Robin Opstelten has always been passionate about interior design. Many years working alongside her father, who has an architecture company, gave her the opportunity to be involved in several projects from a young age. One of the best-known public projects is the interior design of Edd’s Beach, entirely furnished by Robin. I have visited the space myself and immediately fell in love with its relaxed, natural style.


Although she is also a busy mum of two young boys, Robin decided it was time to create something of her own — and GOBI was born.


Originally from Holland, Robin grew up in the Algarve until the age of 18, then moved back to the Netherlands. She returned to Portugal in 2019 together with her husband, who runs his own carpentry business, Woodcraft, specialising in custom-made kitchens, making creativity and design very much part of the family life.

GOBI’s identity and aesthetic are deeply inspired by her love for BOHO style. Think bohemian interiors, rustic touches, earthy textures and natural colours. As Robin explains, she works only with furniture and accessories she personally loves. That way, it’s easier for her to genuinely guide customers and recommend pieces she truly believes in.


“I also try to bring brands that are not yet available on the Portuguese market and that I personally missed here,” she explains. “For example, Veksak cannot be found anywhere else in the Algarve, and the same applies to Raw Tiles; I’m the only supplier of these authentic floors here. We also offer micro cement tables in many different models, which are not available anywhere else in Portugal. Pomax can be found in selected shops, but it is still not a very common brand.”

The studio brings pieces from all over the world, including India, Indonesia, Belgium and Germany. Robin especially loves handmade items from India, where old materials are often reused to create something completely unique.


“Those pieces are not factory-made, so they may not be perfectly polished — but that’s exactly what makes them beautiful.”

Alongside larger furniture pieces and decorative accessories, the shop also offers smaller items and souvenirs. Beautiful little details that can serve as a reminder of a holiday in the Algarve while adding warmth and character to any home.


I also asked Robin about the unique name GOBI. She explained that it comes from the Gobi Desert in Asia, inspired by the soft desert shades such as beige, ivory and nude that are central to her interior style and design philosophy.

Looking ahead, Robin already has several exciting projects in mind. She is currently working on outdoor kitchen concepts with her husband, which are expected to be introduced soon, and in the future, she would also love to create her own interior collection.


You can find GOBI in the industrial zone of Lagoa at Zona Industrial do Carmo, Lote 10, 8400-445 Lagoa. To discover more about their collections and latest projects, follow @gobi.interiors on Instagram.