Creating her home in Singapore

Colombian CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ shares how she found and created the perfect home for her family in Singapore. She also explains how she’s taken her love of home décor, especially table settings, a step further.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Carolina – I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and at age 20 I moved to Sydney, Australia, to complete a degree in International Business and Project Management.

After university, I spent two and a half unforgettable years in Mallorca, Spain, running a bar with three friends – a chapter that taught me a lot about teamwork, creativity and joy.

Since then, life has taken me across continents: back to Colombia, then Australia again, and later to Mexico, where my husband’s career brought us to live for five wonderful years before moving to Singapore in 2020.

What do you do here?

My family is my main “project”, but I’m also the founder of Chic Murmur, a small brand I started four years ago after hearing the same thing from friends over and over again: “You should really do something related to the art of setting a table!”

Every dinner I hosted seemed to leave a lasting impression, so I finally decided to turn that passion into something tangible. I began designing tableware and sourcing beautiful pieces from Colombian artisans and trusted suppliers, helping my clients create the kind of table settings they had always dreamed of. My greatest joy is inspiring others to gather, celebrate and make lasting memories around their tables.

Where did you first live when you came to Singapore?

We arrived in January 2020 just a few days before COVID hit. Our first home was in the Greenwood area of Bukit Timah, a quiet neighbourhood full of cosy restaurants and surrounded by parks that became our lifesaver during those months of lockdown.

With so much unexpected free time, I decided to paint all the walls myself. Friends who came to visit would ask who had done them, and then be surprised to hear it was me! I’ve always loved creating patterns and experimenting with colour, which isn’t very common here where most rented homes tend to be completely white.

Having lived the expat life for many years, making each place feel like home has become essential for me. I never hold back when decorating – I try to do it all myself, turning every space into something personal and meaningful.

When we found our current house in Holland Green, I knew it could become home one day, even though it would take time and a lot of work. Now, one and a half years later, that feeling remains. Just a two-minute walk takes me straight into the Green Corridor – a lush trail filled with tropical vegetation and wildlife – and every time I step into it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with Singapore in the first place.

Give us an overview of your house in Holland Green.

It’s a charming landed house surrounded by greenery – spacious, cosy, with plenty of natural light and a layout that flows openly between the living and dining areas. It has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, offering the perfect balance between comfort and space for our family and guests. It’s an older home with beautiful original details and high ceilings that give it a sense of character and history.

I would describe my home style as warm, artistic and deeply personal. I love spaces that feel lived-in, filled with stories and pieces we’ve collected on our trips. The neutral palette brings calm and light, while the art, vintage touches and natural textures reflect who I am. I’m drawn to mixing antiques with contemporary pieces, and the simple with the unexpected, always finding harmony in contrast.

The dining room is where the action happens and where we gather every day – the heart of our home. I love playing with vases, candlesticks, flowers, textures, plates, glassware and a mix of antique and inherited pieces that make every table feel special.

We immediately fell in love with the garden surrounding the house – it brings life and serenity to every window view. We added our own touch by stringing warm lights throughout and placing a Buddha as the centrepiece of our outdoor dining area. It’s one of our favourite spots to unwind, share meals, have a drink and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere together with our dog Koda.

Another ritual we love at home is our cold plunge, which my husband enjoys daily while lighting incense and embracing the benefits of five-degree water. It’s become his moment of calm and renewal that balances the energy of his everyday life.

What was it like when you first moved in? Have you made many changes?

When we found the house, it was totally different – it seemed that no one had been living here for months. My husband wasn’t sure about it, but he trusted me as I saw the potential. We had to change many things and do a deep clean everywhere; it was hard but worth it.

I instantly fell for the craftsmanship: the intricate woodwork, the marble structures, the generous sense of space, and the beautiful natural light in every corner.

Over time, we changed the lighting and curtains, gave both kitchens and bedrooms a complete makeover, repainted furniture, and even transformed the marble column in the living room, which was once gold and burgundy. Most of the work wasn’t structural – it was about design, balance and personality.

What have been your best furniture or home décor purchases?

It’s hard for me to choose a single favourite piece, but the wood table in our living room holds a special place in my heart. I brought it from Colombia, and it’s made from the wooden tracks of an old railway that no longer exists. It’s very heavy – almost 380 kilograms! – and even though moving it from house to house is difficult, I would never leave it behind. Beyond its remarkable craftsmanship, it carries a deep sentimental value, as it feels like a small piece of my country lives here with me.

Favourite area in the house and why?

Every time I walk into the living room, I feel an immediate sense of calm and gratitude. The light, textures and proportions create a beautiful space that makes you want to stay. I also love our movie room, where the four of us – and Koda – often gather to watch movies together.

Three favourite items in the house?

It’s hard to choose, but the dining table will always be one of my favourite pieces – it represents both my work and my passion. I designed it myself while living in Mexico, and it has become the centre of so many memories and gatherings. Everything happens around that table – conversations, laughter and dinner parties.

Another piece that means a lot to me is the sofa in our living room. The organic petal shape makes it almost sculptural, yet it’s incredibly comfortable – the kind of sofa that invites everyone to sit and stay a little longer. And then there’s our bed, my personal sanctuary. I designed the tall pink headboard myself as a soft, playful touch that makes the room feel joyful and calm at the same time. It’s where I recharge, reflect and start each new day.

What do you like most about having your home in Singapore? Anything you wish was different?

What I love most about living in Singapore, without a doubt, is the sense of safety and cleanliness. Having 13-year-old twins who can move freely and independently around the city feels like such a privilege. It gives them confidence and gives us, as parents, peace of mind. I also admire how beautifully organised and efficient everything is – it allows you to focus on the things that truly matter.

Of course, every place has its quirks, and sometimes I wish the service culture, especially in restaurants, felt a bit warmer, but I’ve learnt to see it as part of Singapore’s charm: a place that values precision, structure and respect for time. At the end of the day, it’s a city that offers so much – nature, safety, and inspiration – all in one place.

Got any advice for newcomers to Singapore?

I always suggest renting for just a year at first. Give yourself time to really get to know the city and be sure the neighbourhood you’ve chosen truly feels right before committing long-term. Once you’ve found your spot, then sign that longer lease so you can settle in without the hassle of moving again.

Most importantly, make it yours. Paint the walls, hang your art, move things around. Don’t wait to feel at home; create that feeling from day one. Even small changes can transform a space into something that reflects who you are – that’s when a rental truly starts to feel like home.

Carolina’s Recommendations

Furniture & Décor

• Creatively Active Minds | creativelyactiveminds.com
• Chic Murmur – tableware| IG @Chic_Murmur
• Hock Siong & Co. | hocksiong.com.sg
• Tan Boon Liat Building | tanboonliat.com
• The Jungle Emporium | jungle-emporium.com
• Mrs Bennet | mrsbennetshop.com

Schools

• GESS International School | gess.edu.sg

Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

• La Bottega Enoteca | labottega.sg
• Esquina | esquina.com.sg
• Big Wine Freaks | bigwinefreaks.sg
• Fiasco by JUICE | juiceco.sg

Health, Hair & Beauty

• Dr Ryan @ One Doctors Family Clinic (Holland V) | onedoctors.com.sg
• Toothfully Yours | toothfullyyours.sg
• The Blonde Tourage theblonde-tourage.com
• Trimming Salon and Spa at Tudor Court | trimmings.com.sg
• The Nailist, Holland Village | thenailist.com/thenailist-holland-shopping-centre

This article first appeared in The January 2026  Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.

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