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Pit Party: A case in favour of reviving the 70s conversation pit

WORDS Ella Jane    PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy Instagram    PUBLISHED Sun, 23 May 2021 - 11:00 am

conversation pit

Ah, the 70s. An interior era rife with daggy shag rugs, printed kitchen tiles, and modular couches. Aspects we love, aspects we hate, aspects we can't get over, like the conversation pit. An essential in large households in the 70s and developed through the 50s and 60s, the first conversation pit can be largely credited to architect Bruce Goff's 1927 design for a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was one of the first displays of a sunken seating area.

Now, we petition for the relics of the past to return. Between the design world’s grip on mid-century-modern revival, and the comeback of Memphis Milano, 2021 feels like the perfect time to reboot a concept that feels so aligned with our values today: comfort and conversation. Why not have people over for dinner and then descend upon a wrap-around couch, dug into your living room in permanence, much akin to the way your night might proceed from there? Stretching ahead of you, settling into conversations with martini-fuelled fervour. Come Sunday morning, you might descend upon those few steps again to sprawl with a good book and a morning coffee, or perhaps you're waking up where you fell asleep (it would certainly accomodate you).

In certain instances, they could be argued as a safety hazard. Wouldn't want to be getting a glass of water at 3:00am and accidentally stumble head first into your giant pit of cushions. This aside, the conversation pit taps into our desires Du Jour. The idea of gathering, having meaningful conversations, spending time together and being comfortable - an essential in the age of post-pandemic hang outs.

Consider the below both a mood board, an outlet of desire, and a petition to revive the conversation pit once more.

 

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All about the shag rug and minimal fireplace.

 

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70s minimalism at its best.

Contrasting colours, a good no-trip tactic.

A modern update on the retro relic.

Pit of dreams.

A maximalist haven.

Coral dreams c/o William Nicholson's Flintstone House.

What did I say about Sunday morning reads?

The Price House by Bruce Geoff in Oklahoma.

 

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A risen iteration. Why ever move?

 

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It's the ceiling TV for me!

A moment for mustard.

Stairway to heaven.

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