CRAFTED INTENTION

Melissa Loutos is the founder of Bella Muri, specializing in hand-applied decorative finishes that blend artistry, texture, and functionality. Known for creating layered, tactile, and lived-in spaces, Loutos transforms everyday interiors into environments that feel personal, warm, and meaningful. Her work emphasizes durability, beauty, and storytelling, with finishes that elevate functional elements into design features.

What trends or shifts are most influencing your work right now?
There’s this beautiful shift happening toward spaces that feel warm, layered, and personal—homes that tell a story. Clients aren’t just asking me to slap on a fresh coat of paint on the wall. They want depth. They want character. They want to walk in and feel something. Decorative wall finishes and lime plaster are having a huge moment right now. There’s a softness and subtle movement to those finishes that adds so much warmth without overwhelming a space. One of my favorite things lately is seeing them on range hoods—taking something totally functional and turning it into a piece of art.

What recent project best represents your style or philosophy?
I just finished a kitchen that really is the perfect example of how I love to work. The homeowners wanted a refresh—better function and a more cohesive look—but they didn’t want to gut the whole thing and start over. So, I collaborated closely with their interior designer and contractor, refinishing both the new and existing cabinetry to create a space that felt completely unified and truly reflective of their personal style.

What materials, technologies, or processes are you excited about right now?
Metal finishes. The application techniques have gotten so sophisticated that we can achieve the richness and depth of real metal in ways that are practical and durable for everyday living. That’s my favorite part of this work—taking something functional and making it into a feature.

For more information, visit bellamuri.com and follow @bella_muri on Instagram.