Once a hallmark of mid-century architecture, the sunken lounge, or conversation pit, vaulted back into the pop culture lexicon in the 2010s, thanks in part to its scene-stealing appearance in Don Draper’s apartment in Mad Men.
Since then, the retro design feature has resurfaced across screens, from the latest Fantastic Four instalment to the Alien: Earth TV series.
On the market: 45 National Circuit, Forrest features a sunken velour lounge. Picture: realestate.com.au
You could be forgiven for thinking it’s 1967 on social media too, with sunken lounges and mid-century modern interiors enjoying viral status.
“Sunken lounges once formed the backdrop to long conversations, lively parties and cigarettes burning slowly in ashtrays. For those who grew up with MCM interiors, there’s a sense of nostalgia and romance in their resurgence,” said interior architect Jessica Ellis Coulter.
“Whereas for Gen Z, it’s more about escapism or aspiration. In a world of overstimulation, white-box minimalism and algorithm-driven living, mid-century style feels like an escape hatch to something more human.”
The sunken lounge is returning to high-end newly built homes like 52 Hudson Parade, Clareville. Picture: realestate.com.au
But are we simply witnessing a wave of social media–fuelled sentimentality, or is the sunken lounge enjoying a revival in Australian homes?
“I do think they’re having a genuine resurgence, but only when they’re the right fit for the project,” Ms Coulter said.
“It’s never something I’d force into a plan, because a sunken lounge requires generosity of space and a clear interior intent to work. When clients request them, it’s typically in architecturally designed homes with a modernist sensibility, or in family homes created with entertaining in mind.”
Robert Davidov of Davidov Architects said clients have been requesting sunken lounges consistently for more than a decade, however nostalgia is only part of their appeal.
“Because the sunken lounge is so closely associated with Modernism, they still feel relevant to how we design and live today. Cultural references may have helped reintroduce the idea visually, but the deeper appeal is about creating spaces that support gathering, connection, and add real warmth.”
This sunken lounge was incorporated into a luxury home built by Davidov Architects to maximise the view. Picture: realestate.com.au
Mr Davidov’s firm recently designed a visually striking sunken lounge for a luxury home in Caulfield North.
“The client was clear they didn’t want a conventional lounge blocking views to the garden and beyond. Lowering the space, rather than building it up, allowed the sightline to remain open and uninterrupted,” he explained.
“The brief was for a space that felt intentional, social, and to provide an anchor for the family to congregate. Caulfield North is also an area of Melbourne with a strong mid-century legacy, so that sat quietly in the background of the project.”
A brief sunken history
Originally an American phenomenon, the sunken lounge emerged from mid-century modern architecture as a way to create intimacy within open plan homes.
Influenced by the thinking of Frank Lloyd Wright and later popularised by mid-century designers, the version most people recognise can be traced to Eero Saarinen’s 1957 Irwin Miller House, and his later work on the TWA Terminal in New York.
The TWA Flight Centre's sunken lounge has been restored to its original glory. Picture: Getty
By the 1960s, recessed living areas had become a defining feature of domestic architecture across the United States.
In Australia, however, they appeared more selectively, typically in architecturally designed homes of the 1960s and ’70s rather than mainstream housing.
The sunken lounge emerged from mid-century modern architecture. Picture: realestate.com.au
“Australian architects such as Robin Boyd and Harry Seidler explored level changes and sunken living zones as a way of shaping social spaces without walls,” said Jessica Ellis Coulter. “It was less about the theatrical ‘pit’ and more about informality, lifestyle and how people naturally gathered.”
Today, mid-century Australian homes that retain their original sunken lounges are increasingly rare, which is what makes this architectural family oasis in leafy Strathdale such a standout.
Mid-century Australian homes that retain their original sunken lounges are increasingly rare, like this home at 38-40 Butcher Street, Strathdale. Picture: realestate.com.au
Designed by celebrated Sri Lankan architect Bala Balendra, the residence introduces a refined strain of Asian-influenced modernism to Bendigo, anchored by a beautifully preserved sunken lounge at its heart.
Designing the contemporary sunken lounge
When it comes to the sunken lounge of the 2020s, Ms Coulter said little has changed and the same core design principles still apply.
“Frank Lloyd Wright used lowered living areas to foster connection and intimacy - that intent hasn’t dated. Stepping down into a space that feels grounded and human still works,” she said.
“What I’ve always loved about the original sunken lounges is that they weren’t designed around a television. They were social-first spaces for conversation, connection and presence. When we design them today, that purity of intent remains the starting point.”
What has evolved, however, is comfort, particularly advances in upholstery.
“Memory and gel-enhanced foams, along with layered cushioning, mean today’s sunken lounges can be far more comfortable and supportive than their ’60s and ’70s counterparts.”
According to Michael Drescher, Director of Interiors at DKO, many homeowners are achieving the sunken lounge aesthetic affordably through modular furniture.
“Sinking a lounge structurally can be complex and expensive, but furniture can achieve a similar effect. Large L-shaped, curved or circular sofas can cocoon you and create that intimate, conversational feel,” he said.
“We’re using these types of furniture to create conversation pits not just for homes, but also for hotel lobbies and rooftop spaces.”
The sunken lounge is expected to remain popular in contemporary homes because of their multifunctionality. Picture: realestate.com.au
Ms Coulter said the sunken lounge will remain a popular design feature in contemporary homes because of their multifunctionality.
“They’re not precious spaces. They’re lived-in, generous and designed to support the full rhythm of daily life. They work just as beautifully for entertaining and socialising as they do for everyday family life - a place to gather with friends, stretch out for a Sunday afternoon nap or watch a movie.”
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