Fashion and interior décor share one thing – repeat trends. Some features suddenly become popular, while others fade into the background before their revival. You can notice this regarding colors, textures, designs, and more. That’s why homeowners like to track what’s hot or not in the home improvement space before opting for any renovation or remodeling project. They want to use their money in the best way. If a thing is still relevant, they will preserve or upscale it depending on its condition. Changing minor features are easy, especially if they don’t include any structural modification. It eliminates the purchasing cost.
Suppose your home enjoys a country vibe. So, you built the kitchen and other areas along the theme. If your older sink needs replacement, you can choose a sink for a farmhouse-style kitchen. You don’t have to worry about building new cabinetry to accommodate this. Nevertheless, a cabinet upgrade like this is minor work compared to other features. You may ask for specific examples. Consider something like a conversation pit or sunken living room. Do you still have a recessed section in the living area? The floor and the recess can be only a few inches or feet apart. Or, you can add stairs to move from one level to another.
Lower spaces in the open floor plans offer great opportunities for intimate gatherings. These smaller nooks within a large area surrounded by walls feel compact and private. In the 60s and 70s, this living room idea saw immense popularity while it was available back in 1927 too. In the 1950s, some famous architects picked this design, and soon ranch-style homes started leveraging it. Although it lost steam by the 1970s, the concept has come back today.
Modern vs. old sunken living area
The 1970s décor has taken a modern take, and conversation pits rooted in the midcentury modern themes are making a statement. Since midcentury furniture styles make this design even more homely, you enjoy the overall feel a lot more. Sofa with low, slim profiles and modern finishes can make the built-in look eye-catchy. Also, the contemporary designs of sectional sofa sets and sink-in chairs can create the perfect lounge-style vibe. Nevertheless, only a few older homes have this feature. Modern houses with high ceilings look great when they embrace this concept. The older homes kept the conversation pits to maintain the integrity of the spaces and enhance them. They consider this more from a functional aspect.
As the prediction suggests, this will be a hot trend in new homes; some homeowners wonder if they can build a sunken pit in their existing layout. Designers say it may be challenging but possible. They have to restructure the floor to bring it down a little, and this job can also involve some foundation work. However, doing it as a home addition can be easier. The additional structure can be slightly convenient to manage when incorporating a comfortable conversation pit in the middle of the room. It can lead to the outdoor space, helping you bask in the natural beauty.
A few critical aspects of sunken pits
The conversation pit can instantly elevate the room’s dimensional perspective and energy. It offers more than traditional boxed wall designs and level flooring. Due to the low flooring, the area can feel spacious as the distance from the ceilings increases. You can add unique light fixtures to enhance the effect of the height. Since bulky furniture items remain low, the room becomes visually appealing and extra airy. However, you may need custom furniture to maintain its intimacy. Think of benches and sofa seats. Storage and wooden bookshelves are other examples. These will be expensive. And unfortunately, these designs are unforgiving. You cannot rearrange furniture or modify the layout quickly to meet your evolving lifestyle needs.
Some warn that this design can be a tripping hazard because conversation pits in the center of the living room are a surprise element. One may need time to become more familiar with the steps. If your living room is busy, the risk of falling can be even higher. A safe way to incorporate this design into your house is to choose a less active place. Also, flooring colors and materials should demarcate the difference between the levels. The recess should be prominent. One can also add railings for safety. Another challenge with this design is the limited accessibility. People with mobility issues may not use this space.
The comeback of a few more nostalgic home design trends
These are some easy options. For instance, rattan furniture rose to fame in the 60s and 70s. But these furniture items’ woven texture and natural feel give them a uniquely warm and relaxed vibe. No matter the room décor, rattan material can fit just about anywhere. If you choose the peacock chair design, you can use it to deck up any room to give it an eclectic touch. Another excellent feature you may be happy to welcome with open arms is the wood paneling. The affordable wall treatment enjoyed fame in the 60s and 70s. However, they lost the charm down the road for looking dated. Modern homeowners admire these wall-enhancing features for their rich texture, warmth, and accent. Bedrooms can benefit a lot from this.
One more item that deserves mention is the art deco motif. It was a rage in the 1920s. Even today, you can like this glitzy stuff in its curvy shape, metal finish, flute details, etc. With this vintage highlight, you can easily give your room a sophisticated and luxurious effect—place art deco designs in entryways, living rooms, and dining halls.
A few trends can stay for good. Some home designs and decors have the power to draw your attention naturally. These may have faded in your memory lane, but their revival gives you a chance to enjoy their beauty and functionality again. And sunken pits, art deco, and others can be the apt choices. Still, consider your house’s ambiance and lifestyle to determine what suits you best.