Once a symbol of mid-century architecture, the heated lounge, or conversation pit, made its way back into the pop culture lexicon in the 2010s, thanks in part to its scene-stealing appearance in Don Draper’s Mad Men.
Since then, the retro design element has reappeared on all screens, from the latest Fantastic Four series to the Alien: Earth TV series.
You could be forgiven for thinking it’s 1967 on social media too, with sunken lounges and mid-century modern interiors enjoying viral status.
“Dying resting places were once the center of long conversations, pleasant gatherings and cigarettes slowly burning in ashtrays.” For those who grew up with MCM interiors, they have a sense of nostalgia and love in their renovations,” says interior designer Jessica Ellis Coulter.
“As for Gen Z, it’s about escapism or longing. In a world of hyperbole, white-box minimalism and algorithm-driven living, mid-century style feels like an escape from something human.”
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But are we just witnessing a wave of social media-driven sentiment, or is the dead resort enjoying a renaissance in Australian homes?
“I think they are starting over, but only when they are fit for the job,” said Ms Coulter.
“It is definitely not something that I can force to have a plan, because a dead resting place needs the generosity of the place and a clear internal purpose of the work.
Robert Davidov of Davidov Architects said clients have been asking for sunken lounges for more than a decade, yet nostalgia is part of their appeal.
“Because the sunken lounge is so associated with Modernism, they still feel important to the way we design and live today. The traditional references may help restore the vision visually, but the deeper appeal is about creating spaces that support meeting, connecting, and adding real warmth.”
This sunken lounge was combined with a luxury house designed by Davidov Architects to maximize the view. Photo: realestate.com.au
Mr Davidov’s firm has recently designed a stunning ground floor lounge for a luxury home in Caulfield North.
“The client was clear that they didn’t want a traditional lounge that blocked views of the garden and beyond. Lowering the space, rather than building it up, allowed the viewing area to remain open and undisturbed,” he explained.
“The brief was for a place that felt purposeful, social, and to provide an anchor for the family to come together. Caulfield North is also an area of Melbourne with a strong mid-century heritage, so that sat quietly behind the work.”
A brief history in depth
Originally an American phenomenon, the heated lounge emerged in mid-century modern architecture as a way to create intimacy within open-plan homes.
Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s thinking and later popularized by mid-century architects, the version most people see can be traced to Eero Saarinen’s 1957 Irwin Miller House, and his later work on the TWA Terminal in New York.
The defunct TWA Flight Center lounge has been restored to its original glory. Photo: Getty
By the 1960s, restored homes had become a defining feature of home architecture throughout the United States.
In Australia, however, they appear more selectively, often in houses designed in the style of the 1960s and ’70s rather than standard houses.
The sunken lounge originated in mid-century architecture. Photo: realestate.com.au
“Australian architects such as Robin Boyd and Harry Seidler have explored level changes and sunken living spaces as a way to create social spaces without walls,” says Jessica Ellis Coulter. “It was less about the ‘pit’ of the theater and more about informality, lifestyle and how people come together naturally.”
Today, mid-century Australian homes that retain their sunken living rooms are increasingly rare, which is what makes this lush family estate in leafy Strathdale stand out.
Mid-century Australian homes that retain their sunken living rooms are becoming increasingly rare, such as this home at 38-40 Butcher Street, Strathdale. Photo: realestate.com.au
Designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Bala Balendra, the property presents a refined form of Asian-influenced modernism to Bendigo, anchored by a well-kept living room at its heart.
Designing a modern heated lounge
When it comes to the living room that died in the 2020s, Ms Coulter said little has changed and the same design principles still apply.
“Frank Lloyd Wright used low-rise living spaces to encourage connection and intimacy – that goal was premature. Getting down to a place that feels solid and one is still active,” he said.
“What I’ve always loved about lounges is that they weren’t designed around a television. They were the first social spaces for conversation, connection and presence. When we design them today, that purity of purpose is still the beginning.”
What has changed, however, is the comfort, especially the improvement of the upholstery.
“Memory foams and gel-enhanced foams, as well as layering, mean that today’s lounges can be more comfortable and supportive than their ’60s and ’70s counterparts.”
According to Michael Drescher, Director of Interiors at DKO, many homeowners are finding an aesthetically pleasing living space more accessible with modular furniture.
“Sculpting a living room can be complex and expensive, but furniture can achieve the same effect. Large L-shaped, curved or round sofas can lift you up and create that intimate, conversational feeling,” he said.
“We use these types of furniture to create conversational pits not just for homes, but for hotel resorts and rooftops.”
The heated lounge is expected to remain popular in modern homes due to its many functions. Photo: realestate.com.au
Ms Coulter said the sunken lounge will remain a popular feature in modern homes due to its versatility.
“They are not precious spaces. They are livable, generous and designed to support the perfect rhythm of everyday life. They work just as well for entertainment and entertainment as they do for everyday family life – a place to meet friends, relax for a Sunday afternoon nap or watch a movie.”
