Writer and Director Nancy Meyers calls It’s Complicated “The Santa Barbara movie we filmed in New York.”
The house they used for exterior shots was in the Hidden Valley area, which is about an hour south of Santa Barbara. But all the interiors for the houses and the bakery were built on a separate soundstage in Brooklyn.
Let’s take a closer look at the sets they designed for the movie.
The Sets from “It’s Complicated”
Everything looks so warm and sunny in Jane’s house that you’d never would guess that it was actually cold and snowing outside these soundstages during much of the filming, would you?
Jane’s friends were played by Mary Kay Place (a long-time friend of Nancy Meyers’), Rita Wilson (who is Meryl Streep’s friend in real life), and Alexandra Wentworth.
Meryl Streep’s Kitchen in “It’s Complicated”
Production Designer Jon Hutman and Set Decorator Beth Rubino
also worked together on the Nancy Meyer’s romantic comedy Something’s Gotta Give.
Steve Martin plays a nice guy who’s courting her, unaware that her ex (Alec Baldwin) is trying to win her back.
Meyers says she was influenced by old screwball comedies like His Girl Friday.
In that movie, Rosalind Russell is all set to marry nice-guy Ralph Bellamy when her ex, played by Cary Grant, decides he wants her back. Poor Ralph doesn’t stand a chance.
Meyers says that after “It’s Complicated” came out, someone said to her, “You let Ralph Bellamy get the girl!”
Jane’s grown children look like they were plucked out of a J. Crew catalog.
The food in the movie styled by Susan Spungen.
Jane’s Bedroom
When Adam staked out where the addition would be, my jaw dropped.
It’s going to be HUGE. And I’ll admit I still don’t entirely understand why she even needs a new kitchen, when the one she has is already so lovely.
Not to mention the fact that she’s living alone.
But let’s not let details get in the way of a good storyline…
I just hope there’s a sequel so we can see how it all turns out!
Jane Adler’s Bakery
When Jane tells Adam he can choose anything from her bakery’s menu, and then she makes him that divine-looking chocolate croissant, I was ready to marry her myself!
The real house where this movie was filmed is on the market for $12 million.
Set photos via Traditional Home and Universal Pictures.
Visit my Houses Onscreen page to see the other movies I’ve featured, listed A-Z.
His Girl Friday is one of my favorite movies of all time, no wonder I love It’s Complicated so much! I had no idea it was filmed for the most part in NY. Such a great movie and a wonderful post!!!
.-= Candi´s last blog ..Spread the word =-.
Wow. I love seeing these homes built on sound stages. They do an amazing job. It’s really an art.
And another great post, Julia. Thanks so much for writing it.
.-= Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last blog ..DIY challenge- Win a gift card for your creativity =-.
Julia! I love this post. I have been wanting to do screen captures of that house and bakery but I downloaded the movie from iTunes and being the evil thing that it is you can’t screencapture. Can you do the daughter’s cottage? Pretty please. Whenever you get time. 😉
.-= Jessica at Lavender and Lilies´s last blog ..Coming Soon =-.
Gorgeous, gorgeous house – though why she wanted it bigger is anyone’s guess.
Yes, she ended up with the wrong guy. Steve Martin’s character lacked flavour, he was sort-of generic ‘suitor’. He wasn’t even worth getting angry with.
Jake definitely worth getting angry with!
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I love your blog! In fact, I included it in my list of top 10 favorite blogs on my blog.
.-= Cathy Swirbul´s last blog ..Take a Break- 10 Blogs to Entertain- Inspire You =-.
Loved her kitchen in that movie! I was actually sad she wanted a newer bigger version. Couldn’t figure that one out at all:) Her garden and that land really stole my heart. I was glad she didn’t choose Jake again too. That would have been kinda weird. That scene where they were both high was hysterical! I laughed so hard I think I peed a little;)
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..The Badlands -amp Wall Drug =-.
I loved this movie! And I really love that house!! Thanks for a GREAT post! =)
.-= Vicki @ In The Sandbox Comic Strip´s last blog ..QUOTE OF THE WEEK =-.
