It's Complicated: Get the Look in 6 (budget friendly!) Steps

Photo credits: PointClickHome and Remodelista

Some movie sets seem to come with a pedigree. Remember the pristine colonial house in Father of the Bride? What about the homes Lindsay Lohan trounced about in The Parent Trap--a most lovely London townhouse and California vineyard home. Tick off the British cottage and L.A. house in The Holiday, and the Southampton beach escape in Something's Gotta Give and you're starting to crack the family tree of It's Complicated.
 

Nancy Meyers is the wizard director behind some of our favorite glossy chick-flicks. Unbeknownst to most, however, is that Meyers is also dreams up the beautifully designed homes of her characters.  "Besides being a master with pen and camera lens, Meyers is a dedicated design devotee as well," Traditional Home magazine notes of Meyers.

The refreshing romantic comedy It's Complicated features the stunning Meryl Streep as Jane, a heart-and-soul California girl in her Santa Barbara home. But due to Meyers and her set designers' eye, you sense that Jane's been around the world twice and acquired the sophisticated elegance that comes with the journey.

Tucked in a 1920s Spanish style ranch is a casual, Belgian-inspired living room. Slipcovered club chairs, natural linens, and stacks of glossy books complement the Hermès-orange and brown palette.
 

Photo credits: Traditional Home.

"Since more than half of the movie takes place in the house, we really get to know the place," says Meyers. "What the characters wear and how they live and decorate really say something about them." Set decorators with a plush budget reached for Calvin Fabrics, handmade George Smith furniture, 1st Dibs antiques, and collections from West Elm. 

Here at The Love List, we think a casual, entertaining-loving Southern belle could create a similar look with these tips. (And a non-Hollywood budget!)

1. Build accents from a neutral wall color, like Benjamin Moore's Linen White or Tapestry Beige, Farrow & Ball's String 8, or Full Spectrum Paints' Mushroom.

 
2. Beige or white slipcovers come at every price point. Super discount site Overstock.com has a wealth of options, as do Target and Pottery Barn. Walmart boasts an entire section of slipcovers under $50.
 

3. Spice up the neutrals with colored throw pillows, like these Jute braid pillow covers from Pottery Barn (on sale for $30). Stick with that color palette--think Hermès-orange, bright navy, and soft brown. The comfort-loving gals in It's Complicated are always wrapped up in a cashmere throw. Copy the look, opting for soft chenille blankets draped over furniture.
 

4. Jane is a cook and unabashedly showcases utensils in containers on countertops. Grab neutral assorted canisters to keep everything at your fingertips. Glass cake stands, trifle bowls, and wooden serving bowls for the counter--always well-stocked à la Jane--are well-priced at Pier 1 and Target.
 

5. Antique oversized lanterns appear indoors and out on the Santa Barbara set. J.C. Penny's lanterns start at $20, or splurge a bit more on Pottery Barn's gorgeous offerings.

6. Bundles of orange flowers, green hydrangeas, and potted herbs on the kitchen counter--Jane has brought the outdoors into her Santa Barbara home. If there is one thing to add to the weekly shopping list, make it a fresh-cut flowers.