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When selecting carpets, certain patterns can help conceal dirt until the next scheduled deep carpet cleaning.

The Importance of Practical Design in Luxurious Shared Areas

The communal areas in these buildings, such as lobbies, fitness centres, movie halls, and more, are much more than just hallways and gathering spaces. They are extensions of the residents’ homes and social hubs that reflect the building’s prestige. Therefore, choosing appropriate materials for these high-traffic areas is crucial, as they need to withstand daily wear and tear while remaining luxurious and inviting.

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As certified fabric care specialists with years of experience in these environments, we’ve witnessed firsthand the impact material choices have on the longevity and hygiene of these shared areas. Our guide offers insights on selecting the perfect materials that balance aesthetics, durability, and hygiene to maintain the elegance and functionality of communal spaces in high-end buildings. 

Check also: How to Care for Your Togo Sofa to Prolong Its Life

Furniture with lots of details, fold and crevices is a major dust magnet and is not the best option for communal areas.

The Nemesis of Luxury: Common Woes in Communal Spaces

While undeniably glamorous, London’s high-end buildings’ communal areas contend with unique foes. High traffic translates to dirt and grime. Tracked-in mud, dust, beverage spills, food stains, and pet accidents are frequent occurrences. Carpets in high-traffic zones can trap allergens and become breeding grounds for bacteria. Furniture upholstery falls victim to pen marks, dust, and general wear and tear.

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Functional problems arise, too — poorly placed furniture can obstruct traffic and make cleaning take forever. Inadequate lighting not only creates safety hazards but can also highlight dirt and wear. Another problem unique to communal areas is the very openness that makes these spaces grand, as it can lead to noise concerns, as sounds travel easily throughout open-plan areas. Understanding these challenges is key to selecting materials and layouts that promote beauty and functionality. 

Read also: How to Maintain Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

How to Choose Materials for Upscale Communal Areas

You want a few key features in the floorings, furnishings and accessories in the communal spaces in a residential building. Here’s how to create a beautiful and lasting interior:

Choose fade-resistant fabrics for areas with a lot of direct sunlight. Image by Freepik

Durability is King

First and foremost, prioritise durability. These spaces are shared by many, so materials need to be tough enough to handle constant use.

• Floors: Opt for hard surfaces like engineered hardwood, porcelain tile, or high-quality laminate. Another great option is granite and concrete floors, but only if you seal these materials. These are easy to clean, resistant to scratches and stains, and can handle heavy foot traffic. 
• Carpets: While carpets add a touch of comfort, limit their use to low-traffic areas. Consider area rugs with easy-to-clean materials like wool or stain-resistant synthetics in high-traffic zones. Remember, natural fibres like wool often clean more easily than synthetics. Plush carpets may add a touch of luxury, but they’re prone to showing dirt and wear faster, requiring more frequent and intensive cleaning.
• Furniture: Choose furniture with sturdy frames, ideally made from metal, solid wood, or high-density composite materials. Select furniture with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices where dirt can accumulate. Pick stain-resistant fabrics like polyester blends or vinyl for the upholstery. While undeniably luxurious, leather is susceptible to spills and unsightly scratches and requires special care. Choose fabrics that are fade-resistant in areas exposed to direct sunlight to prevent fading. Alternatively, you can reduce the intensity of direct sunlight by adding a film to the windows.
• Walls: Luxury vinyl wallcoverings offer the best of both worlds – the look and feel of fabric or wallpaper with the easy cleaning benefits of vinyl. They resist scratches, stains, and dust, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Check also: How to Choose Durable and Easy to Care Upholstery Fabric for Your Furniture

With the right design tiles can turn the entrance and reception area in a bright and welcoming space. Image by Freepik

Functionality Meets Finesse

Durability doesn’t have to come at the expense of aesthetics.

• Colour and Pattern: Consider colours and patterns that hide dirt and scuffs well. Opt for neutral palettes or textured fabrics that mask imperfections. Bold pops of colour can be introduced through artwork or accessories, which are easier to replace when they show wear.
• Timeless Design: Invest in classic, well-made pieces that won’t go out of style quickly. Trendy elements can be incorporated through decorative accents, allowing you to update the space quickly and affordably.
• Easy Maintenance: Select furniture with smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be wiped clean with minimal effort. Avoid intricate details and exposed woodwork that trap dust and dirt.