Thank you so much for posting this! I loved the house, but it was the bakery that I wanted to see more of!! As far as her ending up with the right guy, for some reason I wanted her to end up with Jake again. Steve Martin was too subdued in this movie. Thanks again for a marvelous movie Monday…. (and I am hoping you are planning on doing the cottage from On Golden Pond at some point in the future.)
Neat house! My favorite room of the whole house is the family room. It has a nice and warm feeling.
I love her dining table! I still haven’t seen this movie. :s I love all the actors–John Krasinski is great. 🙂
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Thrifty Treasures- Martha Style =-.
I can’t decide if I like the house or the bakery more. I think I’d move into either. 🙂
.-= Kimberlee J.´s last blog ..What I love about Sunday =-.
I disliked this flick but I could not stop drooling over that kitchen. 😉
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com´s last blog ..Contest- Superhero Needed =-.
PS
Your web site has become my happy place 😉
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com´s last blog ..Contest- Superhero Needed =-.
LOOOVE the kitchen! And that living room! Great writeup!
.-= Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish´s last blog ..Recent Thrifty Finds- =-.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for such fabulous pictures … it’s like being invited backstage with all of your great information! I loved the movie … and now I feel as if I simply MUST rush right out and rent His Girl Friday! The bakery in It’s Complicated is just to die for. Thanks again for the treat!
As usual with Nancy Meyers’ movies, I liked the sets better than the movie. Great post! I now want to see “His Girl Friday”. I love Cary Grant.
.-= Nichole´s last blog ..Those Little White Lies Our Parents Tell Us =-.
I LOOOOVE the house and kitchen from “It’s Complicated” and I’m so glad to find the link for the recipes, too! Wish she would have inlcuded that pasta pesto potato green bean dish. I’m going to check out Susan Spungeon’s book now.
Gorgeous home, bakery, AND food! I loved that she ended up with Steve Martin. In real life I dated lots of Alec Baldwins, but ended up marrying a Steve Martin. Never judge a book by its cover–those types of nice, boring boys deep down are some of the best, most exciting men in the world!
I loved the house, loved the garden and loved the bakery. I’ve always wanted to own a bakery cafe and that one is as perfect as you could hope for.
Thank you for posting the pictures, I know I will be revisiting them whenever I am frustrated with my own tiny kitchen.
BTW, I liked that she picked Adam, he may have seemed dull, but I think she could loosen him up. Look how much fun they had smoking that joint. I laughed my head off when I saw that part.
“The setup was Streep’s idea, who didn’t want to sit in water for the 2-3 days it would take to film the scene.” <- best line EVER! Haha…what a bizarre job. Can you imagine part of your job being to sit in water for 2-3 days? That's so weird!
I haven't seen this movie yet, but I love the house (and Meryl Streep!)…but I think I love her garden even more! I'm super jealous. I'm surprised to hear she ended up with Steve Martin, though…you are right, Alec Baldwin is definitely the more predictable choice!
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Sunday Night Sunset =-.
Love, love, love this movie….and the sets are drool worthy. I loved how Alec Baldwin really pursued her but Steve Martin was the stable guy she needed. And he was hilarious when he was “feelin’ groovy.” He’s one of my favorites…I just love how funny he is when he’s being silly. Just cracks me up.
Ohhh I saw this a couple weeks ago and LOVED it and her house! Who would not love that kitchen?! 😉 The staging was ahhhmazing. Love these posts Julia!!
Oh…how I love this movie. I wanted her to get back with Jake but she made the right choice. Jake would have just hurt her again in the end. This time she needed a man that would put her first. That said…I can’t wait for a sequel and see Jake try again. Myself…if I was in that situation…I totally would have tried again with Jake knowing he’d just hurt me again, but I would not be able to resist him.
p.s. “A Single Man” is now on “On Demand” or available to rent….you’ve got to see this movie…it’s gorgeous and for the cinematography and the set decoration. Plus I loved the story. I’d love to see you talk about it here.
Perfect Julia, I love this set; the home, bakery and actors are all superb!!
Karena
Art by Karena
.-= Karena´s last blog ..Welcome to Enright Gardens =-.
oh yes, I loved those sets, the house was gorgeous, and the bakery = don’t get me started on the bakery – now I want one of them too!!!
.-= Annie@ A view on design´s last blog ..Lake Okareka- NZ =-.
