Bella Interiors: Award Winning Personalized Home Design

Both a 2024 Readers’ Choice (consumer votes) and 2024 Quality Business Awards – Best Interior Designer in St. Albert (achieved with consistent 95%+ ratings over 12 months) winner, Certified Interior Decorator Maria Belcastro is driven by her passion for interior design.

“I launched Bella Interiors in 2015,” says Belcastro, Owner and Operator. “My background was in parenting education and I worked with pregnant and parenting teens. I encouraged these moms to go back to school and to follow their dreams. This led me to the realization that I should follow my own advice and pursue my dreams of becoming an interior designer.”

She resigned in 2012 and followed her dream.

Belcastro adds, “Many of my clients either didn’t know the right trades required or preferred not to manage them directly. Recognizing this as a necessary service, I recently decided to offer project management as part of my service portfolio, leveraging the network I developed of trusted trades professionals who consistently deliver high-quality results.”

Her success stems from her outstanding design work and caring customer service, but she also points to the support she has received along the way.

“The encouragement from my family and friends is important. Their unwavering love, support, and belief in me got me through the early stages when I was building confidence and establishing my firm. Early on while attending the U of A, I formed valuable connections. I met friends who were already running their own businesses or wanted to start their own businesses. We maintained a network, meeting regularly over lunch where we shared ideas and provided mutual encouragement. I truly believe that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone in this industry; we refer potential clients to one another whose skills and styles complement their needs.”

Belcastro loves what she does, especially, “the look of pure joy on my clients’ faces when they see a completed project! There is nothing more gratifying than the transformation of a space and the emotional impact it has on clients!”

Charitable by nature, her community giving also aligns with her passions.

“While working as a parenting educator I worked closely with Habitat for Humanity in helping young families secure their first home. Home is such a tiny word for such an important place! Whenever possible, I encourage my clients to donate items from their home that we are replacing, items such as cabinets, lights, furniture, doors, etc. These items are given a new life and purpose rather than contributing to landfill waste.”

With her creative talent, collaborative approach, and client service, her recent awards are well deserved. Yet she is incredibly humble about them.

“The Readers’ Choice recognition meant so much to me and brought tears to my eyes! The mere thought of having my clients go out of their way to vote for me is incredibly touching!”

Belcastro concludes by saying, “I would like to thank my husband, Mario. He is, without a doubt, my biggest cheerleader. His love and support have been instrumental in the growth of Bella Interiors. I also thank my daughter Isabella for her invaluable help with the digital/technological side of the business. To other family and friends who continue to send me referrals and words of encouragement and support, thank you; and, to the trades who play such an important role in each of my projects who not only bring them to life but see them through fruition, thank you as well. Also, I am forever grateful to my clients. Your trust and willingness to invite me into your home is an incredible honour. There simply are not enough words to describe how much this means to me and how much I value the opportunity to work with you! “

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