Let's Talk About Conversation Pits, Our Favorite Mid-Century Design Comeback
So seventies. So fabulous. Some timeless. Some… not so much.
(Actually conversation pits and sunken living rooms were springing up before that once the 30s and 40s crept into the mid-century!)
But goodness. To be a fly on the wall during a 70s cocktail party with a hot pink conversation pit. I can only imagine the fabulousness.
Let’s just say some of these sunken spaces are not your grandmother's conversation pit.
(Or if your grandmother was a fabulous party hostess, serving up martinis and fondue while everyone probably smoked cigarettes, perhaps they are).
CUT TO TODAY, and to the conversation pit comeback. The modern sunken living rooms give me a combination of 21st century Mad Men vibes, or simply cozy + intentional areas with major hygge vibes.
I’ve gone down the rabbit hole and am sharing my findings of sunken living spaces - first we’ll pour through the midcentury retro originals then we’ll dive into more streamlined, modern versions.
MidCentury Conversation Pit Magic
Source Eero Saarinen’s MCM 1957 Miller House was the introduction to the conversation pit!
Source Another view of The Miller House’s amazing conversation pit
irwin miller house in indiana by Eero Saarinen, 1957
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What happens when you want to change it?
I guess what I keep circling back to is what happens when you want to change it? What happens when you want to rearrange the furniture? I guess that’s the point of such a pit: it’s built with such intention that it can only be re-designed so much.
At the end of the day if you really outgrew it I suppose you could fill it in with concrete, cover it to match your flooring, and move on.
Okay now for that mid century inspiration but with
a more modern take
Source image © pedro kok
(I actually don’t know if the all monochrome green space above is modern or midcentury. I could see it going either way!)
I do love a good monochromatically designed space and confess I like a good
“matchy-matchy” all the way outfit/space/design.
Check out my post exclusively featuring monochromatic spaces
here.
Okay I confess: the room above may be one of my favorites simply because of the gigantic skylights designed overhead. The thoughtfulness of these two designs paired together of lovely and the result is - to me - really cozy and inviting. I really like the raw texture of the back wall, too. Sitting in here during a rainstorm would be AMAZING!
How about this home? Converted from an ambulance garage, I love the vibrant descent into the sunken kitchen and dining area! Created by Doepel Strijkers and LEX Architects
Whether your seating space is sunken or sea-level, some throw pillows are a must...
Shop throw pillows below
I am in awe of every single one of these spaces for one reason or another - and in their own rite each room has nailed it.
I don’t know about you but if I were a homeowner I might seriously consider calling a contractor to come jackhammer a chunk out of my home’s foundation.
Midcentury design is a timeless era, and while some conversation pits might not be considered quite ‘timeless’, the concept overall has definitely made its comeback.
Whether your vibe is more cozy hygge living or 21st century Mad Men, various elements from the original pits and modern sunken spaces inspire me in different ways.
See you on Insta!
