Essays

Justina’s writing weaves together design inspiration and personal stories. She has contributed articles and essays to various publications, including the Los Angeles Times, House Beautiful Magazine, and Lonny Magazine. For her, writing is not just a medium to share her stories; it is an extension of her art and personal style.

  • Los Angeles Times

    Plants are magical. Right now, they’re keeping me sane
    I am a homebody, so I wasn’t entirely shaken when the necessity of social distancing became a reality. I looked for the silver lining. “OK,” I thought to myself. “I’ll have time to finish the new book I’m working on, cook more, have some quality time with my 7-year-old, and do some spring cleaning.”

    Now, weeks later, the gravity of the situation is setting in....

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  • House Beautiful Magazine

    A Loveseat With a Message of Love
    Justina Blakeney reflects on the profound kismet of a recent vintage purchase.

    My grandparents, Bette and Art, were very special people. Their way of being in the world greatly shaped who I am today. They were giants in my life: adventurous, generous, wise, and loving beyond measure. Travel was a priority for them, and every year they brought home exuberant stories, photos, and souvenirs to share from remote pockets of the earth. Their beautiful home reflected their vibrant life...

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  • Cat Lady: A love Letter to Women and their cats by Leah Reena Goren

    I Love Cat
    An Essay by Justina Blakeney

    He was so sweet, and despite being long and lean, he was also cuddly. He nestled up to me in the mornings in a way that was so warm and loving. He was pensive and kind of a loner, but that fit my bubbly, gregarious personality in a yin/yang kind of way. There was only one problem, he had a cat. Oy.

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