10 ways to bring Karoo style into your home

The Central Karoo has always inspired a sense of spaciousness and simplicity. Locals know that true Karoo style is not about clutter or flash but about comfort and understated elegance. Here are ten ways to bring that unique atmosphere into your own home, wherever you live.

Warm, neutral colours

Karoo interiors draw directly from the muted earth palette of the veld. Think soft ochres, pale greys, dusty browns and hints of olive.

A coat of warm neutral paint on walls can instantly make a room feel like a Karoo farmhouse. Keep trim and skirting boards in crisp white to echo the bright, clear light of a Karoo afternoon. 

Vintage enamelware

A shelf lined with vintage enamel jugs, plates or coffee pots brings a nostalgic nod to old Karoo kitchens. Wander through antique shops to hunt for pieces in classic white, green or blue. They are as practical as they are decorative.

Sheepskins and mohair throws

Cold nights are softened by a draped sheepskin or a Karoo mohair blanket over the arm of a couch. These natural textures add warmth and a tactile layer to a living space. Drape them over chairs or use them as rugs beside a bed.

Tin lanterns and candlelight

Nothing says Karoo stoep evenings quite like the flicker of lanterns. Old tin lanterns or hurricane lamps, common on farms around Middelburg, cast a warm, soft glow that feels instantly nostalgic.

Use it on verandas, dining tables or bedside stands. Pair them with unscented candles to create a gentle, calm light that echoes cold nights under the vast Karoo stars.

Rustic wooden furniture

Solid wood furniture feels at home in the Karoo, where practicality and timelessness rule. Old pine kists, a sturdy yellowwood table or reclaimed beams turned into shelves can be found in local markets. These pieces age beautifully and bring a sense of heritage.

Simple linen and natural fabrics

Karoo style avoids fussy patterns. Choose plain linen or cotton for curtains, tablecloths and cushions. Whites and earthy shades work best. The look is fresh and honest, like drying washing strung out under the pear trees.

Locally crafted ceramics

Small towns have a quiet but growing circle of potters making rustic mugs, bowls and jugs. Display these on open shelves or use them daily. They carry the fingerprints of the Karoo’s creative community and connect your home to the land. 

Outdoor touches inside

Bring elements of the veld indoors. Arrange a bunch of dried wild grasses in a simple clay jug or display a collection of river stones or weathered driftwood found along the Gamka River. These touches remind one of long walks under wide skies. 

Karoo books and photography

Stack a few books about the Karoo on a coffee table. Stories, photography collections and travel journals make perfect conversation starters and root your space in a sense of place. Titles by authors like Eve Palmer or David Goldblatt’s photographs of the region capture its essence beautifully. 

Keep it uncluttered

Perhaps the most important lesson from Karoo interiors is restraint. Homes often have high ceilings and wide rooms but few unnecessary objects. Let light flood in through large windows, keep floors bare except for a well-placed rug and leave space for the eye to rest.

True Karoo style is not about chasing trends but about living with what feels real and lasting. By choosing natural textures and pieces with a story, any home can carry a touch of the Karoo’s elegant beauty.