For the last few months the KLD team have been working on a very exciting partnership with leading home-wares brand DFS. And we are so excited to finally be able to share all the deets on projects we’ve been working on and those to come – safe to say its going to be a busy and exciting year!
DFS Factory Trip
At the end of last year Roisin and I went over to Derbyshire with DFS for a tour around one of their factories, their design studio, some styling and some hands on learning!
The factory we visited was a hive of activity with all aspects of the sofa’s production taking place under the one roof. It was fascinating to see it all working together in one seamlessly smooth process that sees the the fabric from rolls cut to the pattern, hand stitched and then upholstered, while at the other end the timber frames are assembled and everything from the cushioned foam to the detailed seams and bottoning is taken care of before being examined to ensure the detail and quality is perfect being making it’s way to a customer.
It sounds pretty easy when you say it like that, but the craftsman ship and attention to detail that goes into each piece is incredible!
On the second day we went to the DFS design workshop to learn some more about DFS, their design process and how they arrive at their finished pieces. We met the team who take the ideas right from concept, to prototype, to customer testing and then to the market.
Their in house textile designers were on hand to ell us about their process of designing and developing all their own fabrics and getting them custom printed from key pieces.
After this it was time to get more hands on… If you thought upholstering was easy, it is not! We each got a Zinc Tub Chair to upholster but not only does it need to be perfectly finished, you need to be able to complete a chair to an excellent standard within a certain time frame.
Upholstering is quite a physical craft, so with safety goggles on and ear plugs in we got to work pulling and molding the fabric and foam into position and stapling it into place, and now a few weeks later our very own, upholstered by our very own hands (with a little help), DFS armchairs have arrived at KLD HQ!
Upholstering mastered it was time to style up the DFS Moray Sofa at the Mill DFS Studio. Mixing the classic Mroay piece in chocolate combination colour with an industrial edge using the building accordion lift door as a back drop and adding a element of colourful richness with pops of jewel tones and prints.
In partnership with creative team at DFS our Creative Director Roisin Lafferty will be hosting two events in the coming weeks. The events based in the Carrickmines and Limerick stores and are free to attend. The event will include top tips from Roisin on creating your happy place as part of the DFS #MyHappyPlace campaign. There will be 10% off for customers at the event, as well as several prizes and delicious refreshments.
To reserve a place for you and a friend, email your name, address, telephone number and the city where you would like to attend to dfs@ocarrollconsulting.com. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
DFS Photoshoot
Following the events we also have a beautiful photoshoot planned in a stunning secret location in Ireland, which we think will perfectly showcase the impressive range that DFS have available. We’ll be sure to share some behind the scenes shots from the shoot because this one is going to be really special!