How To DIY A Trendy Faux Conversation Pit (Without Digging Into The Floor)

Wouldn't it be nice to have an area dedicated to conversations in your home, a special place where you could come together with your family and friends and talk about anything and everything under the sun without distractions? Sounds fantastical, right? Not anymore. An exclusive House Digest survey revealed that the majority of people surveyed wanted a '70s home trend to make a comeback: conversation pits. With conversation pits coming back in style, it's only natural for you to want one in your home. The good news is that you don't have to dig into the floor to create this feature. Instead, you can DIY a faux conversation pit with the help of rugs, comfortable seating options, and a few decorative items like statement decor.

While the first conversation pit was created in 1927 by Bruce Goff in a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this feature reached peak popularity between the 1950s and 1970s. However, they fell out of favor afterwards and became a relic in antique homes because living rooms became more entertainment-focused — that is, until their recent resurgence. But the cost of digging into the main floor and creating a dedicated conversation pit that's at least 3 feet deep will set you back thousands of dollars. Plus, having a gaping hole in the middle (or side) of the room will increase your chances of tripping and injuring yourself. You can save some money and yourself from unwarranted incidents by creating a faux conversation pit instead.

If you live in an old home with a concealed conversation pit, you just need to dust off the cobwebs, remove the coverings (usually a door), and rearrange some furniture to attract people to the pit. However, you have to get crafty if your home doesn't have a pit. In this case, begin by demarcating the faux conversation pit from the rest of the room. Invest in a huge — at least 6 inches broader than the furniture — shag to keep with the retro theme and achieve the desired look. Or, go for a medium pile rug if you want a more contemporary feel, which will lend a warm and inviting touch to the area.

Another key part of the layout is the seating. An incredibly simple way to create the feel of a conversation pit is to rearrange the furniture you already own to face other seating options instead of bracketing an entertainment center. In fact, experts agree that it's time to stop arranging furniture around the TV to foster communication and build interpersonal relationships. But if you want the sunken effect of traditional conversation pits, invest in low-set furniture or sofas with high backs. Another option is to get a couch that converts into large floor cushions. Or, do away with formal seating and introduce a few eclectic ottomans and floor pillows. Remember, the goal is to carve out a space that people naturally gravitate towards and relax in.

Although the furniture and a rug are two of the most important items you need to fake a trendy conversation pit, these elements on their own will make the space look functional at best and lifeless at worst. To spice up the design, have fun with the layout. You don't have to stick to the enclosed rectangle of traditional pits. Instead, embrace a U- or L-shaped layout to create a more unique look, as long as the furniture placement encourages conversations and looks cozy. Additionally, try to avoid more than two entry and exit points or the layout won't replicate this home trend.

Also add decorative throw pillows (think bright colors, striking patterns, and varied textures), jewel-toned ottomans, and overstuffed poufs to elevate your conversation pit's comfort level. Repurpose what you already have or visit an estate sale or thrift store to score one-of-a-kind retro pieces. To set the tone, do away with cold lighting and get warm lighting fixtures like lamps — table or standing (or both). Just ensure the cord's aren't too long and don't create a tripping hazard. Use a statement decor piece to tie in the varied elements and anchor the design. An eye-catching coffee table, contemporary showpiece, fascinating sculpture, collection of houseplants, or bold piece of wall art will work wonders. Finally, if you want the conversation pit to become the heart of your living room, keep the area stocked with snacks, drinks, and board games.