Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Peel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been drawn to interior design since I was a kid. Even as a teenager, I was dreaming up renovations—knocking out walls in my bedroom to make it larger (yes my mom actually let me do that!) and sketching out plans for an apartment above the garage.
Later my husband, Leon, played a huge role in nurturing that passion. He build his first home at an impressive age of 22; he was a master craftsman that could build or fix anything. I was able to help him with the finishing touches on that beautiful home and from there I was hooked.
In the early 2000 while Leon was working on the City Center in Las Vegas, we purchased a beautiful classic yacht on Lake Mead that we decided to remodel and later sold to a well known Vegas musician. That major reno all started because I wanted to change the faucet and it quickly led to rebuilding the galley and an entire remodel! We had a blast picking out materials, making custom valances and designing a functional yet stylish galley complete with my new faucet.
In 2010 we decided to do something out of the ordinary and purchased a 55’ motor yacht in San Diego to call home. This however was an even bigger project to completely gut and redesign the interior – while living on the boat with our teenage daughter, a dog and a cat. It was quite the experience! It turned out absolutely beautiful! These were incredible family projects-equal parts chaos and joy. We always chose quality over shortcuts and that philosophy really shaped my approach to design. Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive. I became a pro at finding high-end style on a low budget-once driving three hours one way for a brand new $900 trash compactor I scored for $100! Totally worth the road trip and the view.
In 2016, I felt called to leave California and the boating lifestyle behind and move back to Texas (my home state). We bought a home sight unseen in a small(ish) town of Temple, Texas—a true leap of faith as we had never even been there before. Soon after, we brought my mother-in-law to live with us and care for her through terminal illness and dementia. Then, in 2019, Leon was also diagnosed with terminal cancer, forcing us to shut down both our construction and real estate businesses to be fully present. He passed away just five months later, followed by his mother six months after that. All of this unfolded just as the world shut down with COVID.
In the quiet after loss, I found myself painting the entire house—walls, trim, everything. I needed light, peace, and a space that reflected the healing I longed for. That experience helped me realize just how much design affects our mood and mental well-being. For me, it was deeply therapeutic.
That’s when Bello Design Co. started to take shape—not just as a business, but as a mission. I became certified in home staging and E-Design, which allowed me to combine my experience in real estate with my passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces—online or in person.
But I also felt a strong call to ministry. After experiencing the isolation that comes with widowhood, I launched Bell County Widows Unite—a place for women walking through grief to find connection, community, and hope. For a time, I set Bello aside to focus on that calling. When the real estate market began to slow, I sensed it was time to return to my design dream.
Now, Bello Design Co. is rooted in the psychology of design—how our surroundings impact our emotions, and how thoughtful design can be part of the healing journey. I help people create beautiful, functional spaces they love—whether they’re staying or selling—through virtual design, in-person services, and staging. I guide clients through the entire process—repairs, remodeling, staging, photography, and selling—to make it as stress-free as possible.
Has it been easy? Not even close. There have been plenty of moments where I wondered if I should just give up. Balancing business, ministry, and personal healing has stretched me in every way. I’ve battled doubt, financial strain, and moments of questioning everything. But I’ve learned to trust the process. If I’m heading in the wrong direction, I trust that God will redirect me. Until then, I’ll keep showing up.
I’m not where I want to be yet – but I’m definitely not where I used to be. And for that, I’m so thankful. Just being able to dream again is a huge win.
One dream that remains close to my heart is to partner with children’s hospitals—like McLane Children’s right down the road—to provide personalized hospital room makeovers for pediatric patients. Inspired by a news story I saw many years ago about an organization, Once Upon a Room, doing this for children in CA and I have never forgotten it. One day, I hope Bello Design Co. can make that dream a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding the right time to start the business. Juggling two business and a ministry is challenging and at times can put a strain on my finances in particular. As a partner with my spouse, there was less stress financially speaking-finding myself suddenly on my own to pay all the bills has been challenging for sure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bello Design Co. ?
Bello Design Co., while specializing in online/virtual interior design also offers in person design, professional staging and real estate. We offer a one-stop solution to elevate both the look and feeling of your home.
Design Philosophy:
Bello Design Co. prioritizes a thoughtful integration of natural elements—especially plants—to bring calm, balance, and vitality into each space. Grounded in design psychology, we use color, lighting, layout, and texture to uplift mood, reduce stress, and promote wellness. Our goal is to create environments that feel as good as they look, tailored to individual lifestyles and emotional needs .
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
We are all risk takers to some degree-I mean just driving on the freeway is a risk. There is a risk to every decision we make. Obviously risks can be reckless or calculated. I’d like to think the wiser I become, the more calculated the risks are that I take and being a business owner is most definitely a risk but one that can make dreams come true
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BelloDesignCo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellodesignco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelloHomeDesignCo/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bellohomesanddesignco/?actingBusinessId=1135540630953658187
