Say Hello to the Contemporary Conversation Pit
Popular in the 1960s and '70s, the classic sunken lounge is making a stylish comeback in contemporary interiors
As a mid-century icon, the sunken lounge room gained popularity during the 1960s and ’70s. Now, after being out of favour for decades, it’s back, redefining the way people interact in the lounge room and inspiring new living room layouts. Interior designers have embraced this cool, contemporary concept, creating low-levelled lounges with more than a nod to the swingin’ ’60s. But make no mistake, this is no nostalgia trip. These cosy conversation pits are warm and inviting, it’s true, but they are also super stylish and show off the latest contemporary looks. The best thing about them, though, hasn’t changed: they are still a great way to interact with friends or kick back and relax.
Shag it baby
This sunken shag-covered pit with white leather lounge was designed for a parents’ retreat in a two-level apartment over a cafe in a Melbourne shopping strip – no doubt for in-depth conversation!
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This sunken shag-covered pit with white leather lounge was designed for a parents’ retreat in a two-level apartment over a cafe in a Melbourne shopping strip – no doubt for in-depth conversation!
See more of this project
Warm escape
Cosy with a contemporary edge, this living space invites you to come on down, put up your feet and read a book (or your tablet) in front of the fire. The owners have sensibly refrained from adding a coffee table as it would make the small space feel cramped. However, maybe one or two low stools would be handy for resting coffee cups.
Cosy with a contemporary edge, this living space invites you to come on down, put up your feet and read a book (or your tablet) in front of the fire. The owners have sensibly refrained from adding a coffee table as it would make the small space feel cramped. However, maybe one or two low stools would be handy for resting coffee cups.
Scandi style
White, airy and with light streaming in from all directions, this Scandinavian-inspired living space is a minimalist zone softened only by the addition of a comfortable sunken lounge. It’s a soft, inviting haven in this rather austere space.
White, airy and with light streaming in from all directions, this Scandinavian-inspired living space is a minimalist zone softened only by the addition of a comfortable sunken lounge. It’s a soft, inviting haven in this rather austere space.
Timber elements
This space has only lowered the living room a small amount but what a difference it makes! The area is clearly demarcated and the feeling is warm and cosy. Solid timber beams, timber wall panelling and the dark bricks of an open fireplace evoke mid-century chic, topped off by a cathedral ceiling for a touch of grandeur.
This space has only lowered the living room a small amount but what a difference it makes! The area is clearly demarcated and the feeling is warm and cosy. Solid timber beams, timber wall panelling and the dark bricks of an open fireplace evoke mid-century chic, topped off by a cathedral ceiling for a touch of grandeur.
Closed circle
The uber-cool mid-1960s influence of this conversation pit brings to mind the lair of a James Bond villain. The sitting zone is bracketed by stairs at either end and soft carpet underfoot. The shape of the circular lounge is reflected in various elements, such as the dramatic suspension light, the upholstered ottoman, the sinuous curve of the staircase and even the legs of the pool table. Balanced, beautiful and bespoke – this is a true one-off space.
The uber-cool mid-1960s influence of this conversation pit brings to mind the lair of a James Bond villain. The sitting zone is bracketed by stairs at either end and soft carpet underfoot. The shape of the circular lounge is reflected in various elements, such as the dramatic suspension light, the upholstered ottoman, the sinuous curve of the staircase and even the legs of the pool table. Balanced, beautiful and bespoke – this is a true one-off space.
Mid-century design
Step down into the cool relaxation zone of this modern space. The furniture is constructed with simple lines while the aquamarine fabric perfectly complements the rich timber work. This early ’60s post-war style is almost austere, but works seamlessly in the confines of this modern home.
Step down into the cool relaxation zone of this modern space. The furniture is constructed with simple lines while the aquamarine fabric perfectly complements the rich timber work. This early ’60s post-war style is almost austere, but works seamlessly in the confines of this modern home.
Social scene
Back in the ’60s, one of the necessities for a sunken lounge room was the plush (often vibrant) carpet underfoot. This contemporary take, however, has rejected shag pile in place of stylish timber flooring that’s easy to clean. Another element that’s well executed is the glass screen separating the dining area on the upper level. Apart from being a safety device, the screen creates an open feeling, making it easy to see the surrounding views from all directions.
