Welcome

At Serendipity by Kiara Tiara, we hold the belief that true luxury emerges from the delicate art of thoughtful living.

Founded by the illustrious designer Tanja Tomaz, our enchanting studio in Ballito offers bespoke interior design, decorating, and styling services for private residences, boutique hotels, luxury lodges, and tented camps across South Africa and beyond.

With a rich tapestry of over 28 years of experience, we craft interiors that embody timeless elegance and resonate with the personal essence of each client — spaces that tell stories, awaken the senses, and honour the spirit of those who inhabit them. From the initial spark of concept to the final flourish of installation, every detail is shaped with precision, passion, and an unwavering eye for beauty.

In 2025, Serendipity by Kiara Tiara proudly introduced a handcrafted collection of bed linen and homeware — a celebration of sustainable design and South African artistry. This exclusive linen range is designed to bring understated luxury and personal beauty to lodges, hotels, and treasured homes alike.

Whether you’re seeking to transform a space, elevate a hospitality experience, or refine guest accommodations with bespoke bed linen, we warmly invite you to begin a journey where design and meaning intertwine.

Step into the enchanting world of Serendipity.
Where every detail matters. Where every story begins.

Our Story

Rooted in love, passion, and purpose, Serendipity by Kiara Tiara is a luxury interior design studio based in Ballito, South Africa. Founded by visionary designer Tanja Tomaz, the studio pays tribute to Tanja’s beloved daughter, Kiara — affectionately known as “Kiara Tiara” — whose light and spirit continue to inspire every creation.

Specialising in exquisite residential and hospitality interiors for private clients, luxury lodges, and boutique hotels, our projects extend across South Africa and Europe. With a deep commitment to excellence, Tanja and her dedicated team deliver a highly personalized, detail-oriented design experience. From the initial consultation to the final reveal, every project is approached with professionalism, empathy, and a profound understanding of each client’s unique vision.

Our structured, collaborative process ensures that clients feel truly valued, their needs thoughtfully addressed, and their expectations consistently surpassed — forging lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

In 2025, Serendipity by Kiara Tiara proudly expanded with the launch of an exclusive bespoke linen collection — a dream realized after years of passion and dedication. Partnering with South Africa’s finest artisans, we offer handcrafted bed linen and lifestyle pieces that embody authentic luxury, personalization, and sustainable design.

Our curated collection proudly features prestigious South African brands such as:
Mungo, Cape Island, Streamlight, High Thorn, Willowlamp, Semper Fortis, Alifurn, Haldane, Douglas & Douglas, Cara Saven Wall Design, Haus by Hertex, Mavromac & Gatehouse, Victoria Verbaan, Evolution Product, The Iron Banister, and Casa LV.

These are just a few of the brands we love. We are passionate about supporting local artisans, but we also celebrate select international brands that align with our philosophy of timeless, authentic luxury.

Every space we design, and every piece we create, carries forward Kiara’s legacy — a celebration of beauty, strength, and timeless grace.

Our Founder

Welcome to my enchanting realm of design, where timeless elegance intertwines with modern innovation.

I am Tanja Tomaz — a curator of bespoke interiors, weaving over 28 years of experience into creations that radiate both beauty and functionality. My passion lies in crafting spaces that not only captivate the eye but also foster environmental harmony.

My design journey began with ONYX INTERIORS, where I served as Founder and Principal Designer from 1995 to 2010, before evolving into the beloved Kiara Tiara by Tanja Tomaz.

In a heartfelt tribute to my daughter, affectionately known as “Kiara Tiara”, 2025 marks a new chapter with the launch of Serendipity by Kiara Tiara.

My work has been celebrated through award-winning exhibitions, including silver and bronze accolades at Rooms On View, judged by design icon Kelly Hoppen. In both 2006 and 2008, Condé Nast House & Garden recognised me among the Top 50 Interior Designers in South Africa.

My artistry has graced the pages of esteemed publications including:
Visi, Habitat, Marie Claire, Property Magazine, House & Garden, House & Leisure, Sarie, and Condé Nast House & Garden.
Television appearances include:
Top Billing (2004, 2006, 2010), Pasella, and DSTV’s Home Channel, where I was also honoured to serve as a judge on “Win a Home” in 2014.

I’ve had the privilege of crafting magic in both residential and commercial spaces for clients across the globe — from a prominent banking family’s residence in London SW1 to three elegant apartments in Clifton, Cape Town.

For another esteemed client, I designed a grand, farm-style retreat in Hertfordshire, UK, where each element was custom-made in South Africa and shipped abroad for assembly. This same client entrusted me with a second dream project — a holiday sanctuary in the idyllic Zimbali Estate, KwaZulu-Natal.

Collaborating closely with the architect, I orchestrated a complete turnkey experience — from architecture to final styling. The bespoke package included staffing manuals, luxury linen, stocked pantries, children's toys, and full event hosting. This masterpiece, featuring an automated glass roof, was later sold for nearly double its original value — a testament to the power of thoughtful design.

