The living room is where conversations happen and shared moments, making it an important space in the house. There is something magical about stepping down into a room where you feel as if you have stepped into a private, cosy space. Conversation pits in those sunken living spaces from the ’60s and ’70s are making a surprising and very stylish comeback. Now, they’re dressed in soft neutrals, surrounded by natural textures, and they’re connected to the outdoors like never before. Whether you are a fan of the mid-century or just craving a more social and grounded living area, conversation pits are back and better than ever. Let’s dig deeper.
Design Ideas for Sunken Living Spaces
Your space speaks a lot and a well-designed space strikes endless conversation and laughter while keeping comfort at its core. And who wouldn’t want that? So, let’s design such spaces that speak to your soul.
-
The Natural Inclination
There is something grounding about being closer to the floor. Sunken living areas, surrounded by natural materials like timber, Sandstone outdoor tiles and handcrafted tiles, create a space that feels calm, inviting. When done right, these lowered seating zones can be a refreshing space. You can add a touch of nature by adding plants to your living space – they act as a breath of fresh air in your home. Add some lighting to cosy up the space and this makes your space a beautiful landscape.
-
Indoor Outdoor Connect
One of the most exciting things about the return of sunken living rooms is how easily they blend with the outdoor design trends. These cosy spaces aren’t just for the living rooms, but they are also making their way to the backyard and patios too. You enjoy movie nights or parties with comfort and style. To make your space more earthy, you can go with the natural flooring options such as Sandstone tiles. It gives your space such a soothing and welcoming feel. The use of natural stone tiles ensures durability and style.
-
Contemporary and Comfy
There are some differences between today’s conversation pits and those of their retro ancestors. They have evolved with cleaner lines, soft colours and smart functionality. Instead of dark green and burnt orange, you will see gentle taupes, soft greys and warm neutrals. The aim is to design spaces that encourage comfort and connection. In recent years, built-in bench seating has made a comeback, with materials such as natural stone or timber being used for the finish. Paired with plush cushions and a few throws, it makes a great reading spot or a place to meet friends over coffee. Because the pit sits below eye level, it also allows for eye contact and keeps the space open.
-
Cosy Neutrals
It’s all about feeling relaxed and building connections. This is the reason why modern pits lean more towards the use of soothing, earthy tones. Think of Travertine tiles, Sandstone walls and beige textile layered with subtle patterns. These neutrals aren’t boring but perfectly balance the beauty of everything. A calming base plays a major role in setting the right tone of the space. Sandstone tiles, in particular, are a great choice for flooring around sunken areas. The soft, golden hues add warmth and their natural grip makes them safe and practical.
-
Let the light in with an open Skylight
Lighting is everything for designs that are set below the main floor level and the way to achieve natural light throughout the day is through skylights. Adding a skylight above the conversation pit brings a touch of the outdoor right inside. If a skylight isn’t an option, consider placing the pit near a large sliding glass door or windows that open up to a garden or courtyard.
-
Fireplace attached for Warmth and Ambience
Nothing better pairs with a conversation pit than a fireplace. A built-in or nearby fireplace turns the sunken area into a true retreat, perfect for chilly evenings, intimate gatherings or simply for relaxing after a long day. Modern fireplaces are available in all shapes, sizes from stone-clad statement pieces to minimalist designs. To create a unified look, you can use the same natural stone tiles around the fireplace as the floor or walls of the pit.
Conclusion
Sunken pits are more than just a design trend making a comeback; they are a way to connect, relax and embrace intentional living. Whether you’re creating for your living room or for your backyard parties, the idea is to create a space that draws the attention of the people and holds them together. By using natural materials like Sandstone tiles, timber and others, you not only bring beauty and texture to the space but also add durability and timeless elegance. So, if you are looking for something beautiful and eye-catching, you know what to do with your space, maybe it’s time to dig a little deeper.
