I remember when I came back to America after living in Italy for seven years, and people used to ask me “how was my trip.” I’ve never found a way to sum up my seven years of life in a quick, conversational way, so I usually just say, “Wonderful!”. Well, writing this blog post about my new book, “Jungalow, Dec decor Wild,” feels like that. I’ve been working on this book for about three years, but in a way, I feel like I’ve been working on it all my life. And summarizing the book, or my feelings around it, in a few short paragraphs, won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best.
As I embarked on my mission to create the book “Jungalow,” I knew that colors, textures, plants, and vintage styles would play a big part in it. I mean, anyone who has seen any of my works can bet on that. But when I actually started writing the book, a lot of stories poured out of me – stories from my childhood growing up in Berkeley, my family, my relationship with the color of my skin, my identity. me, traveling, living in other countries, my roots – and that’s when I realized that this book was going to be a more personal book. In many ways, Jungalow reflects who I am, how I grew up, the places I’ve been, and the people I’ve met along the way. And, to tell the story of Jungalow, I also had to share the stories myself, why am I like this – why I am very passionate about plants and where does that passion come from, why I love patterns and I’m learning how to make them for the first time. That’s when thinking about the “why” that this book came about.
Personal stories are the glue that holds this book together. But what I hope readers will also gain from this book, is how to exploit own stories to create a home that lights you up and supports your dreams. How to identify colors that move you so you can surround yourself with them. How to train your eyes to find beauty in small moments, so you can then amplify them in your own home. How to add life to your home – with plants, natural materials and by blurring the line between the outdoors and the indoors. How to draw from your roots and travels to create a meaningful home, a home that helps you feel more connected to who you are and who you want to be.
Big topics, I know. And my aim is to do all of this while also taking you into a fantasy world with inspirational images from inside and outside the home – and includes tips, activities and ideas for helps you spark your creativity and motivates you to embrace brushes, or get out in nature and find inspiration in colors and patterns.
Writing this book was a vulnerable experience. It’s hard to know how much I have to spend these days, how much to keep for myself, but my deepest hope is that when I put myself ‘out there’, my story will help you connect. with his story. Sharing how I see the world and my “why” will help you examine your “why” and help you feel empowered to create a home you love.
Underneath the jacket…
And now for your thanks…
And as with all projects, I did not do this alone. This vision became a reality with the help of so many incredibly talented people. I co-wrote this book with my husband, Jason. Jason is such a clear and profound thinker and has such a magical way, not only of words, but also of concepts. When I hold the finished book in my hands, I will always think of the long nights we shared casita, after Ida went to bed, discussed color theory and biodesign. I am so proud of him and of us for the words of this book.
My next thanks goes to Dabito, my close friend and longtime collaborator, who shot the The New Bohemians books and also shot this one. But saying that “shooting” the book doesn’t really do him justice because working with Dabito, I not only got to be an incredible photographer, but also got to work with a designer and creator. World-class templates, and a trusted board for all things visual, and a friend with whom I can share lots and lots of laughs.
Sara Rose, head of Partnerships at Jungalow also needs a very special thank you. In addition to helping to organize, schedule and project dozens of photo shoots for this, Sara was the first to read the chapters as they came in and provided invaluable feedback along the way. Not to mention coming in after work, with a newborn at home, during a pandemic, to help with things like glossary when my eyes are rolling and I feel like I’m losing my mind. Thank you Sara <3
The help from the rest of my team at Jungalow was also invaluable (Piper! Kelly! Kiki! Kim!) helped bring the book to life with countless hours of help with photography and packaging as well. as newer members of the team (Jasmine! Tara ! Danielle! Natalie!), who gave a hand in book marketing and promotion and general support – all while shouldering the regular workload , and took on many of my responsibilities in the business when I needed to leave the book business. Thank you all so much, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you guys.
To the people at Abrams, my publisher: Shawna, my editor, gave the book a special shine – and encouraged me to add more footnotes, dig deeper into the text, come up with ideas. awesome (and edited the not so good ones), and the book is Therefore much better for it. Deb, the art director, and Heesang, the designer on the book, brought A VIBE into the design of the book. I wanted these books to feel both timeless and quirky, modern and playful, gorgeous and clean, and somehow they did everything I saw. Also, thank you to Gabby at Abrams PR for joining in to promote the book and make the launch both fun and seamless.
The cover photo was produced by my carpet partners at Loloi Rugs, and it is an honor to be able to feature our work on the cover and inside of the book, and I am grateful for the collaboration. working with Loloi.
My literary agent, Kate Woodrow. Thank you, Kate! And my licensing agent, Kim, is always there to support, no matter how the project is directly related to licensing (LOL) Thank you forever!
Sophia, Hayley and Jessy from LaRue PR arranged an incredible amount of work until this release – and helped achieve some very desirable journalistic position for this. If you’ve “seen the book everywhere” then Sophia, Hayley, and Jessy are the creators of magic on that front.
For Bubbie and Popop, (AKA Ronnie and Charles (Chalos) Blakeney, I have to thank for nurturing my creativity, for taking us on a trip around the world when we were kids, for making I believe in myself, and is so central to this book – especially the Magic In The Mix Chapter. And to my other parents (parents-in-law) Mary and Jim and Papa Denny and Brenda, thank you. thank you for all the regular support and all the babysitters without this book probably coming out in 2026.: PI love you guys.
To my friends who have posted about the book and shared the love on your blog, on IG and beyond, I love you and thank you so much.
Finally, I want to thank you – the Jungalow community, for coming out for me. This book is for you – only with your help can I convince a major publisher that wild design has great appeal, only with your help can I develop Jungalow into the force that it is today. I am very grateful to you.
Get your favorite book Online or your local bookstore, or get a signed copy at Jungalow.
Taken by Sara Toufali for Jungalow
