Los Angeles–based design maven Justina Blakeney, the creative force behind beloved design blog turned lifestyle brand, Jungalow, has another venture to add to her rising list of design accomplishments: a pop-up shop. “As a brand born from a blog, I’ve always dreamt of bringing Jungalow into the real world,” says the designer and author who has previously teamed up with the likes of Loloi and Opalhouse for a collection of wares found in Target. “Jungalow is not just about the products, but how everything comes together to create a whole vibe. After the pandemic, we were especially hungry to offer our community a place to come and experience the magic of Jungalow, to commune with one another, and to have a real, off-screen place to come and be inspired. We chose Los Angeles because this is our home, and we love it here.”
The boutique, open now through September, is stocked with artful layers of Blakeney’s artwork and designs along with women-owned brands spanning artwork, design tomes, wallpaper, rugs, side tables, and bar stools. “What I love most about design is that design has the ability to increase the quality of life and bring beauty, relaxation, and positive energy to the world,” she adds. “What I love most about what I do is the process of taking something from my imagination and bringing it into the real world. It never gets old. It always feels magical.”
Blakeney fills us in some exclusive items carried only at the West Hollywood shop, three of her favorite items, and five, no-fail design tips. Jungalow Pop-up, 7521 Melrose Ave, Second Floor, Los Angeles.
We love the space. Why did you decide to open a pop-up?
JB: “This is a fun way for us to dip our toes into the world of retail and see how our community responds.”
Your top three in-store items?
JB: Our Kaya ceramic mugs are the perfect, substantial, but not-too-heavy vessel for a soothing cup of tea. The colors are so good (speckled cream, lavender, amber and blue), and they’re sold individually so you can mix and match them. I like to gift them to friends and family, along with a nice loose leaf tea.
“Cosmic Desert” wallpaper was inspired by the twinkling night sky of the desert where the clouds meet the sand and shooting stars seem to cascade periodically like magic. We have “Cosmic Desert” wallpaper in goldand green prominently featured in the bedroom and bathroom areas. I love how the light shimmers and dances on the golden Palm trees, stars, and celestial icons in this paper.
We are offering prints of some of my favorite pieces of original art I’ve created over the last few years. It’s really hard to choose my favorite, but Spirals and Pearls, Love Me Some Me, and Summer Sisters have been crowd favorites so far. I’m super excited about some limited-edition, mixed medium, and original artwork of mine that we are also going to be offering at the pop-up this summer.
Any highlights or exclusive items?
JB: “Yes! We have a lot of exclusive items to the pop-up shop. We’ve brought in books that speak to our aesthetic and interests, new collections of candles, plants, select vintage pieces, and original and limited-edition art pieces. We’ve also invited a handful of other brands into the shop so that you can complete the experience with apparel, jewelry, and lifestyle items mostly from other woman-owned brands, such as We Dream in Colour; La Leal Candles; Boheme; Moon Nectar Apothecary; DeaDia; Lotta Stensson; Ace&Jig; and Bel Kazan. We will continue to add to the rotating collections all summer.”
The inspiration for the design?
JB: “The space is located on the second floor and is reminiscent of a loft apartment in Brooklyn that I lived in when I was in my 20’s, so we thought it would be cool to design the space to feel a bit like a loft apartment; a place to come hang out, be creative, and be surrounded by tons of color and plants and good vibes. I am often inspired by Moroccan design, the seven years I spent living in Italy and, of course, the jungle. So you’ll notice a lot of themes from these points of reference infused throughout the space.”
Favorite pop-up design elements?
JB: “We worked with my sister, Faith Blakeney, and FTB Design on the design and build-out of the space, and I think the collaboration gave birth to some really sweet and fun elements. The large, two-toned bookcase full of cubbies and curved lines brings me a lot of joy, and I love how it holds so many of our pretty tchotchke. I also love our bathroom. The pink clawfoot Kohler tub with our green Cosmic Desert wallpaper is giving.”
Blakeney’s Top 4 Design Tips
Don’t be Afraid of Paint
Paint is such an easy way to add color to a space. In this space, we painted the bottom portion of the walls green, and the upper half cream. By adding color to the lower portion of the wall, we get a pop of color while allowing a soft backdrop for our art and wall accents.
Use Lighting
When adding lighting, include floor lighting, table lighting, and ceiling lighting, like pendants. This not only helps to illuminate various zones but adds interest and an elevated, layered look as well.
Think Green
Like with the lighting, I like to have plants on the floor, tables and hanging from above to create a lush look. Plants instantly activate and bring life to a space.
Mix and Match
The magic is in the mix. Mix old with new, high end with thrift, heirlooms with upcycled pieces.