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable and Durable Sofa

Thick laminate flooring is a great choice for kid corners and family areas. Image by Freepik

Child-Friendly Luxury

Many luxury buildings cater to families and young couples, so it’s best to prepare and embrace the future. Here’s how to create a space that’s both beautiful and resilient:

• Performance Fabrics: Opt for fabrics with stain and water-resistant finishes. Consider Crypton fabrics, which repel liquids and make cleaning a breeze.
• Sealed Surfaces: Have natural stone or limestone floors professionally sealed to prevent stains and scuffs.
• Furniture: Opt for durable, easily wipeable furniture with rounded corners to minimise the risk of injury. Consider choosing vinyl or vinylized patterned fabrics for sofas, chairs and other high-contact areas.
• Smart Furniture Placement: Avoid placing delicate furniture near exits or high-traffic areas. Opt for lightweight, easily movable pieces in these zones.
• Customisable Comfort: Consider incorporating modular furniture that can be rearranged based on needs. This allows for flexibility and accommodates different uses of the space.

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Lighting designs that look beautiful but trap dust are impractical for busy communal areas. Image by mrsiraphol on Freepik

Beyond the Basics

• Ceiling Savvy: Soaring ceilings can add grandeur, but ornate light fixtures become dust magnets. Opt for sleek LED downlights with easy-to-access panels for maintenance. Consider PVC crown moulding to conceal unsightly wires and create a polished finish.
• Embrace Technology: Invest in antimicrobial surfaces, especially in high-touch areas like elevator buttons or door handles. This can help reduce the spread of germs, making the space healthier for residents.

Selecting suitable materials helps keeping maintenance schedules and expenses more organized and cost-effective. Image by freepik

Time Schedule for Keeping it Spotless 

Regular cleaning is paramount to maintaining the luxurious feel of your communal spaces. Here are some tips:

• High-Traffic Areas: Focus on frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas like elevator landings, lobbies, and fitness centres. Daily vacuuming for hard floors and spot-cleaning of upholstery will go a long way.
• Deep Cleaning: Schedule regular deep cleaning services to tackle stubborn dirt, dust build-up, and carpet stains.
• Professional Touch: Consider hiring a professional cleaning company with experience in luxury residential buildings, like Cleaner Cleaner. We have the equipment and expertise to ensure a thorough and gentle carpet cleaning and upholstery care that will preserve the lifespan of your furnishings.

Read also: Carpet vs. Wood Flooring for a Rental Property – a Landlord’s Guide to the Best Choice

By following these tips and utilising the expertise of professional cleaners, you can ensure your London upscale residence’s communal spaces remain stunning, durable, and a source of pride for residents for years to come. Remember, creating a luxurious and long-lasting space is all about striking a balance between beauty, functionality, and ease of maintenance.

But before you jump into cleaning and maintenance tips, getting familiar with this art piece’s origin and design is crucial. Knowing the materials used for making Camaleonda sofas also gives you a great insight into how to care for them to prolong their life.

Read our guide on another iconic furniture piece: How to Care for Your Designer Togo Sofa

Camaleonda in light grey chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

Camaleonda sofa – History, Design & Materials

Conceived by architect Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B Italia, the Camaleonda sofa symbolises 1970s design innovation. Its enduring popularity is rooted in a distinctive modular design featuring plush cushions connected by rings and carabiners, offering structural stability and easy rearrangement. The sofa’s adaptability is evident in its ability to seamlessly fit into diverse interior styles, from minimalist to eclectic, thanks to its low, deep-seated profile. Discontinued in the late ’70s, the Camaleonda reemerged in 2020, reintroduced to captivate a new generation of design lovers with its remarkable silhouette and functional versatility. This legendary piece remains a timeless and personalised addition to any living space, echoing its historical roots and contemporary appeal.

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Archive image of the original design. Courtesy of B&B Italia.

