In a memorable scene from the popular AMC series Mad Men, Megan Calvet, Don Draper’s newlywed wife, surprises him with a birthday celebration, enthralling everyone in the room with her seductive rendition of “Zou Bisou Bisou.” While Don’s discomfort lingers in our minds, design enthusiasts find themselves captivated by the striking sunken living room where he resides. This recessed lounge showcases floating wooden steps, a beige carpet, adorned cushions, and a delightful brick fireplace.
Undoubtedly, Mad Men ignited a frenzy for midcentury aesthetics. And although this trend gradually waned, sunken living rooms, also known as conversation pits or sunken lounges, have unexpectedly resurfaced. Platforms like TikTok, for example, overflow with countless videos featuring these sunken retreats, accumulating millions of views. Even in trendy establishments like Spring Place in TriBeCa or Holiday Bar in Greenwich Village, one cannot resist the magnetic allure of a conversation pit, surrendering to its gravitational pull while enjoying a beverage.
The history of the sunken living room predates the era of Don Draper. In 1924, the visionary architect Bruce Goff designed an Art Deco version that boasted a flame-shaped fireplace in the residence of artist Adah Robinson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, the most notable example can be found in the Miller House, a collaboration between architect Eero Saarinen and midcentury maestro Alexander Girard in Columbus, Indiana, in 1957. According to the house’s curator, Ben Wever, it is the epitome of a conversation pit, featuring a sleek, marbled edge, a travertine floor, and cushions in opulent jewel tones.
AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Although the Miller House, situated in Columbus, Indiana, cannot claim the distinction of being the original sunken living room, it undeniably stands as the foremost influential example of its kind. This remarkable recessed chamber emerged through the collaborative efforts of Eero Saarinen, the Finnish-American architect, and Alexander Girard, a versatile designer. While Girard played a crucial role in its design, Ben Wever, the house’s site administrator, attributes a significant portion of the credit to him.
Positioned within the travertine floor of the ground level, this square space, while no longer accessible for lounging, remains open for visitation. Its boundaries are clearly defined by a marble border, establishing a distinct separation. The built-in seating emanates an inviting charm, adorned with creamy leather upholstery and jewel-toned cushions showcasing Girard’s unique textile designs. Above, a skylight bathes the sunken room in a radiant and airy ambiance.
During the planning phase, there was extensive correspondence between the Millers and Saarinen’s office. Mrs. Miller voiced concerns regarding the safety of the sunken area and its intended purpose. Ultimately, Saarinen’s vision prevailed, and the space became an indispensable element for entertaining guests within the household, attracting notable visitors such as Lady Bird Johnson. Wever further accentuates the brilliance of the room, stating, “It is genuinely exceptional, offering an entirely new perspective on the entire living space.”
ALL-OVER RED
Saarinen drew undeniable inspiration from the remarkable sunken living room in the Miller House. His exceptional artistic vision came to life eight years later when he conceptualized a lavish terminal for Trans World Airlines (TWA) at New York City’s JFK Airport. The terminal featured a magnificent sunken lounge, graced with meticulously crafted furniture designed by Saarinen himself, bathed in a vibrant shade of red that beautifully mirrored TWA’s iconic logo. Currently, the terminal has been brilliantly repurposed into a luxurious hotel, serving as a sanctuary for world travelers, complete with an awe-inspiring rooftop infinity pool. However, the focal point of this extraordinary transformation remains the dazzling crimson emblem.
CONTEMPORARY AND COMFY
If you’re not inclined towards a fully authentic vintage look, feast your eyes on this captivating depiction of a sunken living room created by Marmol Radziner, an architectural company located in Los Angeles. While it pays tribute to the iconic Miller House with its elegant creamy upholstery and breathtaking panoramic views, it introduces a modern twist through its sleek polished concrete floor, wooden framework, and mesmerizing ebony fireplace. Ron Radziner, the visionary founder of the firm, confirms that “A sunken living room creates a striking and inviting space that brings people closer together, cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and closeness.”
COZY NEUTRALS
If you’re not inclined towards a fully authentic vintage look, feast your eyes on this captivating depiction of a sunken living room created by Marmol Radziner, an architectural company located in Los Angeles. While it pays tribute to the iconic Miller House with its elegant creamy upholstery and breathtaking panoramic views, it introduces a modern twist through its sleek polished concrete floor, wooden framework, and mesmerizing ebony fireplace. Ron Radziner, the visionary founder of the firm, confirms that “A sunken living room creates a striking and inviting space that brings people closer together, cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and closeness.”
PALM SPRINGS GLAMOUR
Distinguished designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, renowned for his inclusion in the esteemed ELLE DECOR A-List, perceives a sunken living room as a captivating representation of the vibrant swinging ’60s era and the glamorous world of the iconic James Bond. This captivating attribute has seamlessly become an essential element of his Palm Springs weekend sanctuary in California, where a cozy pair of C-shaped fuchsia sofas gracefully find their abode nestled within a terrazzo alcove, offering a picturesque vista of the sparkling pool.