That’s a perfect Movie Monday, it’s Marvellous Movie Monday !
Thank you so much for this long and lovely post about ‘It’s Complicated”, I will save all the pictures for my own inspiration book ^^
And for your question, yes I think Jane endep up with the right guy, his “dullness” is maybe just a bit of shyness and sadness due to his divorce…
Anyway absolutely love the movie and the set of course 🙂
.-= Goldenberry´s last blog ..Scotland addiction =-.
I love anything Nancy Meyers and this movie and house didn’t disappoint!
I do think Adam was a tiny bit dull but as we all know, nice guys make the best husbands/ dads/ etc. The more exciting men are usually not marriage material (yes, I’m wildly generalising :))
She probably needed the stability and predictability after the excitement of her husband LOL
Thanks for sharing! I agree that Adam would’ve been better if he was a bit more like the Housesitter character… he was a bit boring, but still the right choice. And, wow! Her addition was HUGE. When we were watching, my mom couldn’t get over how much she didn’t need that extra space.
Hi Julia hope you are enjoying your summer – its still cold over here so thanks for cheering me up with this beautiful movie, it has to be my favourite – right now anything with chocolate, count me in. Love everything about it. I’m glad she chose the guy who treated her with respect and honesty. I confess I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve drooled over this movie – so I say bring on the sequel……with the chocolate croissant……. Regards Esther from Sydney…… brrrrrrrr…..
Wow This is my dream house!!
Love it!
Kisses
Etta
Yay, Julia! So glad you did this. I adore anything Nancy Meyers touches! How much would we all kill to have that bakery in our town?
.-= Catherine at Design Editor´s last blog ..Baby Week- My Favorite Things =-.
Hi Julia,
I loved this post. You get the most fabulous details. I did a Nancy Meyers/ Its Complicated post too a while back (and I think that is how I discovered your blog). Here is a link: https://decorartsnow.com/2009/12/20/december-19-2009-nancy-meyers-and-its-not-that-complicated/
Its only virtue is that it shows several houses in one post from Nancy Meyers’ films, and they are all so yummy. I would move in any one of them. 🙂 Lynn
Can’t believe I still haven’t seen this movie, going on my list for this week! And I’ve decided that one of my life dreams is to have a Jon Hutman house. I’ve never seen a house he has created for a movie that I didn’t absolutely love. I always look at them and think, ” yes, this is exactly what I want in my house” but the execution in real life is, well it is a rough draft to say the least.
.-= hip hip gin gin´s last blog ..Style Inspiration- Helen Mirren =-.
I never did see the movie, and I’m not sure I want to rent it either, although I’m a big fan of Meryl Streep. I luv the house of course especially the kitchen, the veggie garden and her wonderful bakery!
-marie
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Tribute to New Orleans =-.
I loved everything about the house and bakery! I think the right choice was made with ADAM. She really needed a calm force in her life…but I think he has the wit and charm and sweetness with a touch of mischeviousness to make the perfect mix. I would have chosen Adam in a flash. A cute architect with with a sweet nature who likes to laugh … as they say in the movies…you had me at hello (and lets look at the plans together! ha).
Cheryl
Thanks so much for the tour — I love Jon Hutman’s work. I haven’t seen the film yet, but I might have to rent it this weekend just to savor the house.
.-= Abigail Prescott´s last blog ..Alpha Testing the Cabinets =-.
I saw this movie for the first time this weekend and thought the house was beautiful. It inspired me to sit down and write out a wish list for our next home.
About the movie itself, I was very disappointed with the Steve Martin character. He’s such a great comedian and none of that was displayed. He was so….blah!
.-= Yvonne´s last blog ..Seven Weeks =-.
I love the house and the possible addition. I love that she ended up with Steve Martin. I loved his character in this movie…and he’s not dull, they were smoking pot at her son’s grad party. I thought it was hilarious.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Faces Need =-.
