In the world of interior design, there are certain trends that come and go. Some, however, stand the test of time and become iconic representations of an era. The sunken living room, with its step-down conversation pit, is one such trend that rose to popularity in the 1980s and has continued to make a statement in homes ever since. The concept of a sunken living room is simple - it's a seating area that is located below the level of the rest of the room. This creates a unique and intimate space for gathering and entertaining. Let's dive deeper into this design trend and explore 10 ways to incorporate it into your home.Sunken Living Rooms: Step-Down Conversation Pits
Sunken Living Rooms: Step-Down Conversation Pits
The 1980s were a decade of bold and extravagant design choices. The sunken living room was no exception. This design trend was often seen in luxury homes and was a way to add a touch of glamour and sophistication. To achieve this look, consider using rich and luxurious materials like marble or velvet, and adding statement pieces such as a chandelier or a large artwork. Another popular design element of the 1980s sunken living room was the use of geometric shapes. From a circular conversation pit to a square sunken seating area, incorporating different shapes into the design added an interesting visual element to the room.1980s Sunken Living Room Design Ideas
1980s Sunken Living Room Design Ideas
If you already have a sunken living room in your home, but it’s in need of a refresh, there are many ways to give it a modern update. One idea is to create a multi-level seating area by adding a few steps leading up to the sunken space. This creates a more dynamic and visually appealing design. For a more drastic transformation, consider converting your sunken living room into a home theater. The lowered floor and cozy seating arrangement make for the perfect movie-watching experience.Sunken Living Room Remodeling Ideas
Sunken Living Room Remodeling Ideas
The sunken living room trend may have originated in the 1980s, but it has roots in the 1960s and 70s as well. To achieve a retro-inspired sunken living room, incorporate bold and vibrant colors, shag carpets, and funky furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns and textures for a truly groovy vibe. A sunken living room can also be the perfect spot to showcase your vintage record collection. Add a turntable and some cozy seating for a retro-inspired music room.Retro Sunken Living Room Decor
Retro Sunken Living Room Decor
If you’re looking to give your sunken living room a makeover, start by considering the color scheme. A neutral palette with pops of color can create a modern and elegant look. Incorporate textures and patterns through pillows, rugs, and curtains to add depth and visual interest. Lighting is also a crucial aspect of any living room, and this is especially true for a sunken one. Use a combination of overhead and floor lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can also use lighting to highlight certain areas, such as a built-in bookshelf or a statement piece of artwork.Sunken Living Room Makeover
Sunken Living Room Makeover
The furniture you choose for your sunken living room should be both comfortable and functional. Low-profile and modular furniture pieces work well in this type of space. Consider incorporating built-in seating to maximize the use of the lowered floor. For a more modern and sleek look, opt for furniture with clean lines and minimalistic design. To add a touch of luxury, incorporate plush fabrics like velvet or leather.Sunken Living Room Furniture
Sunken Living Room Furniture
The flooring of your sunken living room is an important element to consider. It should be durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. Carpet is a popular choice for a sunken living room as it adds warmth and comfort to the space. You can also opt for hardwood or tile flooring, depending on the overall aesthetic of your home. To add visual interest, consider using different flooring materials in the sunken area and the rest of the room. You can also use a patterned rug to define the sunken space and add a cozy touch.Sunken Living Room Flooring
Sunken Living Room Flooring
As mentioned before, lighting plays a crucial role in the design of a sunken living room. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporate a combination of overhead and floor lighting. Use dimmers to adjust the lighting according to the mood and occasion. For a more dramatic effect, consider adding LED strip lighting around the perimeter of the sunken area. This will not only add a modern touch, but it will also make the space feel more open and expansive.Sunken Living Room Lighting
Sunken Living Room Lighting
If you’re building a home from scratch or undergoing a major renovation, consider incorporating a sunken living room into your design. This can add a unique touch to your home and create a designated space for relaxation and conversation. When designing a sunken living room, it’s important to consider the flow of the space and how it connects to the rest of the room. It should feel like a natural extension of the overall design, rather than a separate entity.Sunken Living Room Renovation
Sunken Living Room Renovation
Now that we’ve explored the different elements of a sunken living room, here are a few tips to keep in mind when decorating this space: 1. Keep the design cohesive with the rest of the room. 2. Use a variety of textures and patterns for visual interest. 3. Incorporate built-in seating for a streamlined look. 4. Consider adding a fireplace for a cozy ambiance. 5. Use lighting to highlight certain areas and create a warm atmosphere. 6. Use a mix of modern and retro elements for a unique look. 7. Don’t be afraid to add personal touches, such as family photos or artwork. 8. Keep the space clutter-free to maintain a clean and open feel. 9. Use rugs to define the sunken area and add a cozy touch. 10. Have fun and be creative with your design choices!Sunken Living Room Decorating Tips
Sunken Living Room Decorating Tips
The 1980 Sunken Living Room: A Timeless Design Trend
The Sunken Living Room: A Blast from the Past
For many homeowners, the term "sunken living room" may evoke images of a bygone era. Indeed, this design trend was popularized in the 1980s and was a staple in many homes during that time. However, just because it's a throwback doesn't mean it's outdated. In fact, the 1980 sunken living room is making a comeback in modern home design, and for good reason.
Sunken living rooms
are defined by a step-down or lowered area in the floor, typically located in the living room or a common area. This design element adds depth and dimension to a space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It's a unique way to demarcate different areas in an open floor plan, without the use of walls or dividers.
The Benefits of a Sunken Living Room
One of the main advantages of a sunken living room is its ability to create a sense of separation while maintaining an open and connected feel. It's a great way to break up a large, open space and give it character. This design also allows for flexibility in furniture arrangement, as the sunken area can be utilized for seating or as a spot for a coffee table.
Additionally, a sunken living room can add visual interest and depth to a home. By varying the flooring levels, it creates a subtle yet effective illusion of space. It also provides a unique vantage point, allowing for a different perspective of the room and its surroundings.
Another benefit of a sunken living room
is its versatility. It can be incorporated into a variety of home styles, from traditional to modern. With the right materials and furnishings, it can also be transformed to suit any design aesthetic.
Modernizing the Sunken Living Room
While the 1980 sunken living room may have a retro charm, it's important to modernize this design element for today's homes. This can be achieved by incorporating contemporary materials and finishes, such as sleek hardwood floors or polished concrete. It's also important to consider the lighting in the sunken area, as it can make or break the look and feel of the space.
In addition,
a sunken living room can be enhanced
with the use of accent pieces and décor. Plush rugs, statement furniture, and bold artwork can help bring the space to life and add a touch of personality.
The Return of the Sunken Living Room
As the saying goes, everything old is new again. The 1980 sunken living room is a prime example of this, as it continues to make a comeback in modern home design. With its practical benefits and timeless appeal, this design trend is here to stay.
In conclusion, the sunken living room is a design element that has stood the test of time. Its ability to add dimension, separation, and character to a space makes it a valuable addition to any home. With a few modern updates, this retro trend can be incorporated into any home design to create a unique and stylish living space.
