Barry Du Bois (born 13 May 1960) is an Australian designer, television presenter, and author. He is known for his work as a co‑host on the home renovation series The Renovators (2009) and as a regular panelist on the lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens (2015–present). Du Bois has also authored several books on design and home improvement and is a public advocate for mental health and cancer awareness.
Early life and education
Barry Du Bois was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He studied design at the University of New South Wales, graduating with a Bachelor of Design. Following his education, he began a career in interior and spatial design, working for various architectural and design firms throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Design career
Du Bois founded Barry Du Bois Designs, a consultancy that provides interior design, spatial planning, and product development services. His work has included residential renovations, commercial fit‑outs, and the design of furniture and lighting collections for Australian retailers. His design philosophy emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and the integration of natural materials.
Television career
In 2009, Du Bois joined the inaugural season of The Renovators, a reality competition series focused on home renovation projects. He served as a design expert and mentor to contestants, guiding them through construction challenges and aesthetic decisions. After The Renovators, Du Bois became a regular contributor to the long‑running lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens, where he presents design segments, offers renovation advice, and participates in audience engagement initiatives.
Authorship
Du Bois has published multiple books on design and home improvement, including Home: A Design and Style Guide (2011) and Inspiring Spaces (2014). His publications combine practical tips with visual inspiration and aim to make design accessible to a broad audience.
Health advocacy
In 2017, Du Bois publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Following his diagnosis, he became an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness, patient support, and early detection. He has participated in fundraising events, delivered public speaking engagements, and contributed to campaigns promoting occupational health safety.
Personal life
Barry Du Bois is married to Fiona Du Bois, and the couple has three children. He resides in Sydney and continues to split his time between design projects, television commitments, and advocacy work. His public profile is noted for a combination of professional expertise and personal openness about health challenges.
Recognition
Du Bois has received several acknowledgments for his contributions to design and media, including nominations for the Australian Design Awards and recognition by charitable organizations for his advocacy efforts.
References
- Australian Television Archive, “Barry Du Bois – Biography.”
- Better Homes and Gardens official website, presenter profile.
- Du Bois, B. (2011). Home: A Design and Style Guide. Sydney: Design Press.
- Cancer Council Australia, “Ambassador Profile: Barry Du Bois.”
Note: The above information reflects publicly available and verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date of June 2024.