My portfolio also includes a boutique hotel in Cape Town, a private game lodge in Bela-Bela, and current projects in Greece and Mauritius.

I am deeply grateful for a journey that has spanned nearly three decades, connecting me with extraordinary clients and timeless spaces around the world.

Our Expertise

At Serendipity by Kiara Tiara, we believe that truly exceptional interiors are crafted with heart, precision, and imagination. With over 28 years of experience spanning residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, we bring a deep understanding of the art of living beautifully. Every space we design is a reflection of our client’s unique story — blending timeless elegance, functional comfort, and sustainable craftsmanship.

Our Design Philosophy

We are passionate about creating interiors that nurture the senses and inspire the spirit. Our approach blends sophisticated aesthetics with soulful storytelling, ensuring each space feels both personal and unforgettable.

Personalised Attention to Detail

From initial sketches to final styling, we curate each project with meticulous care, guiding a seamless journey from concept to completion. No detail is too small — every element is intentionally selected to bring your vision to life.

Sustainability & Authentic Craftsmanship

We proudly collaborate with South Africa’s finest artisans and trusted local brands. Each design is a celebration of authenticity, luxury, and environmentally conscious craftsmanship.

Hospitality Specialists

We understand the distinct demands of the hospitality space. Our work with game lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels is grounded in beauty, comfort, and lasting quality, crafting unforgettable guest experiences.

At Serendipity by Kiara Tiara, every project is a story — a blend of vision, creativity, and care. With experience spanning private residences, boutique hotels, luxury game lodges, and tented camps across South Africa and Europe, we are proud to showcase a selection of projects that reflect our passion for soulful, bespoke design. We invite you to browse a glimpse of our world — where timeless elegance meets thoughtful living.

2 Acacia Avenue

Thandeka Lodge

House Bryanston 2

House Sandhurst

Sandton Towers

Rooms On

View 2006

Our Portfolio

Originally commissioned in 2008, Thandeka Lodge was a private five-star game reserve at the foothills of the Waterberg. A full-scale lodge project that spanned over 500 hectares, it included the conceptual design and installation of a luxurious tented camp, grand reception lounge, expansive bar and dining spaces, and a wellness spa carved into the bushveld.

Working at scale — often five metres off the ground on scaffolding to steam curtains and style the spaces — this project embodied hands-on craftsmanship and fearless design execution. Every space was intended to envelop guests in immersive comfort while honouring the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

In 2010, following a devastating fire, the entire lodge had to be rebuilt from the ground up. I was called back to reimagine every room, every corner, and every detail. That year, my daughter passed away — and the redesign of Thandeka became both an escape and a sanctuary for my own healing. It is a project I will never forget.

Now under new ownership and renamed by Safari Plains, this project remains a benchmark of my early career: a masterclass in bush lodge design, executed twice, with soul and love.

House Waterkloof

Completed in 2008, this contemporary family home in Waterkloof showcases a harmonious interplay between strong architectural lines and expressive interior detailing. The open-plan living and dining space was designed to embrace natural light while anchoring the home in clean sophistication and tactile warmth.

A custom-designed dining suite grounds the interior with its bold dark timber base, softened by plush upholstered seating in pale stone tones. The space is given rhythm and vibrancy through a bespoke striped rug in shades of crimson, rust, ochre, and soft greys — weaving colour and energy underfoot

Pops of red — carried through velvet armchairs, bar stools, and curated accents — create a confident continuity, offering both boldness and restraint. Oversized glass vessels, pared-back lighting, and tailored joinery lend the home an effortless refinement, striking a perfect balance between minimalism and curated luxury.

House Bryanston

A landmark 1,400m² residence in the heart of Bryanston, this home was a career-defining commission and a deeply personal triumph. Designed in collaboration with Jo van Rooyen Architects, the vision was to reinterpret French farmhouse elegance through a contemporary South African lens — from foundation to finish.The design process took us all the way to Paris, where antique pieces were sourced to infuse authenticity and soul into the interiors. Every corner of the home was curated to perfection, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. Grand proportions were balanced with intimate detail, resulting in a home that was as gracious as it was grounded.

To honour the architecture’s classical intent, we travelled to Paris to source antique furnishings and vintage finds, each piece adding authenticity, depth, and quiet grandeur to the interiors. The design journey blended rustic textures with refined finishes, creating a home that felt both storied and modern.

Every detail — from the sweeping volumes to the hand-selected materials — was curated with intention. Generous spaces were softened through intimate layering: tactile linens, reclaimed timber, and bespoke joinery, all set against a palette of natural stone and soft plaster.

Featured on Top Billing in 2009, this project remains one of the most prestigious and emotive in my portfolio — a timeless residence where architectural scale met soulful design.