The Designer and Author of “The New Bohemians” Talks Inspiration
Written By: Rebecca Grazier
Photographed By: Travis McCoy Justina Blakeney
Expert: Justina Blakeney
Credentials: Designer, Artist, Author and Founder of The Jungalow
Q: Your recent book, “The New Bohemians,” is full of awesome ideas and tips for the home. What inspired you to write it in the first place?
Justina Blakeney: Thank you! When I first pitched the project, there wasn’t an existing home decor book that really focused on the way that I loved to live—full of color, eclectic, collected, full of life, plants and creativity—and any books that did feature homes in similar styles were more photojournalistic, but did not give readers help or guidance as to how to translate the look in their own home.
Q: What has been your overall favorite project that you have completed?
JB: I get to do so much of what I love every day, from painting print and pattern, to designing furniture, but making my book was certainly a highlight! It allowed me to combine my skill-sets and interests, and enabled me to reach a lot of people, encouraging them to live wild and creatively. Plus, it was a ton of fun to work on—I got to collaborate with other incredible creative souls who inspire me immensely, like Dabito, Emily Katz, Adam Pogue and my sis, Faith Blakeney.
Q: What is in store for the Jungalow? Anything new and exciting in the works?
JB: Our plate is abundant and full right now—in a good way! This summer/fall we launched an athleisure line with Beyond Yoga, a collection of furniture with Living Spaces, our signature fabrics on Fabric.com and Calico Corners, and the release of our latest tome, “The New Bohemian Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes,” which will be available at Amazon.com, in Barnes and Noble and your local book store.
Q: What is your biggest source of inspiration when it comes to your projects?
JB: Inspiration is everywhere: observing pattern, textures and combos/contrasts in nature, researching the history and art of various cultures while traveling, and my family.
Q: What is your rule of thumb when it comes to approaching a project?
JB: Decorate wild!
Go Wild: This summer/fall, The Jungalow launched an athleisure line with Beyond Yoga, a collection of furniture with Living Spaces, their signature fabrics on Fabric.com and Calico Corners.
Read All About It: Look out for the release of her latest tome, “The New Bohemian Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes,” which will be available at Amazon.com, in Barnes and Noble and at your local book store.
HGTV Alumni Justina Blakeney Wants to Add Some Jungalow to Your Home