Its so funny, just yesterday I was going to watch a movie and I couldn’t decide between You’ve got Mail and Its Complicated. The real reason I watch though is the sets, I absolutely love the sets in both and can’t get enough of them. My husband thinks its so funny that watching movies over and over again for me has nothing to do with the storylines!! Although in both these movies, I do love the storylines!!
tina
I love the set design on this movie because it was ‘so california’. I love that look that only California has, the sun seems to shine differently there! There’s a casual, inside/outside living that seems so effortless. I loved the great big windows framed in black, and that they even incorporated a TV. The garden…whoa..that was awesome.
I guess she wound up with the right guy, but I can understand the attraction the the Alec type of man too..it just never seems to work out. so sad.
I think I now need a chocolate croissant.
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Crunch went the truck =-.
Thanks so much for this Julia!! It totally made my day!
.-= Heather Collins´s last blog ..Free from what I asked for =-.
Julia, Thanks so much for reviewing this house and bakery. I loved this movie and the home and bakery were much of the reason. =) Wish I could recreate them in my own home.
I’ve been waiting for this post. You certainly did it all justice. I’m beginning to like Mondays!
I think the architect was the right choice – they laughed together, which is priceless.
This is my new favorite movie house. All through the movie I was just “ooh”ing and “ahhh”ing at the gorgeousness. And that bakery…the stuff of dreams. Sigh…I think I need to rent it and watch again.
.-= Mrs. B.´s last blog ..97 =-.
So glad to see that everyone LOVED that house and bakery as much as I did. My mom and I would rewind scenes to look at the decor over and over again. I just wanted to jump through the screen and live in that kitchen!!!! I have to admit, I wanted her to end up with Jake. Predictable, I know, but I thought they had great chemistry. 🙂
.-= Ashley Stinson´s last blog ..Fabulous Giveaway – My Sweet Savannah =-.
Wow, what an amazing house. Every bit!
.-= rie´s last blog ..Plucked from Houzzcom =-.
Hi Julia great pictures, I love all the houses of Meyers movies
Please, can you found for us, the set of tv show Parenthood, are fabolous and cozy places
greetings
mercedes
this is one of my absolutely favorite movies ever! LOOOOVE it!
have a lovely day today! sunny greetings from germany, geisslein
.-= geisslein´s last blog ..Laughing in the sunset =-.
I just watched this movie over the weekend and fell in love with the whole house and set up. I was hoping you would have covered it, and am so glad you did. That house is not my usual style, but for some reason I just loved the relaxed atmosphere associated with it. I loved the kitchen and the bakery too. I could see myself in that lifestyle. But not before I go study in France on how to make proper pasteries. lol.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Marius the Chef =-.
Dude! You should give a SPOILER ALERT warning! I haven’t seen the movie yet, but was intrigued by the decor. I guess I’ll still watch it, just for the house alone!
Oops! You’re right. I’ll add a Spoiler Alert. Sorry if I ruined it for you! -Julia
I cannot thank you enough for posting this! You’re awesome! 🙂
I hope I have the right person.
I have been doing so much effort. I would be soooo happy if you can help.
In the movie “It’s complicated”, Beth Rubino has these beautifull cusions with leave-pattern in the bench. Can you let me know where I can get the fabric, or the cushions??
If not, can you tell me who to contact? I would be so much helped. Search has taken me weeks already.
Thank you so much.
Mrs. J. de Klerk-Janknegt
The Netherlands
I’m sorry, but I have no information about where to buy things shown in the house. Good luck! -Julia
A real architect (not Steve Martin!) could sell hundreds of copies of the plans for this house – anybody working on developing them?
You’re right–they could! Someone needs to get to work on that for us. -Julia
Julia,
Like you, I have been drawn to certain movies, only because I want to anaylze under a microscope (honestly, frame-by-frame on pause) the sets, or homes, in them. Am a budding interior residential designer, and want to say THANK YOU for a website that is dedicated to this very subject! It is so nice to simply come here and research and/or drool, rather than buying or renting the movie. Cheers to those with kindred home haunting spirits! Warmest Regards, Laura M. Kafka
I am so happy to see this on the movie house list. I loved this movie! Anything Nancy Meyers touches is amazing. Especially with the homes, apts, every living space she makes is a piece of art! I love her movies. She and Nora Ephron are great at creating such incredible homes. I loved this house. I loved the bakery that Meryl owned. It was so pretty. Very french, very charming. Everything about the movie was so fun and colorful. The house was perfect just the way it was. I know she wanted to enlarge her kitchen/house, but this one was great the way it was. I loved the scenes when she had Rita Wilson, Mary Kaye Place, and Ali Wentworth over for dinners and wine. They were hilarious! Those were the funniest parts. Plus Alec Baldwin. I was laughing my head off when he and Meryl were sitting in the bath and she was taking a bubble bath and she called him big guy as a kind of term of endearment.. and he in turn reply’s as he’s eating her famous lavender ice cream, ” What’s with this big guy stuff, are you calling me that because I’m fat or is it some kind of term of endearment?” I thought it was so funny. He can pull that off with no problem. Great movie.. Geat set designs!!
