Designer Inspiration: How Justina Blakeney’s Bold Style Resonates with Expats
This week, I found myself deeply inspired by one of my favorite designers, Justina Blakeney. I read her book, Jungalow: Decorate Wild, and it resonated with me on so many levels. As someone of mixed race like myself, she shares her journey of grappling with identity—something I deeply relate to. Her story reminds me to embrace the richness of blending cultures and experiences, not only in life but also in design.
What I admire most about Justina is her fearless approach to mixing styles. She effortlessly blends minimalist and abundant aesthetics, drawing from cultures around the world and unapologetically embracing bold color. Her travels and time living overseas exposed her to diverse influences, from her years in Italy to her adventures across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Along the way, she picked up five languages and honed her bargaining skills in eight—a level of cultural immersion that many expats can relate to.
She introduced me to playful design styles with names like Tropic-talian, Turk-Xican, and my personal favorite, New Mexi-Copenhagen. Each style tells a story, layering vibrancy and personality into a space. Justina’s work shows there are no rules when it comes to mixing styles—just possibilities.
This philosophy resonates deeply with expats, who often collect items from different countries, each tied to a special memory. Justina’s approach highlights how these treasures can come together harmoniously, transforming unfamiliar spaces into homes that feel personal and meaningful.
One of the biggest challenges my clients face is constantly adjusting to new spaces, each with its own layout, size, and quirks—a reality that can make settling in feel overwhelming. This is why I find Justina’s design philosophy so empowering. Her ability to blend styles and embrace imperfection offers a roadmap for making it work. Whether it’s a sofa that feels too big or a dining table that seems out of place, her approach shows how thoughtful layering and creativity can turn mismatches into part of the story.
Justina’s designs remind us that home doesn’t have to be perfect to be soulful and inviting. By embracing imperfections and weaving in elements from our personal journeys, we can create spaces that tell our unique stories.
Inspired by her work, I recently treated myself to one of her pieces—a washable rug in a stunning, vibrant pattern. It combines practicality with beauty, reflecting her signature bold and eclectic style. I can’t wait to see how it transforms my space and adds that special touch of personality. It’s proof that even one well-chosen piece can bring joy and meaning to a home, no matter where you are.
In her book, she shares her tips on working with patterns—a topic I’m excited to explore in a future blog. Meanwhile, you can check out her website at Jungalow.com, and her books are available to order on Amazon.
