Transforming Communal Spaces in Wimbledon SW19: Carpet Tiles and Marmoleum Installation

There’s something particularly satisfying about working on a project just around the corner from our Wimbledon workshop. This recent communal area refurbishment in SW19 gave us the opportunity to showcase two very different flooring solutions – stylish carpet tiles throughout the corridors and stairs, paired with an innovative Marmoleum transformation of a rather tired lift interior.

The Project Brief: A Complete Communal Area Refresh

The building management approached us with a clear vision: breathe new life into the communal spaces spanning three floors. This meant tackling all corridors, every staircase, and a lift that had certainly seen better days. The existing flooring had become worn and dated, creating an unwelcoming first impression for residents and visitors alike.

We proposed a two-pronged approach. For the high-traffic corridors and stairs, we recommended hard-wearing carpet tiles that would combine durability with aesthetic appeal. For the lift, we suggested something altogether more creative – using Marmoleum not just on the floor, but across all the walls as well, creating a completely cohesive and contemporary space.

Tarkett Desso Urquiola Carpet Tiles: Style Meets Substance

For the corridors and staircases, we selected Tarkett Desso (Urquiola) carpet tiles in shade AD03-9935. This particular range, designed by celebrated Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, offers a sophisticated textured appearance that performs beautifully in communal settings. The subtle colour palette works harmoniously with the building’s existing décor whilst being practical enough to disguise the inevitable marks that come with daily foot traffic.

Our installation process began with the careful removal of all existing flooring. We took everything away for proper disposal, ensuring the building remained clean and tidy throughout the project. Once the old materials were cleared, we assessed each subfloor, sanding and preparing surfaces where necessary to achieve the perfect foundation for the new tiles.

Precision Installation on Stairs

Installing carpet tiles on staircases requires particular skill and attention to detail. Each tile needed to be precisely cut to fit, working carefully around the existing nosings which we retained. The existing coir entrance mats were also kept in place at the client’s request – a sensible decision given their excellent dirt-trapping properties.

We adhered all tiles to the subfloor using tackifier, which provides a secure bond whilst still allowing for future tile replacement if needed. This is particularly important in communal areas where individual tiles can be swapped out if damaged, rather than requiring entire sections to be replaced.

The Lift Transformation: Forbo Marmoleum Magic

The lift presented an exciting creative challenge. Before we began, it looked distinctly tired – worn flooring, damaged wall coverings, and an overall appearance that didn’t match the quality the building deserved. Our solution was to completely strip back the interior and rebuild it using Forbo Marmoleum Onyx in Grey Travertine (V: 26617).

If you’re looking to Buy Forbo Marmoleum for a similar project, the Onyx range offers stunning natural stone-effect designs that work beautifully in compact spaces. The grey travertine shade we selected features subtle striations and tonal variations that mimic natural stone whilst providing all the practical benefits of linoleum.

Wall-to-Wall Linoleum Installation

Using Marmoleum on walls is a specialist application that requires experienced installers. As an established marmoleum installer Wimbledon residents trust, we have the expertise to execute these more unusual installations flawlessly.

We began by removing all existing flooring and wall materials from the lift interior. The walls were then prepared to receive the Marmoleum panels, which were carefully measured, cut, and adhered in place. Internal right-angle beads were installed at all joins, creating clean, professional edges where wall panels meet.

For the floor, we installed Lino Flex, which offers excellent durability in high-traffic areas whilst complementing the wall treatment perfectly. The result is a lift interior that feels bright, spacious, and undeniably contemporary – a world away from its previous tired appearance.

The Finishing Touches

Quality flooring installation is as much about the details as the main work. Throughout this project, we ensured every element was completed to our exacting standards:

• All old materials carefully removed and responsibly disposed of
• Subfloors assessed, sanded, and prepared as required
• Carpet tiles precision-cut around existing features
• Existing nosings retained for continuity and safety
• Coir mats preserved and integrated into the new design
• Clean and clear upon completion – the building was left immaculate

A Project Close to Home

Working just around the corner from our Wimbledon workshop meant this project felt particularly personal. Being so embedded in the local SW19 community, we take tremendous pride in improving the spaces where our neighbours live and work. Seeing residents’ reactions as they experienced their transformed communal areas for the first time was genuinely rewarding.

The combination of sophisticated carpet tiles in the corridors and stairs with the striking Marmoleum lift interior demonstrates how thoughtful material choices can elevate everyday spaces. Whether you’re a building manager considering a communal area refresh or a homeowner exploring flooring options, we’d be delighted to discuss how similar approaches might work for your project.