When design disrupter Justina Blakeney launched her blog, Jungalow, in 2009, little did she know that she’d be paving the way for today’s obsession with maximalist style (cue the color! Pattern! Plants!). The L.A. blogger and author of The New Bohemians is frank about the fact that she isn’t a trained designer, but that hasn’t stopped her from building a lifestyle brand, Justina Blakeney Home, and a sizable following (over 1.5 million and counting on Instagram to be exact). The exuberant pillows, pottery, wallpaper, rugs, lighting, bedding and palm-splashed Band-Aids she sells on her site have also spawned collaborations with major retailers such as Pottery Barn, Target and Anthropologie.
From the early days in Italy upcycling vintage T-shirts with her sister, Justina’s habit of flouting convention has worked for her both personally and professionally. Since launching Jungalow, she’s followed the path of creativity, coming full circle from studying art, to crafting, then writing books, to drawing her own prints. Making homewares fun and accessible (she’s big on thrifting and DIYs) is at the heart of her resourceful — and joyful — approach. Scroll down to learn more about the designer!
“There are many things that bring joy that cost a lot or are not accessible right now — like travelling or certain kinds of foods — but color is a perfect way to bring joy into your home, and everyone can do it,” says Justina.
“Put your own spin on something from a big-box store,” says Justina. “You can reupholster a chair seat in a piece of vintage fabric or a gorgeous remnant, and it completely changes into the eclecticism you see now in high-end decorating.”
Justina Blakeney’s Moroccan-inspired lounge (featuring her own wallpaper) is dubbed Bluhemia. She shares her 1,050-square-foot home with her husband, Jason, and her daughter, Ida.
Justina converted her garage into a 300-square-foot casita, which houses her home office (below) and a kitchenette (above). “The garage was built in 1926, and it was always too small for two cars,” she says. “After living here for three years, we decided to knock out the wall, install French doors and block off a door for the bookshelves.”
“We use it in so many different ways, especially when it’s important to have some alone time,” adds Justina. “I’ll say, ‘I’m going to the casita for an hour; don’t bother me!'”
“Plants are such wonderful, healthy things to bring into your home,” says Justina. Another tip for big style on a budget? “The first place I look is at vintage shops; it’s often more affordable than buying things new,” she adds. “Old stuff has soul: something preloved or made by hand adds character, but there are lots of ways to create an upscale, custom look for less.”
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