Founded in 2005, the Kramerville Design District , a short drive from Sandton Central, has evolved to become a place where creativity and colour know no limits. From its industrial origins to a haven of artistry, this district has transformed into a beacon of design, boasting an unparalleled collection of interior design and décor services, interesting local and international label furniture, fabric and home accessory stores, plus plenty of cool coffee stops along the way. There's even a Wednesday night bar with a superb sundowner view. 

If you are keen to shop, eat and play – here's our guide to making the most of your visit to Kramerville Design District. 

Where to shop 

Anatomy Design 

Anatomy Design at the 2021 edition of Design Joburg. Photo: Anatomy Design via Instagram.

Established in 2010 by visionary co-owners Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog,  Anatomy Design  has emerged as a renowned force within the design industry. This elegant retail store seamlessly blends African heritage with European influences to produce captivating spaces that cater to private individuals and corporates. Crafted locally is a badge of pride here – look out for the distinctive collection of furniture and homeware items.

Amatuli Artefacts

Barbershop signs at Amatuli. Photo: Johannesburg in Your Pocket.

Long-established suppliers of unique and original African artefacts and objets d’art, Amatuli Artefacts is an awe-inspiring showroom is filled with collectable items. You'll find a dizzying array of Kuba cloths from central Africa, hand-painted West African barbershop signs, Zanzibari doors and Yoruba beaded chairs amongst many other items of curiosity. There are beads and basketry, beautiful fabrics and so much more, plus treasures from plenty of other destinations, including Morocco and India. 

Always Welcome

Always Welcome in Kramerville. Photo: Always Welcome.

If you are looking for collectable items, design that is highly considered, tasteful layouts and innovative South African-made furniture, or just ideas on how to decorate your home, we suggest you make a beeline for the Always Welcome store. A pioneer in bringing South African-made furniture and homeware accessory brands into the mainstream – Always Welcome showcases more than 30 leading South African furniture and décor designers, with something unique to suit every taste, in a dazzling range of colours, styles and designs. They also share space with a showroom geared toward creating the best home movie spaces. We suggest you lie back and sample all the chairs. 

Melvill & Moon

Explore the shelves at this Kramerville store. Photo: Melvill & Moon. 

The Melvill family are besotted with all things safari, including vintage collectables and their business, Melvill & Moon  specialises in fine, hand-crafted accessories and luggage in leather and safari canvas that will have you looking the part on your wildlife adventure. Items include satchels, camping chairs and binocular cases inspired by the designs of 19th-century explorers, and no self-respecting explorer should leave home without the Serengeti Sundowner, a beautiful leather tote that neatly stores six wine glasses.
 

La Grange Interiors

Bring the indoors outdoors with luxury furniture offerings. Photo: Le Grange Interiors via Facebook.

La Grange Interiors was founded in 1996 by Sumari Krige and originally operated out of a charming, two-century-old barn located in the scenic town of Franschhoek. Over time, it has transformed into a meticulously curated furniture and home décor destination. The store prides itself on offering an exclusive selection of opulent soft furnishings, vintage antiques that exude character, and accessories sourced from various corners of the world or personally designed by the owner. 

St Leger & Viney

St Leger & Viney's showroom in Kramerville. Photo: Supplied. 

Founded in 1989, St Leger & Viney is one of South Africa's finest décor studios, specialising in high-end designer fabrics and wallpapers for the home. St Leger & Viney creates their own designs and also sells luxury fabrics, wallpapers and other decorative items by leading international brands including Anna French, Anthology, Christopher Farr, Cole & Son, Élitis, GP&J Baker, ILIV, Ralph Lauren, Rebel Walls, Schumacher and Thibaut.

Weylandts

Stylish and sustainable design. Photo: Weylandts.
We love this store and its coffee counter. Since opening in 1964 as a furniture store in Windhoek, Namibia, Weylandts  has grown to become one of the leading retailers of furniture and homeware in South Africa. With an impressive nationwide presence of 10 stores, Weylandts has become synonymous with daring style and enduring elegance, thanks to founder Chris Weylandt's vision and passion for exceptional furniture and refined living. A spot to linger. 
 

Where to stop

Kramerville isn't just for shopping, it's for stopping and admiring and of course, eating something along the way. From countless cool coffee shops to hidden gems serving up authentic street food, there's something to tantalise every palate.
 

Cult Coffee

The cutest place for a cup of Joe. Photo: Cult Coffee via Facebook.

Using high-grade imported beans poured by the top baristas, a cup from Cult Coffee promises to make the best of your visit to Kramerville. This speciality coffee bar and Barista Academy may be harder to leave than an actual cult.