“I knew when I was 8 years old that I wanted to decorate people’s homes,” says Lori Leistico, who joined Bella Domicile in January. Sure enough, this Beaver Dam native maintained her interest in art throughout her elementary and high-school years. She went on to major in interior design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Almost right out of college, Lori began to work for Modern Kitchen Supply, the forerunner of today’s Bella Domicile.

In 1989 Lori and a partner started their own interior design firm, but she was lured back to Modern Kitchen Supply after a couple of years.  She later went on to work at the headquarters of KraftMaid Cabinetry, a semi-custom cabinet manufacturer. For 16 years, Lori was one of the in-house designers for KraftMaid Cabinetry. She designed the displays for nationwide chains such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s, while expanding her creative and design expertise and management scope, taking on additional internal roles for the manufacturer. Her work has appeared in House Beautiful, ELLE Décor, and Midwest Living magazines.

Lori’s goal as a youngster has not changed during her 28 years in the kitchen and bath design field:  “to create the most functional and aesthetically pleasing space for each client.”  Her greatest reward is watching an artful design transform a space that is as efficient as it is beautiful.Lori shares a lakeside home as well as a creative bent with her husband, well-known wildlife artist Frank Mittelstadt. A 6-year-old yellow lab, Biscuit, rounds out their family. “Biscuit has had a camera in her face since she has been a puppy,” Lori says, adding, “She is a familiar face on Frank’s Webshots.” 

Lori spends her free time gardening, playing volleyball and bowling.

Email Lori

"MY GOAL IS TO CREATE THE
MOST FUNCTIONAL AND
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING SPACE
FOR EACH CLIENT."