Wonderful movie and Alec Baldwin should win an Oscar for the Nude Bedroom scene lol He’s still Sexy in my book!!
Last night, I watched this movie for the first time since seeing it in the theaters.
I remember absolutely loving the house, so last night I thought, “I wonder if Hooked On Houses features this house?”
I quickly logged on and here it is! I love, love, love this house! Not as much as the Something’s Gotta Give house, but it’s still gorgeous!
I find myself saying, “God, I wish I was rich!” when I watch Nancy Meyers movies lol!
Is there anyway to see a floorplan of the It’s Complicated house? How many bedrooms? How much square footage?
I doubt it, since it was just a set. -Julia
I just watched this film again, and I’m in love with the bakery! I wish there were one just like it near me. I’m always dreaming of setting up a bakery/tea room, but really all I’d want to do is decorate it and eat all the produce. 🙂
Wow…. suddenly I wanna open a bakery.
I love movie decor!
eumoraria.blogspot.com
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I love Nancy Myers movies, partly because she writes so well for women and partly because I am constantly drooling over the gorgeous sets. Her movies are like an indulgence into a life I wish I had. I really love the set design in this movie, but the one thing that draws my eye every time is that dint in the kitchen fridge! I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t replace the door!
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..Charity Auction for Queensland Flood Victims =-.
Thank you for posting these pictures! I’m in love with that house! Love your website!
i wanted her to get back with jake! i felt they could have both learnt things while apart and been together… i think i mainly thought that because steve martin’s character was so dull!
http://www.mademoisellekate.com
🙂
You thought Steve Martin’s character was dull? Did you see his dancing?
Hahaha. Good grief.
I thought he was sweet and mature…unlike Alec Baldwin’s character. Way too self absorbed.
As an expat of Santa Barbara this movie really touched my SB design principles. Thank you revealing the answers to many questions most notable “what bakery is that? Pierre la fond? Something new? A set in NY…” did see that one coming. Fab!
I finally watched this movie last night and the whole time I was watching it I was thinking “I hope Hooked on Houses highlighted this movie house” because I definitely wanted a closer look! And you did not disappoint – thank you!
I totally agree this should be #1! I watch it’s Complicated just to look at the house, bakery and the scenery! I love Nancy Meyer films she creates amazing lifestyles on film. Father of the Bride 1 &2 love that house, Something’s gotta give and The Holiday. I love all of those homes!
Since this was the top pick, I thought I’d like it more. I haven’t seen the film, but this reminded me of a cross between Erica’s house in “Something’s Gotta Give” and Frances’ villa in “Under the Tuscan Sun”, yet not as pulled-together as the former, nor as charming as the latter.
I think the whole Big Kitchen/Gourmet Cook thing has been done to death in film lately. Everyone’s a chef! Somehow, Adam Sandler’s John Clasky pulls it off in “Spanglish” (he really IS a chef), but the others feel contrived. The only kitchen scene I truly love is the family at the end of “Moonstruck”, gathered round that table in the wonderful, Victorian kitchen, eating oatmeal and fighting about marriage proposals and infidelity.
My favorite movie and house is in the movie ” As Good as it Gets” Totally loving this house too! AND the Garden!!!
Nancy Meyers has the best set designers!!
Great movie, great cast. I loved the kitchen the most especially the dining/kitchen table.
I love all Nancy Meyers movies. The designs of the houses, actor’s wardrobes, music, and everything is just so elegant and beautiful.
I also LOVE the Napa Valley house from the Parent Trap.
She has such great style.