In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Justina Blakeney likes to tap into the spiritual side of design. The Los Angeles–based artist and tastemaker believes that decorating is a form of personal expression and, most importantly, self-connectivity. “My work often reflects themes of my life,” she tells Business of Home. “Right now, I’m seeking ways to connect with myself—and the world—on a deeper level.”
For her current mood board, she drew inspiration from “Mother Nature and mysticism” and infused the scheme with vibrant botanical prints and eye-catching esoteric motifs. “The mood of my flat lay is optimistic, mysterious and soothing,” says Blakeney. “It’s a collection of objects, colors and symbols that tell a story that is earthy but also otherworldly.”
Much like the great outdoors, the final design features an array of deep jewel tones and warm accents. “I always find myself pulling these colors together,” she says. “It could be terra cotta and teal, rust and emerald, or pink and mint—but this is the palette that moves me.”
Here, the designer breaks down some of the key details, from an evil-eye amulet to a swan-shaped curtain rod.
1. REVEAL FIELD TILE BY ANN SACKS
“Because I am in the mood for self-reflection, I wanted to include this reflective tile that can not only make a room feel bigger but also make us feel surrounded by a warm glow—which is how I want to feel at home.”
2. ROCK LOBSTER MINERAL PAINT BY ALKEMIS PAINT
“A pop of orangey-yellow is a pop of joy, and Alkemis Paint brings it with colors, but also with their gentle environmental impact.”
3. TIGRESS INSIDE/OUT FABRIC BY JUSTINA BLAKENEY AT JUNGALOW
“I can get lost in the forest of this fabric, which celebrates palms, tigers and the abundance of Mother Nature.”
4. SWAN CURTAIN ROD IN BRASS BY OPALHOUSE AND JUNGALOW FOR TARGET
“The swan symbolizes the awakening of the power of self and inner beauty—it’s a beautiful reminder to keep above your windows.”
5. PHOENIX WALLPAPER IN JUNGLE BY JUSTINA BLAKENEY AT JUNGALOW
“Phoenix wallpaper was created to honor the majestic palm tree, which gives us so much—from dates and coconuts to shade, oil and fronds for baskets and wood.”
6. IDRIS BY AIT MANOS FIELD TILE IN FOREST GREEN AT ANN SACKS
“The glorious high gloss of this emerald zellige tile, coupled with the imperfection of its terra cotta body, is the perfect combination. It’s both luxe and earthy, exuberant and humble.”
7. HUNTINGTON COTTON BLACK FABRIC BY JUSTINA BLAKENEY AT JUNGALOW
“I painted this motif at the Huntington Botanical Gardens, and it is meant to honor and celebrate the diversity and majesty of Mother Nature.”
8. VINTAGE BRASS SUN
“For me, the sun face symbolizes the human–nature connection, as well as optimism and warmth.”
9. POMEGRANATES PRINT BY AXEL SALTO FROM THE DESIGN MUSEUM DENMARK
“Pomegranates symbolize abundance and are perfect to celebrate the season.”
10. “OLD BRAND NEW” BOOK BY DABITO
“This book combines old and new, [with] unexpected color combinations, and tells the story of a designer who found himself through design. The book [inspires] people from all walks of life to tell their stories through their homes—and generously gives readers an intimate invitation to harness their own story through design and to make their homes a beautiful safe haven for themselves and their families.”
11. VINTAGE FISH PADLOCK
“I found this fish lock at an antique shop. I love the patina on it, and since it’s a beautiful old padlock, it reminds me of how beauty and function can work together.”
12. HAND FIGURINE BY OPALHOUSE AND JUNGALOW FOR TARGET
“I love using hand symbols in my work. When I see the human hand, it reminds me of creativity, craftspersonship and lending helping hands to those in need. In this flat lay, it also symbolizes the human–nature connection.”
13. MOD VELVET IN CITRINE BY INTERIOR DEFINE
“This is an accent color that I keep on coming back to. It’s opulent, optimistic and alive, and for me, it has a hint of nostalgia that tugs at my heartstrings.”
14. BROOKS AND MERITAGE PAINTS IN ROMAN CLAY FINISH BY PORTOLA PAINTS
“I love the earthy look of Portola Paints’ Roman Clay finish and the warmth it adds to walls.”
15. VINTAGE MATCHBOX
“I love the vintagey imagery of the gems on this matchbox.”
16. THE DOOR AMULET BY SAGE & SALT
“The Door Amulet symbolizes protection and abundance, and I’m including it to remind myself of the spiritual side of creating a home.”
17. “GREEN LINES AND PINK” CUSTOM PRINT BY THE GEORGIA O’KEEFFE MUSEUM
“This piece by one of my favorite artists, Georgia O’Keeffe, feels otherworldly and so, so soothing.”
18. MERIDA LIMEWASH PAINT BY PORTOLA PAINTS
“Limewash paint reminds me of my travels to Morocco and Mexico, and I absolutely love that you can see the human hand in the brushstrokes on the wall. It’s rustic but also feels so modern, and it instantly warms up the palette’s cool hues.”
19. VINTAGE MOROCCAN TURTLE BOX
“I love turtles. For me, they symbolize homebodies like me.”
