Annette O'Brien
Like fashion, trends in interior design tend to come back a second or third time. While minimalist homes and coastal properties have reigned supreme for the past few years, we’ve seen jewel-toned colours and creature comforts return to popularity in homes in this year.
Lifestyle concepts such as Hygge and Lagom have come to the forefront of cultural popularity because many of us are now seeking to build a stronger boundary between our work and personal lives. Our homes have become not only a place to live and indulge in recreational activities but a place to seek sanctuary, relaxation and calm.
It comes as no surprise then that trends of days gone by, such as conversation pits, are making a comeback. Although revitalised and reimagined for the modern home, a conversation pit is the perfect way to achieve ultimate comfort, sanctuary and relaxation within your home, all the while encouraging conversation, engagement and connection with your family.
In fact, Melbourne stylist and interior designer Simone Haag told Domain that the re-emergence of the sunken lounge or conversation pit is good news. “In this day and age with iPhone use so prevalent, a space in the home that encourages conversation can only be a good idea,” she says. “I often use rugs to define a communal space, but the conversation pit takes it one step further”.
What you need to know about conversation pits
Conversation pits are an architectural feature that incorporates built-in seating into a depressed section of flooring within a larger room. It was popular from the 1950s to the 1970s and was often seen in homes across Europe and America.
How to make your conversation pit contemporary
- Create warmth by using lots of texture and soft furnishings such as cushions, throw blankets, candles, rugs and lots of natural materials such as leather, wool, cotton, linen, timber and faux fur.
- Zone the conversation pit off from the rest of your living space, and don’t arrange it angled towards a TV. You want the space to encourage face-to-face conversation.
- Pick furniture that is comfortable and relaxed, try a model with deep seats and excellent back support.
- Choose fabrics for your furniture that will be comfortable to sit on all the time.
- Make sure the space is arranged to include a coffee table or other flat surface so the family can do things together such as play games.
- Make sure the conversation pit feels spacious and clean, rather than cramped and cluttered.
- Incorporate some indoor plants where you can for a really trendy look.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
You might also like:
9 signs you need to rethink your living room layout
Home inspiration: Retro fabulous
10 no-fuss ways to figuring out your mid-century modern decorating
