For Pilates coach Enda, moving wasn’t just about changing addresses; it was a return to a place of profound significance. Leaving behind a spacious landed house, she chose to embrace a cozier, more intimate apartment in Dawson—the very home her late father lived in. It was a decision rooted in memory and the desire to create a new sanctuary that was truly her own, built on a philosophy of minimalist touches and mindful living.
This move was a journey of transformation, not just for Enda, but for the space itself. Her design ethos mirrors her professional one: focus on a strong, beautiful core and allow for freedom of movement. To help bring this vision to life, she worked closely with her interior designer, Sze from Infinity Home Design Lab, who expertly translated her minimalist philosophy into a plan that maximized the apartment’s cozy footprint. “I’ve always been drawn to loose furniture and keeping things minimal,” Enda shares. “It creates a sense of calm and allows the key features of the home to really shine.”
And shine they do. The undeniable heart of the kitchen is a stunning, deep green stone countertop. It was an instant connection. “I’ve always loved the colour green,” she explains. “When I saw that stone, it was love at first sight. It grounds the entire space with a sense of natural elegance.”
But the stone isn’t the only piece that tells a story. Look closer and you’ll see curated objects filled with history. An eye-catching log sits in the dining area—a piece Enda has had for over 20 years, moving with her wherever she goes. Its surface is a map of her life, with marks and memories etched into the wood. Her dining table is another treasured heirloom, made from a thick, heavy slab of teak that is rare to find nowadays. These aren’t just pieces of furniture; they are companions.
That’s how much she loves real, solid wood. She cheekily adds that whenever she moves, “the movers really have to work up a sweat to move these heavy pieces for me.” This deep appreciation for art and history is also visible on her walls, which are adorned with a personal collection of paintings she’s gathered over time.
It’s this deep-seated love for authentic, story-rich materials that made the conversation about flooring so unexpected.
“I was always used to natural materials like marble and timber from my old house,” Enda recalls. So, when Sze recommended vinyl flooring, her hesitation was immediate and specific. It wasn’t just a matter of preference; it was based on poor past experiences. “The word ‘vinyl’ conjured images of something less authentic,” she says. “I’ve seen vinyl that has peeled in studios I’ve worked in before, and in other places. It looked so plastic, and when it peels, it really adds to the fake look.” The idea of bringing that into a home filled with so much personal history felt completely wrong.
Understanding her concerns, Sze brought over a few select samples from Floor Xpert, confident that the new generation of luxury vinyl would speak for itself. The quality immediately caught Enda’s attention. “I remember looking at them and thinking, ‘Hey, this is actually not bad. I’m starting to love it,” she says with a laugh.
The real turning point came during a trip to the Floor Xpert showroom. Seeing the large format samples laid out completely shattered her old perceptions. “I was simply wowed,” Enda admits. “The designs were as realistic as real wood. The texture, the colour variations… the quality was nothing like the peeling, plastic-looking floors I remembered.”
Her search at Floor Xpert led her to the perfect match: a design called Botanic Smoked Oak.
“I initially thought I wanted something with a lot of knots for a more rustic feel,” she explains. “But I realised it might be too much for a smaller space.” It was a concern Sze immediately validated, advising that the more balanced look of the Botanic Smoked Oak would create a better sense of flow and spaciousness. “It has this beautifully balanced look,” she adds. “The grains are so clear and full of character, making it look incredibly real, but it isn’t overwhelming.”
Enda’s story is a testament to how our homes can support our lives. By mindfully selecting pieces that hold meaning and embracing modern materials that offer both beauty and practicality, she has transformed her father’s former apartment into a serene sanctuary that is entirely her own. It’s a space that honours the past while providing the perfect, balanced foundation for her future.
Start Your Own Transformation
Inspired by Enda’s story? Discover how high-quality vinyl flooring can transform your own home. Book your appointment to visit our Floor Xpert showroom in Singapore to experience the stunning realism and durability for yourself, or explore the full collection of vinyl flooring online today. Your dream home is just a floor away.