Satisfying continuity in form and function

Apart from a few minimal adjustments to respond to 21st-century safety and environmental codes, the contemporary version’s design is the same. Sofas made after 2020 contain either recycled or recyclable materials assembled in layers and can be easily separated once the seating reaches the end of its life — from recycled PET to stainless steel, brass and solid beech wood. With the company’s vast array of textiles and leather, you can customise the outer fabrications to suit any interior.

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Both the seventies design and today’s version comprise rounded modules of fabric-covered polyurethane, cleverly connected with a simple system of carabiners, rings and cables to be unhooked and recombined at will. That is why Camaleonda is an endlessly customisable piece of furniture. Even now, over 40 years after its conception, this iconic Bellini sofa still looks more modern and futuristic than most present-day furniture.

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Photography by Kelly Marshall for Architectural Digest.

Camaleonda upholstery fabrics and materials

The original Camaleonda was finished with high-quality Italian fabrics and materials. Still, you need to remember that if you have a vintage piece from the 70s, it is very likely that the modules have been reupholstered at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, the materials used to restore the iconic sofa are equal in quality and beauty to the original upholstery. However, if you’re looking for a vintage Camaleonda, it’s a good idea to ask what type of fabric it’s finished with – this information will help you take better care of this luxury piece of furniture.

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As for the contemporary versions of this classic sofa they come in a great variety of upholstery fabrics and materials:

• Bouclè – you can choose from a few varieties of this sophisticated and timeless fabric in an incredible array of colours and structures. Boucles are fabric blends, meaning they are composed of a few different natural, synthetic and man-made fibres such as cotton, wool, linen, viscose, acrylic and polyester.
• Canvas – you can get your Camaleonda finished in a few types of beautiful, prime-quality canvas fabrics in a wide variety of colours. Most canvas upholstery fabrics offered by B&B Italia are blends with high natural thread content. They are combined with synthetic and man-made fibres to highlight and fortify the natural materials. However, if you want all-natural upholstery for your Camaleonda, check out the beautiful Bellano made from 100% cotton.
• Chenille – this beautiful, textured fabric easily highlights the voluptuous silhouette of the Camaleonda modules. B&B Italia offers three types of chenille fabrics: 2 blends and one made of 100% polyester with a high recycled material content.
• Cloth – you can dress your Camaleonda in one of the few types of cloth B&B Italia offers. All of them are high-quality wool and wool-blended fabrics that instantly elevate the gracious design of the sofa. 
• Jacquard – you can choose between a few types of these distinctive fabrics in a great range of colours. All jacquards offered by B&B Italia are well-balanced natural and synthetic blended fibres with excellent colour fastness ratings. This is why they are often chosen for open spaces with a lot of light due to this quality.
• Rattier – this is a beautiful tight-woven fabric that comes in various colours and materials. All types of B&B Italia’s rattier are blended textiles, except for Aramis, which is 100% polyester. The combinations vary from all-natural to well-balanced combinations of natural and synthetic fibres. Rattier is an exquisite fabric with an excellent colour fastness rating that fits the luxurious Camaleonda sofas like a glove.
• Satin – if you want satin upholstery for your Camaleonda, you will be delighted to choose from several beautiful colours. Adria, the B&B Italia’s satin fabric is a wonderful blend of viscose, linen, cotton, acrylic and other fibres.
• Velvet – velvet’s timeless elegance and lusciousness make it a desirable upholstery material. If you want this sophisticated look for your Camaleonda, you can choose between a few types of velvet – from all-natural and all-synthetic fabrics to a well-balanced blend that compliments every module of your gorgeous piece. 
• Leather: you can dress the modules of your sofa in a few types of prime-quality leather. The company offers bull, young steer and cowhide leathers in an astounding variety of colours that will make your Camaleonda stand out in every space you place it.

Check also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Camaleonda in olive green chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

How to Clean & Maintain Your Camaleonda Sofa?

Enjoying the beauty and comfort of your Chamaleonda means being constant in your sofa care routine. Following our tips, you can keep this Italian design art piece in perfect condition and prolong its life.

