“You Made a Sandton Room From a Shack”: Woman Turns 2-Room Shack Into Luxury Haven, SA Impressed
- A woman successfully converted her family's two-room storage shack into a luxury personal haven and professional salon after working overseas
- The renovation went viral on TikTok, highlighting the extensive work required, including floor levelling and unexpected material costs of R15K
- Social media users were impressed, praising her vision and resourcefulness, and many called the woman an inspiration for their own home projects
- Briefly News spoke with Mlondolozi Kani, owner of Kanjanne Construction and Supplying Services, about the viral transformation of a shack into a luxurious living space
Source: TikTok
A powerful display of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication went viral after a woman documented the inspiring journey of transforming a modest two-room storage shack into a stylish, fully functional living and working space.
The clip was shared by TikTok user @kingdivine18, detailing that she initially used the shack, which had served as her parents’ extra storage, as a private area for her nail business and as a quiet place to sleep after late clients.
After saving money while working overseas, the woman returned home determined to upgrade her living situation. She announced to her mother that the shack was now hers, promising to find new storage for the family's items. The woman then gave viewers a glimpse of the original, humble shack before the renovation began, noting she had always worked hard to keep the storage room tidy.
The shack changes from storage space to sanctuary
The transformation hit an immediate roadblock when the contractor discovered that the shack’s foundation was not properly levelled. The first task involved breaking up old tiles and using vast amounts of cement to ensure the floor was flat. The woman shared the financial reality, initially budgeting R15K for supplies, but exceeding that amount due to the extra levelling work, even having to return excess material later. TikTok user @kingdivine18 was quick to acknowledge the extensive, difficult labour, emphasising that the support from her family, particularly her father and sister, was important.
The final revelation
The final result was nothing short of a little haven. The video revealed a stunning, freshly painted space, complete with sleek ceramic tiles, a comfortable bedroom area, a small lounge section, and a large, built-in cupboard system designed specifically for her shoes and handbags (though she humorously confessed that not all her bags fit).
Source: TikTok
Transforming a shack into a sanctuary
We at Briefly News spoke with Mlondolozi Kani to discuss the impressive DIY spirit of the woman in the video and the construction challenges involved in safely turning a temporary structure into a modern, permanent home.
We asked the man what key internal construction features are important to make the room feel permanent, like a brick house. He said:
“You must use proper drywall or interior plaster on the walls. This covers the metal sheeting and allows for smooth paint and finishes. Also, installing a tiled floor instead of wood or cement makes a huge difference.”
When asked what one clever cost-saving trick he recommends for interior finishes. The man responded:
“Focus on the lighting and paint. You don’t need expensive cabinets. Good, bright lighting and clean, light-coloured paint job make the space feel bigger, cleaner, and nicer than any expensive furniture.”
Mzansi loves the renovated shack
Social media users were impressed by the woman's vision and the high-quality finish. Many viewers praised her brilliant idea and resourcefulness, noting that the clip had given them motivation and ideas for transforming their own spaces. Some promised to visit the renovated place, calling her their inspiration. A thoughtful commenter advised the woman to plan to build a more permanent structure around the shack later, ensuring all her hard work and investment would be permanently secured.
User @Coco J said:
"All in one vlog? Love me a focused person. Congratulations, stranger. Send my regards to your brother 🥺."
User @addy0khoza
"The inspiration I drew from this, sitting on my parents' two-room stoep, where I do nails from. I'm loving this coincidence. It's a sign for me to create my small haven, and mine doesn't have a lot of work that needs to be done. Well done, it's beautiful, I love the after👌,"
User @leratonkwana685 advised:
"Your mkhukhu (shack) is beautiful; however, I think you must budget and build walls around it. You don't want to see heavy rains destroying your shack. Take it to another level."
User @joyunspeakable_14 shared:
"This is beautiful 😍. Also, I appreciate the fact that you incorporated everything into one video."
User @Nomagugu added:
"I'm coming for a visit, ke🥰🤭. Your space is a haven, sweetheart ❤️."
User @Abby said:
"Yoh! That is so gorgeous. You made a Sandton room from a shack. I'm super proud of you, sister 🥰."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Brief news articles about shacks
- A viral video captured a group of men attempting to relocate a massive, fully-built shack by carrying it down a public road, causing chaos and delays.
- A woman shared a video tour of her gorgeous, customised shack, featuring luxury fittings like a chandelier, designer appliances, and custom-built, glossy red cabinetry, impressing social media users.
- A local man shared a powerful video respectfully addressing a troll who questioned his cleanliness and Nike outfit while living in a shack, and many viewers praised him.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
