Seeking Lavender Lane

May

24

The Coastal Grandma Lifestyle

I am sure most of you have heard of Nancy Meyers before. It took me a bit to realize that all my favorite movie aesthetics were directed by her. I shared in the past some of my favorite movies in this post, which were mostly directed by her. Some movies I can watch over and over again and I noticed its not necessarily for the story line. Its for the homes and even more so the lifestyle.

This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission from, with no added cost to your purchase.

So, if you are a fan of Nancy Meyers movies that means you too desire that same “feel” to your lifestyle. I was reading an article recently about a TikToker who went viral for discussing this lifestyle that she is calling “coastal grandma” You can search with the hashtag #CoastalGrandma on TikTok to find her videos, but I wanted to address it in a more Nancy Meyer’s lifestyle way. I think coastal grandma is a little too specific. I don’t think you have to be a grandma or desire to be like a grandma to enjoy this look and feel. Even more so I don’t think “coastal” is the only vibe for this, because though I live near the Jersey Shore I don’t desire a coastal lifestyle at all. I’d say I’d prefer the French country side version of the Nancy Meyers lifestyle, so maybe French Garndma? I’ll coin the term!

What is even better about this style is that most of Nancy Meyer’s movies were over a decade ago and these styles are still on trend. The interiors are classic looks and all are desirable for all age groups.

Top Tips for achieving a Coastal Grandma Lifestyle!

#1 Fashion

The fashion in each of these movies are very classic, neutral, elegant. Consider wearing something less formfitting, comfortable, but sophisticated. Button down white shirts, classic black dresses, linens, turtle necks for winter, and for a summery look; tunics, sheaths, and linen dresses. I also consider a good classic stripe or seersucker a great classic pattern.

Accessories you can try hats, scarves, chunky necklaces, large sunglasses, and a market bag.

My take on coastal grandma

To not give my husband a total heart attack over the lack of form fit to this style (lets face it men don’t “get it”) I decided to tuck my shirt in for a more form fit look and feel and went with a fun play with a pattern top and green trousers. There is something so charming about having something comfortable and sophisticated but I also want to feel young and fresh!

Unfortunately can’t find links to my pants and top (I purchased these at Jcrew outlet)

#2 Home

Its very important that a coastal grandma also has a presentable home. In all the Nancy Meyers movies they are mostly timeless styles, European influence, collected, and cozy!

Here’s a few of my favorites…and if you are not going for the “coastal” part then no worries about coral paper weights and blue and white ticking stripe pillows. You can pull this look off with any style you desire but keep to the classic elements.

  • White Sofas
  • Collected pillow patterns
  • Collections of books and found items
  • great serve ware
  • always a vase with flowers
  • And a great bowl with fresh fruit
Here's 6 Reasons Why Everyone Is So Drawn To Nancy Meyers's Films without  Even Realizing It | Architectural Digest
Design Cues from Nancy Meyers - Sazama

My take on Nancy Meyers Home, less “coastal” but more lived in, curated, and European!

Coastal Grandma Hobbies:

Every coastal grandma has to have hobbies to back up their lifestyle. Think preppy, mature, nurturer, and creative!

  • Gardener
  • Baker
  • Shell collector
  • Antique fanatic
  • World traveler
  • Book club president
  • painter
  • writer
  • floral designer
  • chef
  • fill in the blank________________

Okay for real though, you have to have a creative task and restful hobby to go along with this relaxed you got it all together lifestyle. Most of the ladies in Nancy Meyers movies either have big careers, retired, spend time in their garden, designing homes, and hanging out with the girlfriends!

Can Anybody Make a Movie for Women? - The New York Times

Lets be honest we all have different chapters in our lives and maybe “coastal grandma” is geared towards the mature generation because its a more restful time in life, but whatever age group you are in, you can take a little from this and incorporate it in your life. You may wear scrubs by day or have a baby on your hip, but taking a bit from each of these tips will certainly help you to embrace this lifestyle of a coastal grandma better. And if you’re like me a French Grandma, sound more like it! oui?

Please pin

Share the post:

Hi! I'm Deb

I love a well designed home and I believe you can create this on every type of budget. Follow along here and join me for more seasonal inspiration, trend alerts, DIY , vintage styling, and our newest project, The Mountain Chateau.

Fleur & Flame

Hand poured, soy-wax, European inspired candles

Quick links

3 Responses

  1. This is a humorous post for me. Nothing towards you. Just a good look at the design of a “coastal grandma” look. I sort of imagined myself with this look. It made me giggle. Two very talented designer and blogger ladies came to my mind when I read this description. Maybe you can guess who I might be thinking of. I am not a coastal lady either. I am a rancher’s daughter, retired teacher/administrator, old team roper, and lover of gardening and everything home. I enjoy following you and your take on home inspires me.

  2. Love your take on this!! Always spot on!! I am a grandmother of 4 all in college but the 17 yr old baby. It’s one of the delights of my life!! I have a similar European flair to my “French Grandmother “ lifestyle. Today is our 53rd wedding anniversary and we still have a full life and our life. Our lives are always transitioning and we have time to do some of the things we love like Ballroom Dancing! Live everyday to the fullest. Be healthy and enjoy every day!! Love your posts my friend and love your style!!

  3. I am in love with those movies for the design as you! We are retired an just moved to what I have coined our “French Riviera” because we live across the street from a beautiful view of the Suwannee River! I have a pea gravel backyard planned with the French pots of boxwood etc! So much fun living ahead ❤️

You'll also love

Looking for something?