Hanél Appleby of Lalegno SA on Flooring, Leadership, and Leaving a Legacy

Our take

For homeowners and property buyers, flooring is one of the most impactful — and often underestimated — finishing decisions in a home. Engineered oak, in particular, has grown in popularity across South African homes for its durability, warmth, and ability to hold value in resale. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered oak handles SA's humidity fluctuations better, making it a practical as well as aesthetic choice. This profile is most relevant to homeowners planning renovations, interior upgrades, or new builds — particularly in the Western Cape market where Lalegno SA operates. Buyers preparing to sell should also take note: quality flooring is a visible, tangible feature that influences buyer perception and can support asking price. Beyond the product, Appleby's profile highlights a broader shift in the SA interiors industry, where women are increasingly occupying senior sales and leadership roles. For anyone considering a flooring upgrade, engaging a specialist consultant — rather than a generalist hardware retailer — typically yields better long-term results in terms of product fit, installation quality, and design cohesion.