Organize your home for a fresh start with new goals and aspirations.
By Avery Toomes
Celeste Quesada is a unique architect of experiences, spaces and community. Part creative catalyst, part real estate visionary, she defies simple categorization. With 23 years of crossover experience in cultural arts, social impact and home-building, Quesada has mastered the art of creating meaningful connections that transcend traditional boundaries. Her 1970s South Austin ranch-style home serves as a living testament to her philosophy – a space where authenticity, creativity and purposeful design converge. From found objects, such as bird nests she discovers on walks, to eclectic paintings that emit bird sounds, she has curated a space that is not only creative, but one that embraces soul, story and a little bit of whimsy.
Q: What design tip would you give homeowners looking to infuse creativity into their space?
A: I believe that it is important to start with authenticity. Your home should tell its own story. I think that there is energy around one's home or little nest that they create. Ultimately, it is okay to build your nest with the little threads, sticks and special things that you find and collect over the years. I definitely buy things, but I also find things. I am a total treasure hunter. I am always coming home with a beehive, nest, sticks or something that speaks to me. I like making a combination swirling around the whole special tapestry of influence to create a home.
Since I was a girl I’ve been attracted to small homes, thatched roof cabins, places of wonder… I was never attracted to the castle but instead, the cottage. I love a home that focuses on connection, lasting memories and nurturing relationships. I hope those are the values we give our daughters and ourselves at Casita Quesada.
Q: What object or feature in your home captivates your spirit?
A: I love tile. I am a first-generation Mexican-American. I like pieces that honor my heritage in a way, and I love animals, patterns and the earthiness of what tile actually is. I love that the tile is rough and imperfect. I like adding texture in this house.
Q: How does residing in South Austin capture the essence of the city's creative spirit?
A: I have unconditional love for Austin. I have seen the city go through many different chapters and decades. There’s a lot of integrity in South Austin that I like. It really reminds me of nostalgic Austin. It’s down to earth. It’s not too perfect or shiny or polished.
Q: How do you approach hosting events and creating a welcoming space for family and friends?
A: I love to throw parties. I love events, congregating and people. I definitely have always wanted a warm, welcoming and inviting place where people can relax and not feel like they can’t touch anything. Nothing is too precious, that's for sure. We like it that way. Some of it is our cultural heritage. My husband and I both have huge Mexican-American families. If we have a birthday party, it’s going to be a loud, fun and messy affair with cooking, eating and laughter. Throughout two decades of living here we’ve had many fond memories with piñatas and pachangas. We are also looking forward to many pool parties this summer.
Q: How has your South Austin home been instrumental in supporting your creative projects and professional work?
A: As I have grown as a person, so has this house. When we added onto the house it was for my husband to have a music studio there. We knew that if we were to outgrow that space, it could become our primary bedroom. He has created so many albums in this house. I have conjured up so many events here. I believe that in order to be highly productive, you also have to have some space to have quiet moments. This house allows us to have some quiet space in Austin. Then we definitely switch gears into high output. That’s the way we roll.
We really love our house. It’s like a family member. It was funky and quirky when we bought it. This house has also made us feel really grounded. I think because our work takes us to a public eye environment it’s so nurturing for us to be home and really rest and recharge. And we love to keep it real, we are not fancy people. So this matches our values really well.
