Melissa Pinto is a Colombian born designer who graduated in 2003 from the Art Institute of Miami with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

She began her career in Miami working with local designers on residential projects all over the city. She then handled projects on her own in buildings such as: Santa Maria Building, Murano Grande and a private residence in Key Biscayne. She also completed a renovation project for a summer apartment in Cartagena, Colombia. She later moved to New York to work for three years at the prestigious firm Diamond Baratta Design where she collaborated on a diversity of residential projects in a grand scale.

With over seven years of experience, Melissa has stepped out on her own to work with clients on a personal level determining their individual needs with her creative flare. Melissa Pinto Interiors, reinterpret the possibilities mixing modern with traditional, bold but not loud, and style with comfort.

Greatest inspirations or influences?

• I have to say my former bosses William Diamond and Anthony Baratta. They open my spectrum of possibilities, what I thought would be impossible was a no brainer for them.

• My artistic family, and our love for art and design. We all share ideas, concepts and inspirations on a daily basis.

• Designers like Chahan Minassian, Alberto Pinto, Kelly Wearstler, Thomas O'Brien

Favorite project you have worked on so far? 

I think a fun project was the Jet Plane. It was challenging to be able to give style, comfort and personality to such small space. You have to be very clever in what you choose; on top of that there are permits codes and requirements you have to comply.

How does living in New York inspire your creativity?

Every step, every second you spend in this city, is a precious inspiring moment. The people, the colors, the attitude, the style, the daringness, the grandeur!

Favorite websites, blogs, publications?

• 1stdibs.com (Great source and content)

• Lonnymag.com (Good design selection)

• The world of Interiors magazine (beautiful designs from all over the world)

• Decorno.blogspot.com (Fun, great picks)

• Nowness.com (videos and photography of the arts)

• Myvibemylife.com

How would you describe your style?

Hippie, chic, clean; A mix of all this with style and comfort.

Challenges of what you do?

There are plenty! It is hard to make a client visualize what is in your head, describing concepts etc. It’s also difficult to incorporate existing clients 'endearing' pieces into your design like i.e.: El reloj de la abuela.

Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

Special Thanks to you my friend (Leila). You recognize and appreciate in a wonderful way other people’s passions. That’s what makes you so beautiful and real, you are inspiring!

( editor's note, Meli, love you thank you, its friends like you that inspire me every day).