, can we all just stop? Can we all just have a little bit of originality?”"

^This passage is the cleanest bit of understated commentary I've read in a while. Chef's kiss.

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you!! I’m so glad you appreciated that

Expand full comment
Caitlin LaPorte's avatar

I don't care what the interior designers say...I'm all in for the Nancy aesthetic!

Expand full comment
<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

I adore Nancy, kitchens and all ...

Expand full comment
Paige Collins's avatar

I’m just trying to match Nancy’s ability to create a homey vibe!!! THAT is timeless.

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

SAME. I feel like she called her copper pots, chic rugs, etc over a long period of time ... but I don't wanna wait that long! lol

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

I mean, she *collected* her copper pots!

Expand full comment
Ali LaBelle's avatar

Thanks for asking me to be a part of it! I could talk about this alllllll day

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

I AM SEATED IF YOU DO

Expand full comment
Thoughts And Threads (Fran)'s avatar

This was such an interesting and informative read Erin! I really enjoyed reading your research and learning more about Nancy that I didn’t know before! 🤍

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you, Fran! So glad to hear it

Expand full comment
Emily Marcello's avatar

are the sets off of shows like sex and the city, modern love, a marriage story, big little lies also ‘inspired’ by nancy meyers ?

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

I’ve never seen Modern Love but I don’t think Meyers had any influence on the others you mentioned! Big Little Lies is LUXE living but there’s a chilliness to the production design that reflects the tone of that show. Meyers homes are warm above all

Expand full comment
Emily Marcello's avatar

yes definitely more lux but there is a warmth to some of the characters homes. modern love is full of cozy home scenes. i wasn’t familiar with the nancy meyers aesthetic so i guess now im wondering what other movies and shows are influenced by her !

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

I think her aesthetic is more replicated in people’s homes! And now that I think of it, Meghan Markle’s Netflix show is extremely Meyers-coded

Expand full comment
Brianne Hogan's avatar

As much as I love a good Nancy kitchen… I agree that too much minimalism and too much sameness is boring…

Expand full comment
Erin Carlson's avatar

Yes but I also want Nancy to make over my kitchen!!!

Expand full comment