Rom-Com Décor Is Trending—and It’s as Swoon-Worthy as You'd Expect

Designers share how to recreate this sweet and cozy look.

There’s something ultra-therapeutic about cozying up with your favorite rom-com (aka a romantic comedy)—freshly popped popcorn ready for snacking and your favorite beverage within arm’s reach. Maybe it’s the witty dialogue, the amusing misunderstandings, and the satisfying guarantee of blissful—at last!—romance before the screen fades to black. Now, what if you could decorate your home and feel like you're living in a rom-com? Rom-com décor is not to be undersold; it might even be a great place of inspiration for your own home. Ahead, we spoke with a few experts to explain what this look entails and how to get it in your own home.

Meet Our Expert

• Talia Rosen, interior designer and co-founder of Avakian Interiors

• Trevor Belcourt, set designer for Hallmark Media
  

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What Is Rom-Com Décor?

True to its name, the rom-com décor trend draws inspiration directly from the charming and cozy settings seen in popular romantic comedy movies. And specifically, Nancy Meyers' movies (think classics like Father of the Bride or newer hits like The Holiday or It's Complicated)—so much so that it also has another name: the Nancy Meyers aesthetic. "It typically includes elements that evoke warmth, comfort, and a touch of whimsy, aiming to create spaces that feel inviting, romantic, and bring a sense of nostalgia,” says interior designer Talia Rosen, co-founder of Avakian Interiors.

She says that the appeal of rom-com décor is that it feels lived in, relaxed, unfussy, and welcoming. "For so long, the popular design trend was modern and monochromatic, which often lacked an element of warmth and human touch. Now, people are leaning to the opposite side of the spectrum and opting for homes that feel like homes rather than showrooms," Rosen says. 

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Key Elements of the Rom-Com Aesthetic

There are a couple of specific elements that make up this romantic, cozy look.

• Soft Hues: Soft, muted hues like blush pink, soft lavender, pale blue, and mint green are often used to create a romantic and soothing atmosphere.

• Floral Prints: Floral patterns via wallpaper, upholstery, and accent pieces are a core staple of rom-com décor. Rosen says they bring a sense of freshness and softness to any space.

• Vintage Touches: Incorporating vintage furniture pieces, such as tufted sofas, antique mirrors, and delicate chandeliers, can add a sense of nostalgia and romance to the space, Rosen notes.

• Cozy Lighting: Nix any harsh lighting and opt for cozy glows instead. Candles and task lighting help create a romantic and magical atmosphere.

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How to Bring Rom-Com Décor Into Your Home

Like any trend, Rosen doesn’t recommend decking your house out entirely in any one style, including rom-com décor. Instead, the idea is to borrow a few design elements here and there. "Like a rom-com movie, cozy, approachable, and timeless décor provides a serene reprieve with an opportunity to create a space for renewal and rejuvenation," says Trevor Belcourt, an interior designer and set designer for Hallmark Media. "I follow my heart and not my brain when pulling a character’s environment together."

Do the same in your own home, and let these rom-com décor elements provide some direction.

Embrace Muted Color Palettes

Tune into any rom-com, and you’ll see that flashy, saturated hues are traded in favor of soft pinks, lavenders, blues, and pale greens. “These colors evoke a sense of warmth and serenity, creating a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of rom-com settings," Rosen says. "Consider using them as accents in upholstery, throw blankets, and pillows." 

Stick to Soft Ambient Lighting

No rom-com has ever featured a stark overhead light, so nix these ASAP if you want to embrace that cozy, welcoming aesthetic. Opt for warm or natural task lighting and lots of natural light, instead. "Floor-to-ceiling sheer drapery floods the light throughout an environment, adding an ethereal glow,” says Belcourt. "Cut and pressed glass objects in window sills help spread and break the natural light." 

Incorporate Personal Treasures

Vintage pieces are a core part of the rom-com décor aesthetic, but the key is to personalize it with heirlooms and objects that inspire you, says Belcourt. Maybe it’s a seashell collection from beaches you’ve personally wandered, or maybe it’s an old clock that’s been passed down to you from your grandparents. Or maybe it’s a great piece of furniture that just spoke to you and evokes joy every time you see it!

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Infuse Some Whimsical Touches

Similar to vintage pieces, whimsical decorative touches such as texture-rich frames and memory-filled photos can infuse your home with personality and charm. "These quirky accents add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, evoking the playful spirit of romantic comedies," Rosen says. "Don't be afraid to get creative and showcase your unique style through these whimsical touches."

Balance With Neutrals

Rom-com décor is a cousin to maximalism, but you don’t want to go too far into color saturation or textile overload. To bring that classic rom-com balance, incorporate washes of neutral hues—like cream or beige—into your space. "I like to use white sheers and lamp shades to help lift the colors in the décor and not dull them down or affect the hues," Belcourt says. Your window dressings, couch upholstery, and rugs can help here.

Add a Touch of Nature

Bring the outside into your space—but just a touch here and there. "Organic elements, such as a fresh basil plant by a kitchen window, provide life into your living space," Belcourt says. "Accents like beach glass and driftwood add a coastal look while wheat stalks and cattails evoke the prairie. Experiment with cut flowers, arrange using various vessels, and explore how they capture the light."

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Layer Patterns and Textiles

Mixing different furniture fabrics and layering throw blankets and pillows can contribute to the cozy and inviting ambiance of rom-com-inspired spaces, Rosen says. Maybe it’s a pastel-striped throw blanket with a floral print couch (or vice versa), or perhaps it’s a mix-match of plush accent pillows in various hues or prints.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.