Roberta Bloem-Meli
Interior Design & Styling
Professional Interior Design
without the Luxury price tag
Roberta believes everyone deserves a home that reflects who they are, fits their lifestyle and feels like a safe haven.
Whether you’re moving in, starting over, or simply ready for a refresh.
With Micro Interior Design, every detail is tailored to your needs, your space, and your lifestyle.
You’ll save time, money, and stress with a flat-fee service that’s clear, efficient, and personal.
Perfect for life transitions, renovations, or anyone craving a home that truly fits.
Interior Design Tips
Area Rugs That Anchor Your Space
A too-small rug can throw off an entire room. Here's how to choose the right size and placement to pull everything together. Rugs define spaces in open-plan layouts. Choose patterns if you want visual interest; solids work better for minimal spaces. Don’t let furniture “float” off the rug — it disconnects the layout. Living Room: At least the front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug — ideally, all legs. Dining Room: Rug should extend at least 70cm beyond the table so chairs stay on. Materials matter: Wool for luxury, jute for texture, synthetics for budget + durability. 📌 Pro Tip: Tape out rug sizes on the floor before buying to visualize scale.
The Power of Lighting in Interior Design
Lighting is everything. It’s the secret sauce that makes your room feel warm, moody, vibrant, or calm. Let’s talk about layering light like a designer. Ambient lighting: Your general, overall light. Usually ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting. Task lighting: Functional. Think reading lamps, under-cabinet lights in kitchens, desk lamps. Accent lighting: Decorative. Wall sconces, picture lights, or LED strips under shelves. Use dimmers. They allow you to adjust lighting based on the time of day or vibe. Layer your lighting - Don’t rely on one overhead light. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use warm white bulbs for living areas (2700k), cool whites work better in kitchens/bathrooms(3000K). 📌 Pro Tip: Want drama? Add a statement pendant light or sculptural lamp.
How to Style Your Shelves Like a Pro
Messy shelves are out. Curated shelves are in. Whether you’re styling a bookcase, floating shelves, or a built-in, these tricks will give your space a designer edge. 1) Start with a clean slate. Empty everything out to see the space clearly. 2) Use the rule of thirds. Group decor in sets of 3 or 5, and vary the height and shape for visual interest. 3) Mix materials. Combine books, ceramics, glass, plants, metal, and wood for texture. 4) Play with negative space. Don’t overcrowd — leave some areas blank so the eye can rest. 5) Personal touches. A framed photo, art print, or souvenir can make it feel you. 6) Layering adds depth. Stack books horizontally, lean art behind smaller objects, and layer tall items with smaller ones in front. Give it a go and have fun with it!
Creating a Cozy Reading Nook
Imagine a little corner that makes you instantly exhale, soft light, warm textures, and your favorite book in hand. Here's how to build the perfect reading nook that blends comfort, style, and personality. 1) Find the Perfect Spot Look for areas that are a bit tucked away or naturally cozy: A sunny spot by a window An unused corner of your bedroom or living room A space under the stairs or beside a bookshelf Even a wide hallway or bay window can work with some creativity Natural light = bonus, especially for daytime reading. 2) Choose the Right Chair Your chair is the heart of your nook: A deep armchair, club chair, or even a small chaise lounge works beautifully. Want a boho vibe? Try a papasan chair, floor cushions, or a bean bag. 📌 Add a soft throw blanket for extra comfort and texture. 3) Layer the Lighting You’ll want soft, warm lighting that’s easy on the eyes: A floor lamp with a warm bulb for overall light A swing-arm wall light or adjustable reading lamp for focus Add fairy lights, lanterns, or candles to create a gentle glow in the evenings. 💡 Dimmable or smart bulbs let you change the mood instantly. 4) Add Personal Touches Make it feel uniquely yours: Hang a favorite quote, art print, or framed book cover Place a candle, essential oil diffuser, or incense burner nearby Add a plant for a fresh touch (snake plants or pothos are easy and pretty) Use a rug to ground the space and define your nook visually 5) Include Functional Surfaces You’ll need a place to rest your drink, snacks, or your phone: A small side table, floating shelf, or stacked crates can do the job. 🍵Don’t forget: add a coaster and a cute mug for those coffee/tea moments. 6) Complete It with Comfort Extras: Add a footstool or pouf to stretch out. Include a couple of plush pillows for back or side support. Choose soft textures like velvet, boucle, or knit. Happy Reading!