Jungalow Décor Style: Let’s Get Boho-Chic With Plants

The official Jungalow Instagram has over 1 million followers, and for a good reason! The queen of Jungalow style, Justina Blakeney, has developed this unique style in a way that excites and inspires.

But, what exactly is Jungalow?

As Justina puts it, it’s a celebration of color, pattern, and plants. “The moment I thought about the word for the first time, it made me smile and laugh out loud. It’s a fun word!” So true! The name Jungalow is a melding of “jungle” and “bungalow,” so picture a cozy environment with lots of plant friends.

Do you love plants and want that bold Jungalow style in your new home? Read on for a recipe on how to cook up this fun style!

Just Four Ingredients

According to Justina, Jungalow style has just four ingredients used in varying quantities:

1. Color

The Jungalow style is bold. Saturated, vibrant colors are essential. Teal is a current favorite of Justina’s.

2. Pattern

Jungalow’s saturated colors do not necessarily have to be solids. Wallpaper, textiles, and artwork can feature brightly-colored graphics. Motifs from Africa, South American, and even the Asian Pacific are especially popular among Jungalow enthusiasts.

3. Plants

Without plants, Jungalow style wouldn’t be even remotely possible. This style is not for minimalists, as just about every nook and cranny should house a plant.

4. Global Finds

This ingredient is sometimes overlooked, but nonetheless important! Jungalow style definitely has an international flair, which means incorporating decorative elements from around the globe. While you can buy these kinds of items in a local store, you’ll find they are much more meaningful if you pick them up on your own travels or even from flea markets.

The Recipes

Okay, so you have the ingredients, but how do you mix them together? Justina acknowledges that getting the look just right can be difficult, “The bohemian vibe is very enigmatic and doesn’t come naturally. The look is so layered and rich, it can be paralyzing if you just look at a picture.” With that in mind, here are a few “recipes” to help you recreate the Jungalow look in your home.

Recipe 1: Layering

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors. This style is very eclectic. Also, aim for a variety of textures. Different kinds of textiles and materials will help you accomplish this. Leather, wood, metals, woven goods, and ceramics are all great options! Oh, and don’t forget velvet, which is very popular this year. Create contrast by strategically using white instead of color, and by mixing rustic and modern objects.

Recipe 2: Gallery Walls

Utilize your walls in the way a gallery would, and not just with pictures or paintings. Ceramic plates, woven baskets, and wall sculptures are all eye-catching options. There are even beautiful wall planters for your indoor plants.

Recipe 3: Indoor Plants

Speaking of plants, different plants have different light, soil, and temperature requirements. A few rules of thumb:

• Trees, cacti, and succulents enjoy bright and direct light
• Other houseplants may prefer low to medium indirect light

Among the easiest houseplants are succulents, cacti, wandering jews, begonias, spider plants, and sword ferns. Honestly, there are too many to list here, so do a little research and get recommendations from your local garden center. But do try to find a variety (back to that layering!) of sizes, shapes, and types. Some plants spread out wide, some grow vertically, and some hang down. Let your space and lighting conditions dictate the plants you choose.

Whatever you do, Justina encourages you to “Decorate wild!” If you really want to dive head-first into Jungalow style, check out Justina’s two books, The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes and The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes. And don’t miss the Jungalow blog, full of tips and inspiration!