Black And White House

Interior designer Ale Mora made this black and white house in Singapore a canvas for her eclectic aesthetic as well as an inspiring cocoon for her family

- Kissa Castañeda

Finding a black and white house in Singapore requires patience, luck and timing, and landing the right one in the midst of a pandemic is certainly a feat. Colombian-born interior designer Ale Mora, who moved to Singapore in late 2020, was determined to live in one, and did just that. “Black and white houses are hidden gems— they celebrate the history of Singapore within their walls,” says Mora, who recently founded her eponymous studio Ale Mora Interiors.

Through a mutual friend, she chanced upon this spacious house in Holland Village complete with an expansive garden and a pool. With three young children, outdoor space was essential; storage was also a must as her business entails importing pieces from all over the globe. “I fell in love with the house though I knew there was a lot to do to imbue it with warmth,” she shares.

ECLECTIC FEAT

Having lived in New York, London, Shanghai, Florence and elsewhere, Mora and her family are no strangers to the complexities of moving countries and setting up a home from scratch. Still, it’s impressive to learn that it only took her two months to create such a beautifully layered and lived-in home. “My style is eclectic, craftsmanship-driven and Latin,” she says, an approach evident in the punchy colours, unexpected combinations, and plethora of textures she employs.

Arriving in Singapore with two shipping containers filled with beloved furniture, art and fabrics, decorating this home was a matter of placement and experimentation. “When I move house, I always revolve my new surroundings around my favourite furniture and heirlooms. I connect with the new space, then start imagining and sketching in order to incorporate the pieces I already have.”