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Vacuum the sofa regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric. Weekly vacuuming should also include the areas around and under the furniture.
• If you have a leather Camaleonda, you can remove dirt and dust with a soft microfibre towel. It’s also a good idea to condition the leather at least once every three months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
• Check the sofa regularly for loose seams or tears. Repair any damage promptly.
• If you have to clean stains and spills from your Camaleonda sofa, remove as much dirt as possible using a clean white towel. Make sure to blot the area gently, and whatever you do, don’t scrub the stain to avoid spreading it. After finishing this step, we strongly recommend calling a certified upholstery care specialist. Most textile materials used to dress this luxurious furniture are elaborate blends, and DIY stain removal can do more harm than good.  
• Certified sofa cleaners are also your best bet against heavily soiled luxurious furnishings; this iconic modular furniture is no exception. If you need to restore the condition of your Camaleonda sofa, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have years of experience caring for luxurious Italian sofas, returning their as-new look.

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Stella McCartney has also chosen Camaleonda as part of the interior of her flagship store on London’s Bond Street.

Protection

• Most upholstery fabrics used for the contemporary version of Camaleonda have excellent colour fastness ratings. Still, it is wiser to avoid placing it in direct sunlight to minimise the risk of fading. 
• If you have pets, keep them away from your Camaleonda to prevent scratches and stains.
• If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to help prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Some sources claim that the polyurethane body of Camaleonda sofas can be damaged by heat. This can’t be further from the truth, as this polymer is a thermosetting material that does not melt. 
• However, it’s still wise to keep the design piece further from heaters and fireplaces because while the polyurethane foam inside the sofa might not melt, some types of upholstery can be damaged by high temperatures.
• Acetone can damage the materials forming the sofa’s body – polyurethane and polyethene. When concentrated, the chemical can melt these polymers almost immediately. But even in its diluted form, acetone can cause irreversible damage to your sofa cushions. Acetone is commonly found in nail polish, paint thinner, furniture polish, and shoe polish, so avoid using these products near the sofa.

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Original Camaleonda in bold orange colour. Photo courtesy of Via Antica

Additional tips for taking care of a vintage Camaleonda sofa:

• Be careful not to overload the sofa. The modular design of the Camaleonda sofa makes it easy to create a variety of different seating configurations. Still, it is wise to avoid putting too much weight on a single module.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on the sofa, which could damage the fabric or leather.
• If you need to move the sofa, lift it carefully. Do not drag it across the floor, as this could damage its legs or frame.

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The Camaleonda sofa transcends the boundaries of mere furniture; it is a symbol of design innovation, versatility, and enduring elegance. The use of durable materials and meticulous craftsmanship also make this iconic sofa an investment in quality. With proper care, you can keep your Camaleonda looking and performing its best for many years.

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These sleek, snug, head-turning design pieces are also relatively easy to maintain. With proper care, your Togo sofa will look – and feel – as comfortable and luxurious as it did the day you first brought it home. Moreover, if you keep your Togo sofa in good condition, it maintains its value, and you can re-sale it at a price close to the one you’ve paid.

Today, our sofa cleaning pros will share with you the best ways to care for your Togo furniture.

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Togo sofas maintain their value and you can see 30 year old Togos looking as new on eBay and similar websites.

What is a Togo sofa? 

Togo is a furniture collection created by designer Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for the French company Ligne Roset. Togo sofas are timeless pieces featuring an elegant design that instantly captures the eye. Besides its beauty, the furniture is also comfortable and durable. So it’s no surprise that over the years, Togo has obtained an iconic status all over the world. The series is very recognisable and loved by people of all ages, and the company still makes it to this day.

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Togo upholstery fabrics and materials

Togo sofas come in a few different upholstery fabrics and materials – Alcantara, Cordoue, Harald, and Leather. 

• Alcantara is the most popular upholstery for Togo furniture, with more than 70 colour options. This fabric is durable, easy-to-clean (using the correct products) microfibre with a suede-like texture.
• Cordoue is a soft cotton corduroy velvet upholstery with a lush vintage look inspired by the seventies design.
• Harald is a tight-woven, very short-pile velour fabric made from 100% cotton that gives a luxurious finish to Togo furniture pieces.
• Leather – Togos can come in a wide variety of sumptuous natural leathers – from full-grain bull hides and nubuck to Elmosoft semi-aniline leather. 