Back in the ’60s, one of the necessities for a sunken lounge room was the plush (often vibrant) carpet underfoot. This contemporary take, however, has rejected shag pile in place of stylish timber flooring that’s easy to clean. Another element that’s well executed is the glass screen separating the dining area on the upper level. Apart from being a safety device, the screen creates an open feeling, making it easy to see the surrounding views from all directions.
White wonderland
The drama of this contemporary space is accentuated by the low-lying conversation pit. The light oak flooring and alabaster-toned furniture work as a counterpoint to the dark glossy timber flooring on the upper level. The dual lounges face each other to facilitate conversation and interaction. Just remind the kids that this is a social zone – not a place to watch telly!
The drama of this contemporary space is accentuated by the low-lying conversation pit. The light oak flooring and alabaster-toned furniture work as a counterpoint to the dark glossy timber flooring on the upper level. The dual lounges face each other to facilitate conversation and interaction. Just remind the kids that this is a social zone – not a place to watch telly!
Easy conversion
In a small space, a clever mix of textures and tones makes this space a real winner. The chaise longue and mini upholstered stools create a warm social haven, topped off by a shag-pile rug to demarcate the space. While it works a treat as a relaxing space for adults, it can easily be converted into a fun playroom for kids – replace the artwork with a wall-mounted TV, introduce a stereo system in the shelving unit, add some power points for devices, then let the party begin!
In a small space, a clever mix of textures and tones makes this space a real winner. The chaise longue and mini upholstered stools create a warm social haven, topped off by a shag-pile rug to demarcate the space. While it works a treat as a relaxing space for adults, it can easily be converted into a fun playroom for kids – replace the artwork with a wall-mounted TV, introduce a stereo system in the shelving unit, add some power points for devices, then let the party begin!
Step back in time
The built-in dark timber work, rustic brick and simple lines pictured here are a nod to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring in the view while the crackling logs on the fire keep the elements firmly outside. A table lamp is a great option for a conversation pit, creating gentle mood lighting without getting in the way.
The built-in dark timber work, rustic brick and simple lines pictured here are a nod to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring in the view while the crackling logs on the fire keep the elements firmly outside. A table lamp is a great option for a conversation pit, creating gentle mood lighting without getting in the way.
Room with a view
With a view like this, who needs a TV or Playstation! This large sunken lounge room offers plenty of different places to sit while keeping an eye on that glorious view. There’s enough room for friends and family to interact, too, and the throw rugs add real warmth to the expansive space. When the winter winds come in off the ocean, the large fireplace can hold a big enough blaze to keep the cold at bay.
With a view like this, who needs a TV or Playstation! This large sunken lounge room offers plenty of different places to sit while keeping an eye on that glorious view. There’s enough room for friends and family to interact, too, and the throw rugs add real warmth to the expansive space. When the winter winds come in off the ocean, the large fireplace can hold a big enough blaze to keep the cold at bay.
Take it outside
Sunken lounge rooms can work just as well outside. Here, the framed fireplace allows the space to be utilised all year round, while the in-built oven and barbecue means the space can also double as an outdoor dining area. With a striking colour palette of charcoal and white teamed with the greenery of the garden, the space looks smart and contemporary.
TELL US
Which of these sunken lounges strike your fancy? Tell us in the Comments.
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Sunken lounge rooms can work just as well outside. Here, the framed fireplace allows the space to be utilised all year round, while the in-built oven and barbecue means the space can also double as an outdoor dining area. With a striking colour palette of charcoal and white teamed with the greenery of the garden, the space looks smart and contemporary.
TELL US
Which of these sunken lounges strike your fancy? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
The Lure of Custom-Built Couches
Is Your Home Ready for a 1970s Revival?
6 Mid-Century Design Features That Look Better Than Ever
Series 1 of Mad Men was set in 1960 while the last season finished in 1970. Undoubtedly, this low-lying sofa would be right at home in the final episode. Purple fabric was big in this oh-so-groovy era, and Ligne Roset’s classic ‘Togo’ by Michel Ducaroy not only looks striking but is very, very comfortable. It’s soft corners and bulbous shape work in counterpoint to the hard edges and concrete flooring of the living room.
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