This Is the Retro Living Room Trend Designers Want to See Make a Comeback (It’s So Controversial!)
Living room trends are always fluctuating — whether it’s a new sofa silhouette or popular upholstery — which means endless decorating and personalization options. When it comes to planning the layout of a living room, though, you may not feel particularly creative, especially in a tight space. If you’re currently in a styling rut, know that there’s one old-school living room setup that designers are (surprisingly!) advocating for in 2025, and it’s the perfect cozy arrangement to consider this year.
As part of Apartment Therapy’s fifth annual The State of Home Design Survey, which launched last month, our team polled 154 design experts on their top 2025 home trend predictions — from up-and-coming bedroom paint colors to the decor style that’s likely on its way out. We even asked these pros about the one controversial living room feature they’re ready to see make a comeback this year, and the majority said sunken living rooms or conversation pits.
Yes, believe it or not, this mid-century modern architectural throwback is still seemingly winning over designers today. “We LOVE sunken living rooms, with big built in sectionals,” says Massachusetts-based designer Carly Shafiroff. “They are sexy, luxe, and inviting!”
Sunken living rooms might come off as overly dated or impractical, but the multilevel feature actually has potential to help foster more connection in a cozy, cocoon-like environment. “With today’s focus on creating intimate, functional spaces, the conversation pit offers a perfect way to bring people together in a dedicated, comfortable zone,” says Florida-based designer Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. “It’s a bold choice but brings unmatched style and connection to the heart of the home.”
You don’t need a time capsule home or living room reno to channel this retro trend in the 21st century, if you’re feeling adventurous enough to do so! In fact, you can fake the look simply by creating a “conversation vignette” and style two sofas facing each other — which just happens to be another living room configuration that designers currently love, based on the 2025 The State of Home Design Survey results. Or, use the corners of the room to your advantage and arrange deep, modular seating into an L-shaped setup. Either way, choose furniture that’s low to the ground.
And if you just so happen to have a sunken living room (or it’s on your dream home wish list), there are ways to make it feel more contemporary. “While it may feel unconventional in today’s open-plan layouts, a modernized conversation pit offers a unique way to define space and add architectural interest,” adds designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt. “It can be designed with plush cushions, textured upholstery, and layered lighting for a fresh, comfortable twist on this classic feature.”
Trends are cyclical, after all, so consider this your sign to make 2025 the year of the sunken living room resurgence — it’s nostalgic, designer-approved, and easy to “fake” in your own space for a cozy aesthetic.
Further Reading
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
