“Never Judge a Book by Its Cover”: Shack Interior Surprises South Africans With Stylish Decor
- A Facebook post revealed the stylish interior of a seemingly ordinary shack, challenging assumptions about living spaces
- The creative use of furnishings and décor demonstrated how design can transform even modest homes into attractive, functional spaces
- Viewers reacted with surprise and admiration, sparking online discussions about appearances, innovation, and resourcefulness
- Briefly News spoke to interior designer Anderson Lindiwe, who reflected on the creativity behind turning even the simplest spaces into stylish homes
South Africans were amazed by a shack interior that looked ordinary from the outside but revealed stylish design and thoughtful décor inside.
Source: Facebook
On 22 September 2025, Facebook user Who Cares posted pictures of a modest shack that quickly drew attention across South Africa. The post included images of both the exterior and the interior, showing a shack that looked ordinary from the outside but surprisingly stylish on the inside. With neat furnishings, well-chosen décor, and thoughtful interior design, the shack challenged assumptions about what people might expect from informal housing. The caption 'Never judge a book by its cover' encouraged viewers to reconsider first impressions and look beyond appearances.
The interior of the shack showed a level of creativity and care that many found impressive. Each room had been arranged to maximise space while maintaining comfort and style, demonstrating how thoughtful design can elevate even small living spaces. The post highlighted that people’s living conditions do not necessarily reflect their taste or lifestyle, and it encouraged discussion about innovation in modest homes. By showcasing a functional and visually appealing interior, the post inspired others to rethink design possibilities in limited spaces.
Shack makeover gets national attention
Within three days, the post had over 116,000 likes, 2,000 comments, and more than 2,200 shares. Viewers were quick to engage, sharing the post to show friends and family the surprising interior. The combination of shock value, aesthetic appeal, and the relatable message about judgment made it highly shareable. Many people appreciated the contrast between the simple exterior and the stylish interior, sparking debates about assumptions, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The responses reflected amazement at the transformation and admiration for the person behind the interior design. Many South Africans expressed that it was a reminder not to judge others based on appearances. The post also inspired conversations about how creativity can thrive in any environment, and how small spaces can be transformed into comfortable and visually appealing homes.
Lindiwe explained to Briefly News that imagination is the foundation of any design because it gives a space its own significance. She said:
“It’s a great challenge for the mind, food for thought through everything and everyone we come across, not just as creatives but to people who are in question with these certain changes and looking to live through certain experiences with no budget at hand.”
Lindiwe added that imagination allows designers to see possibilities beyond the obvious, often making a small budget appear luxurious. She said:
“It’s important to have your vision and creativity out of the pocket. Budget only determines the length or use of materials for the project. Lack of being original can make a large budget appear boring, whereas creativity can make a tiny budget appear luxurious.”
She also shared practical tips for anyone looking to decorate on a budget, highlighting simple but impactful touches. She said:
“Accent walls (wallpaper), DIY (retouching old furniture), mirrors, LED lighting, accessories to touch up are examples of some affordable design tricks that have been used to transform spaces.”
Source: Facebook
Mzansi reacted to the post
Said Zahouani joked:
“You can take a shower there because it’s so hot, no need for water, you’ll sweat enough. Imagine that in Arizona, for example.”
AJ Marley said:
“I’ll still judge because I can’t stay in a human-sized oven or microwave.”
Rodleigh Abigail May May commented:
“To be honest, that’s a very beautiful shack. For those who judge, not everyone’s life is perfect like yours. At least they have a roof over their heads. Yes, I assume it’s very hot, but did you see the fan? That shack looks cleaner and neater than most of your brick houses.”
Rassie Erasmus wrote:
“Why do people always have to criticise? Some people would love to have a place like this.”
Nandisa N Zondo said:
“But the inside is AI, we all see it, right?”
Gina Ruiz commented:
“I love how the vegetable cart is plugged into the electricity.”
Mavilakazy Owu Ma Gubevu wrote:
“Why must I judge when this shack is spick and span compared to my house?”
Lynn Reliente joked:
“Medium rare or well done?”
Check out the Facebook post below:
3 other Briefly News stories related to shacks
- A humble shack handover ceremony captured on TikTok has gone viral, showing a woman’s emotional reaction as she steps into her new home.
- A video featuring a man's well-decorated shack interior has garnered significant attention in South Africa.
- A woman in a vat en sit relationship shared a video showing off her and her partner's gorgeous shack, which is a testament to their love and dedication.
Source: Briefly News