Bullard places great emphasis on the allure of accentuating the retro-glam factor by employing opulent fabrics like Ultrasuede or velvet, thus creating an irresistibly welcoming atmosphere. He imparts, “Color assumes a pivotal role in the décor of a sunken living room—opting for a striking, solid hue such as pink or emerald green can be an enchanting choice, allowing the space to be adorned with complementary accents in the same shade. This approach elevates the sunken area to the very heart and soul of the room, imparting an aura of charm and character.”
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Jacqueline Sherman, a celebrated designer hailing from Los Angeles and a former associate of Bullard’s company, openly extols the allure of the minimalist style. While she acknowledges the appeal of vintage designs, Seerman firmly believes in the innate elegance of simplicity. Showcasing her exceptional talent within a magnificent residence in Beverly Hills, she skillfully amalgamated various components. Light-hued wooden furnishings, upholstery featuring warm rust tones, and an embrace of natural shapes and materials all came together harmoniously. Sherman imparts valuable insights on enhancing a space’s aesthetic, offering diverse approaches. One particularly effective technique involves infusing modern details, such as opting for a solitary bench cushion or a sleek knife-edge design rather than a self-welt. Additionally, selecting a lavish fabric in a solid hue, particularly one that exudes opulence and indulgence, can seamlessly elevate the design from quaint to sophisticated, as per Seerman’s expert counsel.
RETRO CAVE
Alternatively, you can choose to fully embrace the vibrant allure that the sunken aesthetic provides. Look no further than this remarkable experimental residence situated in Hillsborough, California, envisioned by the brilliant architect, William Nicholson. The structure was ingeniously constructed by applying shotcrete onto inflated aeronautical balloons, resulting in a surreal and undulating outline. It comes as no surprise that the neighbors were far from impressed, and this dwelling has now gained fame as the renowned “Flintstone House.” Nevertheless, we admire its eccentric sunken pit, complete with a perimeter adorned in mosaic tiles, a stucco fireplace, and striking orange shag carpeting. Don’t hesitate to draw inspiration from one or all of these concepts for your own project, ensuring a captivating conversation starter.
BEACH CHIC
The Surf Lodge, a renowned establishment that gained notoriety for sparking Montauk’s vibrant party scene, has consistently drawn the attention of trendsetting individuals to its mesmerizing sunken lounge since its establishment in 2008. Originally designed by Robert McKinley, the restaurant featured an existing conversation pit. However, Jayma Cardoso, the owner, and expert in nightlife, recently embarked on a personal transformation of the space. Breathing fresh life into it, she adorned the walls with a captivating shade of peacock blue and embellished the upholstery with exquisite golden patterns.
Cardoso explains, “In order to infuse a contemporary ambiance, I have adorned the walls with modern artwork above the luxurious couches. This intentional balance and juxtaposition create an atmosphere of intimacy and a touch of glamour. The design seamlessly blends sophistication with a relaxed vibe, and our esteemed guests utilize the seating for various purposes, generating a constantly evolving atmosphere that lingers throughout the day and well into the night.”
ORGANIC AND ORIGINAL
During an exceptional exploration of exclusive residences from the ELLE DECOR collection, we were privileged to visit the home of an authentic prince, Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia. This enchanting villa, situated in Vesenaz, Switzerland, has been the cherished abode of the prince since the 1970s. Originally envisioned by his mother, a renowned champion in waterskiing and an iconic entertainer, the dwelling boasts a truly unconventional design. Noteworthy features include a sunken dining room and a semicircular conversation pit adorned with luxurious carpets, encircling a cozy fireplace. Despite the opulence of the space, the use of neutral fabrics and a subtle color palette imparts a timeless ambiance, reminiscent of unwinding in a tranquil cave or grotto.
When contemplating the passage of time, the prince offered his perspective, stating, “Typically, one would tire of the aesthetics of the 1970s. However, even after four decades, this residence continues to emanate a sense of freshness, as if it were constructed a mere five years ago. It stands as a living masterpiece—a testament to artistic expression. If modern-day monarchs were to build their own castles, they might take inspiration from this extraordinary style.”
FAUX CONVERSATION PIT
Don’t fret if you don’t have a conversation pit. In this remarkable dwelling nestled in the Bay Area, designer Noz Nozawa presents an ingenious remedy for capturing the essence of a sunken living room without the hassle of extensive construction or long-term commitments. Within this charming seating area, a one-of-a-kind terraced sofa takes the spotlight, featuring integrated pink shelves that add a touch of uniqueness to the surrounding space.
When it comes to lounging in comfort, Nozawa offers her perspective, saying, “I often ponder how to achieve the utmost comfort while reclining, which is why this sofa with a pit-style design incorporates a specially designed console that encircles its entire perimeter.” She further comments, “Who wants to lean forward extensively to grab a drink or popcorn while enjoying a movie in complete comfort?”