Read also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

A set of lovely multicoloured Togo sofas we have cleaned for our client.

How do I clean my Togo sofa?

Maintaining your Ligne Roset Togo sofa is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules. Cleaning should be done regularly to keep its luxurious look and feel over time. The main “issue” with Togo sofas is that they are just too comfortable! This quality tempts many people to do everything snuggled on their beloved furniture: reading, watching TV, sleeping, playing games and even dining. However, unlike other types of sofas, food crumbs and dirt get trapped in the folds and crevices, so no matter what you do, try to avoid eating on your Togo. Now, let’s jump to the cleaning steps necessary to maintain your Togo sofa in perfect condition.

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Cleaning around and under 

Unlike most other furnishings, Togo sofas lay directly on the ground, meaning the furniture is in contact with all the dirt and dust on the floor. So, cleaning and mopping the floor under and around the sofa is a must to keep the upholstery clean. Luckily, Togo sofas are relatively light and easy to move around, making cleaning the floor around and under possible even if you are alone.

Check also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Weekly vacuuming 

Whatever the upholstery material, regular vacuuming is the most crucial step to keep the gorgeous look of your Togo furniture. All the crevices and folds, typical for its signature design, trap a lot of dirt, hair and dust very quickly. That is why vacuuming your sofa should become part of your weekly cleaning routine. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to remove dust and debris from each fold and seam of the upholstery. Finish the vacuuming by running the light brush attachment all over your Togo sofa.

We’re especially proud of the job we did on this cute yellow Togo. You can see the before/after pic a little further down the article.

Freshen up the upholstery

If you want to keep the upholstery looking nice and fresh, you only need a clean towel and water! Wipe your Togo sofa with a slightly damp towel after vacuuming. You don’t need any cleaning product, only pure water. This is a swift cleanup, but it delivers impressive results and instantly freshens the Togo sofa. 

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Spot cleaning

If you must remove stains from your Togo sofa, we advise you to act carefully. The most popular upholstery, Alcantara, is a gorgeous microfibre suede. This material can be very forgiving when it comes to different stains. However, if you spill something on your sofa, it is crucial to act quickly. Treat the spot with a damp clean towel, and try not to over-soak and over-scrub your sofa. 

You can also use specialised fabric stain removal products when needed. After wiping down the upholstery, rinse any soapy residue with a clean, dry towel. Allow the sofa to dry completely before sitting on it.

When it comes to spot cleaning, it is very important to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, rubbing alcohol or bleach, as they will cause damage to the sofa fabric. Remember that over-soaking your Togo sofa can cause permanent staining to the upholstery.

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Maintaining a leather Togo sofa 

You can safely use a specialised leather cleaner and conditioner if your Togo has leather upholstery. Use a high-quality, pH-balanced leather cleaner to treat the leather, then finish with a leather conditioner. When cleaning leather, it’s crucial to not saturate it and to buff lightly after applying the products. 

Avoid using saddle soap and other solvents and harsh scrubbing, as this can damage the leather upholstery of your Togo sofa. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather will help keep its luxurious look.

Read also: Things you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it

Before and after Togo sofa cleaning done by Cleaner Cleaner team.

Deep cleaning of Togo furniture

As with any other type of furniture, you must set up an annual deep cleaning of your Togo sofa. Although you can try and clean it yourself, the pointy tips of your Togo furniture require some specific cleaning tools due to its unique design. Also, DIY cleaning often leads to oversoaking, and as we mentioned, this can cause permanent staining on the upholstery. That is why even the manufacturer, Ligne Roset, recommends turning to professional upholstery cleaners for the deep cleaning of your Togo furniture.

However, regular furniture cleaning tools most cleaners use can get your sofa too wet and soggy and ruin it. So, before hiring any cleaning company, make sure they are familiar with the peculiarities of Alcantara and other Togo upholsteries and have the right tools for the job.

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