Celesta Ranch

This project marks Makehouse Design Studio’s second home base- a 1960s homesteader cabin discovered off-market and prized for its quiet character and sweeping views of Joshua Tree National Park.

We restored the home’s original knotty pine tongue-and-groove ceilings by sandblasting away layers of paint, bringing back their natural warmth and honoring the cabin’s mid-century roots. From there, the design focused on deepening the connection to the surrounding desert landscape.

A new pool was introduced to extend daily life outdoors, creating a setting for long, sun-soaked afternoons. Material selections were drawn directly from the environment, including limestone flooring in the bathrooms and sandstone surrounding the pool to echo the textures and tones of the desert.

To accommodate family and guests, a nearly 900-square-foot garage was converted into a luxurious one-bedroom, one-bath casita with a full kitchen and private outdoor space. Large sliding doors open the living area to expansive views of Joshua Tree, blurring the line between indoors and out.

The result is a relaxed yet refined desert retreat that celebrates restoration, thoughtful materiality, and an easy indoor-outdoor way of living.