Justina Blakeney is an interior designer with an incredible home in Los Angeles, but she also had one big problem: she needed her own office.
So when Justina moved into a new 700-sq-ft work studio, we let her take over our Instagram account to teach us a thing or two about decorating small spaces!
See how Justina’s bohemian design came together, and learn her 5 small studio decor Do’s and Dont’s!
1. DON’T compromise.
Know what you want before you sign the lease and don’t compromise! This is especially true for small spaces, which look especially sad when they’re empty.
Justina knew that she wanted high ceilings and good natural light. So even though this studio was only 700-sq-ft, when she found it, she was ready to take the plunge.
2. DO use storage to decorate.
Storage space was an issue, so Justina used a mix of built-in floating shelves, industrial-style bookcases, and a vintage hutch from Mexico that she bought from Craigslist.
Justina painted built-in floating shelves white so they disappeared into the walls, styled-out her bookcases with her awesome collection of textiles + pillows, and painted the hutch pink.
3. DO go vertical.
Use pendant lights instead of floor lamps, and hanging planters instead of heavy pots. That’s how Justina added light + greenery without sacrificing precious floor space.
Adding greenery to a room, no matter how small, is always a good call. Go for tropical house plants if you don’t have a ton of natural light in your home.
4. DON’T be afraid of big furniture.
As long as it’s multi-functional, a large piece of furniture in a studio is nothing to be afraid of.
Justina chose a full dining table because it will be used as a work table, meeting space, and as a prop for tablescape photoshoots.
5. DO your DIY thing.
In a small space, you need to be extra selective about every piece that you choose. So don’t be afraid to customize the decor to create exactly what your space needs!
Justina followed her instincts when she decided to paint the Bentwood Pendant. We’re glad that she did! The colors totally work with Justina’s bohemian jungle vibes.
Featured: Carroll Farm Dining Table // Bentwood Pendant // Rustic Storage Bookcase // Slope Leg Dining Chairs // Pipe Tower Bookcase // Finn Sofa // Atelier Stella Vases // Potter’s Workshop Bowls // Jungalow Hanging Planter


Want to style like Justina? Sign-up for her online styling course on Skillshare! You can also follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
Photos: Justina Blakeney
Erin
January 6, 2015
Such a gorgeous studio! Knew it would be amazing – Justina is a masterful stylist of any space.
t
January 6, 2015
So gorgeous. The light is amazing. The styling is on point. I love peeks into the Jungalow and love this peek into your new digs. Congrats.
Michelle
January 7, 2015
I was hoping to see where the bed is. Or is that a sofa bed?
Michelle
January 8, 2015
I was really hoping to see the bed area. It’s what I’m struggling with the most in my studio layout. Would you please show it?
Aaron
January 9, 2015
Hi Michelle — It’s a studio work space, not a studio apartment. No bed! Sorry for the confusion.
david
January 15, 2015
Very colorful and interesting, but very very cluttered. No place for the eyes to rest.
Inspiration | January 16 | Life In Limbo
January 16, 2015
[…] A really, really beautiful studio makeover. […]
The Kentucky Gent
January 16, 2015
This has got to be one of the cutest studios I have ever seen.
Gladys
January 18, 2015
Great ideas. Love the white wall shelves
Sarah Hearts – Green, Pink and Light Blue Color Palette
January 31, 2015
[…] by Justina Blakeney for West […]
Letha
February 7, 2015
Your studio is adorable, you accomplished a lot in a small space
Poppy
March 26, 2015
Oh, wow, I am SO INSPIRED by this feature! Thank you! Your talent and eye is amazing, Justina.
Denise Sloan
April 1, 2015
Hi just love everything the brightness,colors,thanks for ideas for my new bedroom.
pb
June 17, 2015
Just wondering how you painted the Bentwood pendant–and type of paint you used. I was thinking of lighting sanding mine and doing the same thing–any suggestions? Love the fun color you used.
Mia
September 15, 2015
So cute, I have a 300 square foot studio where I live and work (children’s clothes designer) and it is so challenging. Your place is adorable!
Mia
Susanna
September 30, 2015
Where is all the junk I store ?! These are all just decorative items ! and in answer to the comment below, this is an office, not living space – so if there is a bed, it’s the sofa kind.
Mariaelena
June 9, 2017
How can I find information regarding the green ceramic water dispenser next to the mexican hutch?..thanks