“Turning Grief Into Style”: Young Man Revamps Late Brother’s Room
- A young man transformed his late brother’s room into a heartfelt, stylish tribute, combining interior design and emotional storytelling
- The project highlights the personal and financial dedication involved in renovating a meaningful space while turning grief into inspiration
- The video quickly gained traction, with audiences connecting to the emotional journey, commenting on the beauty of the tribute
This renovation shows how interior design can be a powerful way to process emotions, share love, and create spaces that tell a story beyond decoration.

Source: TikTok
On 5 December 2025, TikTok user and content creator @yonela_catingana posted a heartfelt video documenting the makeover of his late brother Mlulami’s room. He painted and renovated the space, explaining that he had saved money throughout the year to transform it into a tribute. The project, titled Project Mlulami, was meant to honour his brother’s memory while giving the room new life. The video included the full transformation process, showing a humble room upgraded with care and thoughtfulness.

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The room makeover offered more than aesthetic appeal; it represented healing and remembrance. Yonela explained that the renovation was a personal project to commemorate his brother, combining interior design creativity with emotional closure. Viewers gained inspiration from the dedication and care put into making the room both functional and meaningful. The video also highlighted the importance of creating spaces that tell a personal story, blending memory and style.
Room makeover honours lost brother
The post by content creator @yonela_catingana gained viral traction as audiences connected with the emotional and practical aspects of the project. Comments poured in, offering support and admiration for the thoughtful tribute. Many shared their own experiences renovating spaces to honour loved ones, making the video highly relatable to families navigating loss while preserving cherished memories.
The makeover left Mzansi viewers inspired and reflective, more especially since the man did it for his late brother. Many praised Yonela’s initiative, noting the emotional depth of transforming a personal space into a lasting memory. The combination of creativity, devotion, and cultural resonance made the video a compelling story for South African audiences.

Source: TikTok
Here’s what Mzansi had to say
Innocent wrote:
“Which colours did you mix to come up with that paint colour.”
Dineo wrote:
“I really like the colour.”
ROSKRUGE wrote:

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“Patiently waiting for part 2.”
Nkurh wrote:
“I know your brother is proud of you.”
Bandile_M wrote:
“How did you come up with that colour?”
Kirk wrote:
“Watching from the US.”
Butterfly wrote:
“So much to watch for when I was away.”
Angel Mokumo wrote:
“I’m so proud of you stranger.”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Other Briefly News stories related to makeovers
- Social media influencer Tamia Mpisane caused a buzz online this week when she underwent a mommy makeover.
- A Joburg woman upgraded her shack kitchen with affordable Decofurn pieces, and gave her followers front row seats to the makeover.
- A young South African makeup artist gave her grandmother a glamorous makeover and filmed the process.
Source: Briefly News