Designer Series: A Fusion of Modern Mexi-Cali Charm
We’re excited to feature Celeste Roberts, a talented interior designer with a flair for blending cultural influences and modern aesthetics. Known for her unique "Modern Mexi-Cali" style, Celeste brings a fresh, vibrant blend of her Mexican heritage and California upbringing into every space she touches. Her designs are a beautiful mix of modern and vintage influences, with nods to icons like Ricardo Legorreta and James Hubbell. With 24 years of experience, Celeste has made a name for herself by creating spaces that are both functional and visually captivating.
Celeste set her sights on creating two beautiful spaces: a cozy dining room and a crafty "she-shed" home office, all centered around the fall season. “I focused on using earthy colors, textiles, and organic elements to capture the season’s warmth,” she says.
She also prioritized the scale of the furniture to maximize the space. "It’s all about making the room functional, with extra seating, storage, and a place to showcase art," she explains. We dive into her journey, favorite design styles, and tips for homeowners.
The Plan & Prep
To style two products and bring both designs to life, a combination of in-store furniture accents, studio props, and select accent décor pieces were carefully curated by Celeste.
Room #1: She-Shed Home Office
The Result:
Creating a Workspace that Inspires
In designing a home office, Celeste aims to create a personalized, inspiring workspace. The "she-shed" home office was a passion project for her love of creativity, acting as both a workspace and an art studio. “It’s important to have a space where you can feel motivated and happy to work every day,” she notes.
“The Oxford Desk is a favorite of mine because it’s finished on all sides,” Celeste says. This versatile feature allows the desk to float in a room or be used as a peninsula. She’s also a fan of its waterfall edge, which is both on-trend and practical, serving as a modesty panel. She paired the desk with the Brody Swivel Chair and added two Oxford Bookcases to provide storage solutions and balance throughout the room.
Room #2: Mixing Materials
Beautiful & Durable
When it comes to dining rooms, Celeste’s first thought is, “Does form follow function?” She prioritizes maximum seating, storage, and a stylish display of vintage art and accessories. “The dining room should be both practical and visually engaging,” she emphasizes.
What she loves most about the Bay Creek Dining collection is its flexibility. “It comes in multiple finishes, so you can mix and match,” she explains. The nutmeg dining table was the foundation for her design. She opted for different finishes on dining chairs with the nutmeg and graphite to distinguish the host seating – a clever touch that adds character to the space. Celeste included a high back bench for extra seating and storage (there’s a hidden storage under the seat).
Personal Style, Current Favorites, Design Tips
When asked about her personal design style, she fuses the best of Mexican heritage and California influences. This blend is not only a reflection of her cultural background but also a way to bring depth and character to her work. Whether she’s incorporating colorful Mexican motifs or the clean, organic lines of California architecture, Celeste’s style is as vibrant and diverse as the places she draws inspiration from.
Then we asked, what’s exciting in the world of design right now? Without a thought, it’s all about statement lighting according to Celeste. "I’m really into bold lighting at the moment," she says. "There’s a big trend towards overscale lighting or using textured, unconventional materials for shades." From sculptural chandeliers to oversized pendants made of unexpected materials this trend is all about creating a focal point that demands attention. It’s a daring way to bring personality into a room, and Celeste is all for it.
When it comes to practical tips, Celeste swears by the power of a good woven basket. "Baskets are my go-to design hack," she admits. "They’re perfect for hiding blankets in a family room or keeping kids' toys organized, and they look great while doing it." Functionality doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, and baskets are a great way to achieve that balance. For those diving into home renovation, some sage advice from Celeste: "Know your budget, and keep 15% of that aside for yourself." Why? "There are always unforeseen expenses," she explains, like plumbing or electrical issues that get uncovered during a remodel. Having that extra cushion will give you peace of mind—and the flexibility to make the project truly yours.
Give her a follow at @celesterobertslovesdesign for inspiration, travel and good vibes; and @azulcelesteartisanal to shop custom-made hats designed by Celeste.