8 Why You Need Sunken Living Room in Your House
Sunken living rooms, once a popular design feature in the 60s and 70s, are making a comeback with a modern twist. Home improvement contractors in MD are noting a surge in inquiries for this unique architectural feature. This retro-inspired trend offers aesthetic appeal and functional benefits that make it a worthy consideration for your next home renovation project. But why exactly do you need a sunken living room in your house? Let’s dive in and explore.
Introduction to the idea of a sunken living Room
A sunken living room, also known as a conversation pit, is a design concept where a portion of the floor space is lowered, creating a distinct level difference within the room itself. This architectural design, popularized in the mid-20th century, was initially intended to create a more intimate and cozy space for conversations in a stylish and innovative manner.
The sunken area, typically furnished with comfortable seating, becomes the focal point of the room, while the raised perimeter serves as an implicit boundary, distinguishing the conversation area from the rest of the living space.
These rooms add depth and interest to the home’s structure, transforming a simple living room into a striking and functional design piece.
Benefits of Having a Sunken Living Room
Spatial Separation: A sunken living room can effectively demarcate different areas within the same room. This is particularly useful in open-plan homes where the living area, dining area, and kitchen share a common space.
Aesthetic Appeal: The unique architectural feature of a sunken living room adds an element of sophistication and modernity to your home décor. It can act as a conversation starter when you have guests over.
Enhanced Acoustics: The lowered space can help contain sound in the conversation pit, making it an ideal setting for watching movies or listening to music without disturbing others in the house.
Safety for Kids: The lowered area, surrounded by raised edges, can provide a safe play area for children, preventing toys from scattering around the house.
Versatility: A sunken living room can also double up as a personal reading nook, a mini home theatre, or even a cozy spot for an indoor picnic.
Tips for Designing a Stylish and Functional Sunken Living Room
When planning for home additions in Maryland, particularly a sunken living room, you should consider several factors to ensure that your new space is both stylish and functional.
Consult Professionals: Home additions can be complex and, when it comes to altering floor levels, it is crucial to involve a professional. They will assess the foundation and other structural elements to ensure the safety and feasibility of your project.
Design Consistency: Your sunken living room should blend seamlessly with the rest of your home’s interior design. Choose colors, materials, and architectural details that complement existing elements.
Lighting: Make sure your sunken living room gets ample natural and artificial light to prevent it from feeling like a basement. Skylights, floor lamps, and recessed lighting can all contribute to a well-lit space.
Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the sunken living room, especially if there are elderly people or children in the house. Adding a few steps or a small ramp can ensure easy movement.
Furniture: Choose comfortable and durable furniture that suits the lowered seating area. Remember the purpose of a sunken living room is to create an intimate and comfortable space for conversation and relaxation.
Maintenance: If you have kids or pets, choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain for the lowered area.
By following these tips, you can create a sunken living room that will enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home, making it a notable feature in home additions in Maryland.
How a Sunken Living Room Can Add Value to Your Home and Attract Potential Buyers
A sunken living room is not just a design feature; it’s a value-add for your home. Potential buyers are often attracted to unique, functional features that set a home apart, and a sunken living room does just that. It is a standout element that can make your property more appealing on the real estate market.
From an architectural perspective, a sunken living room creates a dynamic visual interest that adds depth and complexity to a home’s layout. This can make your property stand out among a sea of standard layouts, giving it a distinct selling point that could lead to a higher sale price.
Functionally, a sunken living room offers a versatile space that can be adapted to different needs, whether it’s for entertaining, a play area for kids, or a quiet reading nook. This adaptability is a significant draw for buyers who value flexibility in a home’s design.
Finally, the unique retro-modern appeal of a sunken living room can be a compelling selling point for buyers looking for a home with character and a sense of uniqueness. This charm can often translate into a higher perceived value and, ultimately, a higher selling price.
Creative Ways To Incorporate Other Elements Into Your Sunken Living Room
Adding Greenery: Enhance the coziness of your sunken living room by incorporating indoor plants. They not only purify the air but also add a touch of nature to your space, making it more lively and fresh.
Incorporating a Fireplace: A fireplace can serve as a stunning focal point for a sunken living room, adding warmth and a cozy ambiance to the area. This is particularly beneficial in colder climates or for people who enjoy the mesmerizing view of a crackling fire.
Installing a Projection Screen: Transform your sunken living room into a mini home theater by installing a projection screen. This can provide an immersive viewing experience for movie nights or major sporting events.
Incorporating Art Pieces: Displaying art pieces or sculptures can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the room. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style and match the overall decor theme.
Adding a Coffee Table or Centerpiece: A unique coffee table or centerpiece can add an element of interest to the room. It also provides a convenient spot for placing drinks, snacks, or reading materials.
Including Accent Lighting: Accent lighting can enhance the mood and showcase architectural details or art pieces. Consider adding some strategically placed floor lamps or pendant lights.
Incorporating Throw Pillows and Rugs: Soft furnishings like throw pillows and rugs can increase the comfort level of your sunken living room, making it an even more inviting space. Choose colors and patterns that complement your existing decor.
About Chesapeake Shores
Chesapeake Shores is a family-owned and operated contractor serving the Maryland community for over 20 years. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, from custom cabinetry to creating luxurious countertops. Our team of experienced professionals goes above and beyond to ensure that your project is completed properly and on time. With our expertise, you can trust that your kitchen will be transformed into a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Contact us at 4109896288 to get started on your dream kitchen remodel!