Meet: Melanie Roberts

Design cred: Rhode Island School of Design

Where I hail from: Massachusetts

Where I now call home: Brooklyn

Where I hang out:

I love looking at art of all kinds. And looking at the people looking at the art, getting inspired.

Favorite food:

Homemade, fresh, plated nicely. I am willing to try everything, at least once. But I don't do broccoli, even to be polite.

What inspires me in design:

Clarity combined with humor or beauty…or both! 

A memorable meal:

My first trip together with my (now) husband...after riding all day through the dusty hills in the non-touristy part of Mykonos on a moped, we were thirsty, hungry, and tired. We were on a very deserted part of the island, so no hope for a break. Suddenly we came upon an outdoor restaurant. It looked as if it had been suddenly abandoned: no customers, yet all the tables were full of dirty dishes. A bit surreal. The lamb chop and the tomato salad — brusquely served by the lone server — was the best we have ever eaten.

A talent I’m proud of:

I have been making my own clothes, on and off, since my mother taught me to sew when I was twelve. Nothing makes me happier than turning a flat piece of cloth into a wearable object. That, and extreme organization.

The restaurant vibe I love most: 

The food always has to be good, but I most love a place where I can have a conversation with dear ones while eating my meal. Mellow music, comfortable chairs, but with a cool vibe to make it different from home. I steer toward a clean aesthetic, but I am a sucker for a good pattern and interesting color combinations.