A Mid-Century Gem Becomes a Modern Family Home

Relocating is often an adjustment, and finding the right home in a new area can feel challenging, and sometimes even hopeless. Then there are those other times when things click and you just know. This was the case when and Justin relocated from Austin, TX to Phoenix, AZ 18 months ago, and were looking for a new home where they could settle down. When the couple first set foot in the 1950s one-story house they now call home, they instantly knew that it was the right place for them. The house, tucked away on a side street near great shopping and restaurants, had everything they were looking for — high ceilings, a big yard and an abundance of natural light. It didn’t take long before the couple sealed the deal on their dream home.

Celine and Justin are avid remodelers, and immediately began the process of improving their new home to their taste. Because the house has such good bones, and as the main living area had been remodeled a few years back, there was no need to make structural changes. To freshen things up, new hardwood floors were installed in all bedrooms and walls were painted a crisp white. Celine and Justin also decided to update the bathrooms and gave the open-plan kitchen area a new look — the back wall was tiled from floor to ceiling, and the island was redesigned with striking black granite and waterfall edges.

Six months ago, Celine and Justin welcomed their beautiful daughter, Estelle. “She is such a sweet baby, the light of our lives, and this is the perfect family home for her,” Celine shares. To make the most of family life and the warm Arizona weather, Celine and Justin have also focused on making their backyard the ideal outside space. Landscaping has been the couple’s most recent update, and the backyard now features different areas for different activities; a pool for hot summer days, a big concrete fireplace for cozy evenings outside, and various turf areas for rela, sunning and badminton.

While Celine and Justin’s in Austin was decorated in a colorful and bohemian style, the couple wanted their Phoenix house to be more neutral and in keeping with the surrounding desert landscape. They also wanted to highlight some of the unique features of their mid-century home, like the exposed concrete block walls and large windows with gorgeous views. “We wanted to create a clean, modern space that is still child-friendly, with not too much clutter, and easy-to-clean surfaces,” Celine explains. Despite a more neutral approach, pattern and color are still an integral part of the family’s style — a gorgeous cactus pattern wallpaper adorns a wall in Estelle’s nursery, while a monochrome leaf motif wallpaper makes a bold statement in the master bedroom.

Celine and Justin have tastefully updated their architectural gem of a house, and turned it into the perfect place to host family and friends. It’s a home where spending time together feels easy and relaxed. “I am most thankful for a comfortable space in which I can spend time with my husband, daughter, and dogs,” Celine adds. Scroll down for a peak of Celine and Justin’s beautifully decorated desert home — it’s a special one! —
Photography by

Image above: The bright and open kitchen is one of Celine’s favorite spaces in the house. The black granite island is a true showstopper — “We were originally going to do white quartz, but when we saw the huge black slabs, we audibled. I felt like the house has enough light to carry a dark island,” Celine explains. The pendants are from . “I am a fan of mi metals,” she adds.