Creating a cosy, welcoming space for children with life-limiting conditions and their families

As one of the largest furniture retailers in Ireland, at DFS we believe it’s important for us to give back to the community wherever we can - bringing comfort to those who need it most. We were honoured to team up with Crown Paint and interior designer Alanna Monks to deliver a wonderful makeover at LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice - where they work with children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, to make the most of the little moments together.

At the heart of this project was the goal of turning the LauraLynn reception area into a bright, child-friendly and welcoming space - to help visiting families feel more at ease. Working alongside Crown Paint, print company Jando, and interior designer, Alannah Monks for the full makeover, we were proud to donate some of our favourite sofas and furniture to offer a comfortable space for visitors to relax.

Bringing the LauraLynn brand colours into the space was extremely important, and Crown Paints did an incredible job matching them using their colour matching services, and making them available in their Crown Trade Clean Extreme Anti-Bacterial Scrubbable Matt Paint. Similarly, the prints donated by Julie and Owen of Jando reflect the key colours of LauraLynn, of blue, pink and yellow, while also nodding to the charity’s value as an important place for families who need it in Ireland.

We all want to support families who are on this very tough journey. In working with DFS and Crown Paints to transform the reception area, my intention has been to give families some space to make the most of the little moments together.”

The stunning result created a friendly and welcoming reception area, supporting the important work that LauraLynn does with a comfortable space, while ensuring the busy area is practical and easy to maintain. The project is part of a series of ongoing makeovers throughout Ireland completed by DFS, as part of their giving back initiative, over the past few years.

Dan Geraghty, Store Manager for DFS Carrickmines said, “Speaking on behalf of all my colleagues, we are honoured to have been able to support this very special service. DFS has supplied sofas to thousands of homes throughout Ireland and we truly understand the benefits and the importance of comfort in every environment, so giving back in this way has been a real privilege. Anyone who walks through the doors of LauraLynn’s main reception can see immediately what a special place it is. Thank you to the amazing team on the ground who have made this happen: Crown Paints; Alannah Monks and print company, Jando, for supporting the makeover.”

Darren Mcllroy, Colour mixing Systems Manager for Crown Paint said, “When Alannah asked if we could help with this project, it was an instant yes from everyone in the Crown Paint team. We are privileged to have been able to support LauraLynn and their amazing work, even in this small way. The effect of colour on mood cannot be understated, and Alannah has created a fabulous, welcoming, yet empathetic and practical space.”

LauraLynn makes a huge difference to the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Ireland. They deliver care and support in their specialised hospice in Leopardstown, at hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the location and medical needs of the child and the family’s preference, and also undertake research into the relatively new area of children’s palliative care. All LauraLynn care is provided free of charge for children and families, so no family needing support goes without - but they need help to keep providing this vital service. LauraLynn is heavily reliant on fundraised income to run its services.

For further information or to pledge your support please visit lauralynn.ie