The House of Interiors and D’Ou Jardin Café in Bloemfontein are a family-run business founded by Driekie Thomas-Barnard and supported by her sons, Kobus and Reynard. What started as a small venture has grown into a successful enterprise, combining design, creativity, and hospitality.
“The thought of one day seeing my children take the reins and grow the business further fills me with pride.”

Driekie’s story begins long before House of Interiors was founded in 2007. Growing up in a family business environment, she learned the importance of collaboration and the strength that comes from working together as a team. Her earliest memories are of accompanying her mother, Alet Banard, to her curtain-making business, Vlaamse Linne. As the youngest of the household, Driekie often tagged along to client visits, igniting her lifelong love for design.
“My love for beautiful things and the art of arranging furniture and décor took root when I was given the chance to redecorate one of her clients’ living rooms,” Driekie recalls. That spark led to small design projects of her own, eventually growing into a flourishing career.
Driekie’s dedication to design deepened over time, leading her to become an accredited interior designer. Though she initially worked for her mother, Driekie aspired to expand her horizons and create designs for larger spaces, including hotels. The birth of House of Interiors marked the realisation of this dream.
Yet, as much as Driekie has built the foundation of the business, she has always believed in the power of family support. The decision to bring her sons into the fold was a natural evolution. “It’s been a fantastic shift to finally share the responsibilities of the business with my sons, who previously only enjoyed its perks,” she says.
Driekie now plays a mentoring role, guiding Kobus and Reynard as they take on more responsibilities within the business.

For Kobus and Reynard, joining the family business was not just about continuing a legacy – it was about adding their own skills and talents to the mix.
Kobus, with his natural creative flair, is poised to take over the interior design side of the business. “My passion for design comes from a love of beautiful things,” Kobus explains. “I believe every space should evoke emotion and have a unique feel – whether it’s a home or a restaurant.”

Meanwhile, Reynard handles the day-to-day operations and finances, ensuring everything runs smoothly. “I am the accountant in the business, managing the daily operations,” Reynard says, emphasising that his role is crucial in keeping the operations functioning seamlessly behind the scenes.
Together, the brothers balance their strengths, ensuring that every aspect of the business is covered. The synergy between the three of them is evident in the way they complement one another’s roles.
“We’ve always been involved in the family business from a young age, developing a shared passion for interior design,” says Kobus. “Our love for creating beautiful, inviting spaces naturally extended to the café, where we could blend our design expertise with a love for food and hospitality.”
While House of Interiors specialises in transforming spaces, from homes to large-scale projects like hotels and offices, the Thomas-Barnard family’s ventures don’t stop there. They also run D’Ou Jardin Café, a growing business that started as a small coffee and tea corner within the interior design studio. Over time, the café blossomed into a full-fledged establishment, hosting events like weddings, brand launches, and intimate gatherings.
Driekie’s passion for hosting and design seamlessly blends into the café’s operations. “I never envisioned entering the hospitality industry, but what began as a small corner grew into something much more,” she says. The café, like House of Interiors, offers a space where creativity can thrive – whether it’s through the décor or the events hosted there.
Kobus adds, “We all love coming home to a beautiful space, and we’re drawn to restaurants that offer not just good food but a space that makes us feel relaxed and at ease.” This shared love for aesthetics and hospitality naturally spills over into their work at D’Ou Jardin Café, creating an environment that combines great food and beautiful design.
Running a business together can present challenges, especially when balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. The Thomas-Barnard family has found ways to maintain harmony in both their work and personal lives.
“When challenges arise – whether due to illness or personal struggles – we step in for one another, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Driekie explains. This bond of mutual support is something that helps them navigate even the busiest times.
For Kobus, creating a balance has also been key to their success. “We’ve established a rule to shut off business talk during family time, which helps maintain that balance. My mother is excellent at this, and I’ve learned this valuable skill from her over the years,” he says.
Reynard echoes this sentiment, noting that while family dinners often turn into business discussions, they are committed to drawing a line once the day is done. “It’s still a work in progress, but we’re committed to making it work,” he adds.
For the Thomas-Barnard family, the business is not just about financial success but about leaving a lasting legacy. Driekie speaks fondly of the day she realised the full extent of the family’s bond and shared passion.
“This business represents my legacy. It’s my way of passing on everything I’ve learned – every struggle faced and victory achieved. The thought of one day seeing my children take the reins and grow the business further fills me with pride.”
Kobus and Reynard share this vision. For Kobus, it’s about continuing to build on what their mother started, expanding into new areas while staying true to the core values that have guided the business. “My dream is to expand both the café and interior design company into other areas of the country, bringing our unique offering to metro areas,” he says.
Reynard, too, sees the potential for growth and innovation. “Ultimately, we aim to provide our clients with an unmatched experience, growing and evolving in ways that continue to inspire and surprise,” he concludes.
Text: Justine Fortuin Photographs: Chandese Photography