'B' for Books

Adopt an Idea from ‘The New Bohemians’

The New Bohemians, Justina Blakeney

The New Bohemians by Justina Blakeney, of The Jungalow, just went on sale today and I’m helping kick off her blogger book tour! The book features photos by Dabito of twenty homes divided into sub-styles like The Modern, Romantic, or Maximal Bohemian, with DIY projects at the end of each section. The images are gorgeous and fun to flip through, but you can also dive deeper to get an idea of who lives in each home and see how they embody bohemian style in various ways.

The New Bohemians, Justina Blakeney

I like to revisit my favorite interior design books over and over, because I get something different out of them each time. I could be looking for layouts, color combinations, or certain pieces of furniture, and with a specific search in mind, I often pick up on things I may have not have noticed the first (or fifth!) time around. That’s why I love the “Adopt an Idea” section at the end of each home tour in The New Bohemians; Justina highlights a few interesting ideas that you may have missed otherwise. Here are a few of my favorites…

The New Bohemians Book: Adopt an Idea

Paint it Black

Erica’s dressers are all glossy and black. If you have an old dresser that needs a little love, paint in black. Add brass hardware for shine and let it patina.

Adopt an Idea from the home of Erica Tanov & Steven Emerson, p. 217 (pictured above)

hr 644

Window Win

It can be tough to know how to decorate around a low window, so when in doubt, add plants! Plant an indoor garden on a low bench: The plants will get the light they need, but you’ll still benefit from the light, too.

Adopt an Idea from the home of Anne Parker & Alea Joy, p.77

hr 644

Shape Up

Paint a shape, for instance a blue rectangle, on the wall and hang a shelf painted to match. The result is an instant art installation where you can store and display your favorite objects.

Adopt an Idea from the home of Justina Blakeney & Jason Rosencrantz, p. 289

hr 644

Create a Wall

If you’re short on wall space, float your bed in the center of the room and use the headboard as an additional wall. Then use space behind the bed to maximize storage.

Adopt an Idea from the home of Marika Wagle, p. 49 (pictured below)

The New Bohemians Book: Adopt an Idea

There are three or four design tips for each featured home in the book, and of course plenty of other information shared throughout, so the above examples are just a fraction of what’s inside. The New Bohemians is available now, and you can check Justina’s book tour to see who else will be featuring more from the book each day.

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  • jenn aka the picky girl
    April 14, 2015 at 10:15 am

    So my boyfriend just moved in which has resulted in a massive purge. I’ve been in my house five years; we are both in our mid 30s…it’s been insane. BUT it has also meant a refresh in the furniture. New bed, two new rugs. New-to-me sofas. New AMAZING mcm dining table and six chairs I scored for 80 bucks…

    Anyway, the funny thing is that I keep turning to my design books – Domino, most frequently because of the uber helpful sections about curtains and rugs and heights of furniture, etc. – but all of them. I guess it’s partly for ideas and partly for confirmation that I’m not actually insane to want to put a bench by the front door since I have no entryway…and things like that. :)

    I need to look for this book!

    • Making it Lovely
      April 14, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      The Domino book is a great one to return to. Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead, but a lot of really FUN work!

  • Sava
    April 14, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Was it a rough night? You have two typos (Ten for then and our for or), which is unusual for you.

    • Making it Lovely
      April 14, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      The baby hasn’t been sleeping well for a couple of weeks now, which means I’m not sleeping well. Looks like it’s showing. Thanks for catching those — I hate having typos or grammatical errors.

  • Jill
    April 14, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    Is this a sponsored post? I won’t click on the links if I feel it is simply another sales ad.

    Sorry, but I just don’t know if any of your posts are heartfelt any more. I am a long-time follower and now find your blog more advertisement than useful advice based on your decorating experience.

    • Making it Lovely
      April 14, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      I’m sorry you feel that way. No, this isn’t a sponsored post — those are always clearly labeled at the beginning. I was asked if I’d like to participate in the book tour, and I liked the book so I said yes. I received a copy in advance, but no payment.

  • Antonella
    April 15, 2015 at 6:57 am

    Thank you for this.
    I found really useful to see your favorite highlights from this book, because it gives me direction in how to get the most from interior design books in general.
    I think it could be a series of posts, like “The best ideas I took from…”
    What do you think? :-)

  • Justina Blakeney
    April 15, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    Nicole!! Thank you SO much for participating in the blog tour. I love your photo of the book on the coffee table and–so funny–I have those same vintage mugs but in a different color. They were handed down to me from my grandmother. Anyway, you are a constant source of inspiration and a big, heartfelt thanks to you. Warmly, ~Justina

  • Ilse
    April 15, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    I think I am really going to like this book!

  • Shavonda@SG Style
    April 16, 2015 at 3:04 am

    Loved seeing Justina’s book featured here and hearing your take on it. I’m so excited for her and even moreso to get my copy:)

  • Danielle
    April 16, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Nice post :) Would you be able to share where the coral tray is from? My new dark brown coffee table is in need of some color & the tray is so pretty. Thanks!

  • The New Bohemians is here! | The Jungalow
    March 9, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    […] I’m excited to see how they capture the book and what their takeaways are. Today, Nicole from Making it Lovely is starting things off, and you can check out the whole (amazing!) blogger lineup right […]