70s TOGO-inspired Sofa Revamp
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Long before we moved into our 70s Austin ranch-style home, earlier inhabitants craved a larger footprint. They transformed the original exterior into an additional ~800 square feet with an addition boasting natural light and more space than most would know what to do with. However, rumor has it that there was a former occupant who took the challenge appropriately with an interior hot tub in the addition.
Although I respect the bold move of an interior hot tub more than you can imagine, we’re going to take it a different route.
Since we moved in, it previously housed my husband’s home office and additional living area. Now, it is my work from home office, our home gym and my favorite feature; a conversation pit-style living room area featuring a bar and our vinyl collection.
Our newest addition to our addition is doing the heavy lifting to create the intended lounge vibe. We wanted a space, and therefore furniture, that is both perfect for hosting game nights with friends and quieter mornings spent reading, drinking coffee and lounging with the dogs before the day takes over. (TLDR? See: the Mojo)
The togo: lovechild sofa of the 70s
The inspiration behind the recent resurgence in low-profile, lounge-style sofas originated in the 1970s. The Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy for French manufacturer Ligne Roset, which premiered in 1973.
The design is decidedly casual, somehow without feeling dumpy.
You know it when you see it, with it’s lateral wrinkled folds that make up modular seating areas. Customizable to the shape and size of your room, the Togo can be as small as single-seat chairs called the fireside chair by the original designer, bench-style loveseats and larger configurations to create full conversation-pit style seating. It’s foam structure boasts natural ergonomic benefits.
When it was released, It was applauded for being innovative, while also being a more accessible price point at the time for it’s quality.
Even though you can still customize and buy a new Togo from Ligne Roset, I am unable to imagine my peers finding it within budget. My Togo-inspired configuration looks like it would run me at least $15K+ with some quick math.
If you’re set on a vintage original, you can find configurations typically upwards of $10K on higher-end resell sites like Chairish, or through a local vintage shop. Stampworthy Goods in Austin has a keen eye for finding Togos in good shape or restoring them to excellent vintage condition.
Every once in a while I see one of those pop-up for a steal on local marketplaces like Craig’s List or Facebook Marketplace.
But I can’t help but wonder what these original upholstery-donning, well-worn treasures may have lived and now show for it. Likely a lot of whatever the 70s equivalent of “Netflix and Chill.”
Meet the Mojo: My pick for a Togo Today
When I was ready to take our addition to full 70s swingin’ lounge style, I teamed up with Wallaroo’s Furniture to get the vibe right with their take on a low-pro stylish ergonomic sectional: the Mojo.
I partnered with them previously to style our main living area with their 70s-inspired original sectional (that also happens to be pet-friendly), the Yoko. Every day I am impressed with this couch and knew they would be my top choice for our next couch.
There are other Togo-inspired sofas on the market, but what has me especially stoked on the Mojo, is simple: the affordable price point, the range of color options (including bright & bold!), the easy-to-clean upholstery with softer pleats friendlier for dog hair and the slightly more structured form that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
