In Desperate Need of D&R Help

HollyMichelle

This is probably a nest first but here goes.  My LR/DR combo is straight out of the 70's, including a sunken conversation pit.  I HATE it, hubby loves it, kids love it.  It's a great play area for them but it is UGLY.  I don't have a pic (I'm too ashamed to take one) but it's similar to the photo below.  I happened to find this one at uglyhouses.com.  Showed it to DH, he still loves that darn pit.  Mine isn't quite this ugly but pretty close and the layout is the same.  My DR sits right where this one does.  To the left is the entry way, in front is a very large living area, the kitchen is behind the fireplace.  I don't have much money to spend but I'm planning a mini makeover.  I would love your ideas on what to do?  I wouldn't even know what kind of worker to call to fill it in, concrete person, I guess.  Would you keep this hideous thing if your family loved it?  If so, any ideas on how to make it a little less ugly?  Even if it's filled in, it leaves the fireplace just sitting there in a wide open area.  If I fill it in, how could I place furniture, or what could I put where the pit is now?  

                

clea

Well for one, if you keep it long enough it will be back in style. haha

On the other hand, I had a whole sunken livingroom, just 1 step down.  I had the whole thing filled in.  They used rebar so it would tie in securely, but it was a big area.

I have not regretted it - ever.  It opened up the room so much and made us wonder why we hadn't done it sooner.

You'll need someone to oversee the entire project, not just the concrete.  You have electrical and the wall removal, too.

SoftSpot

I think you should fill it in & create a little seating area there. Get a couple chairs, a table & a rug all facing the fireplace. 

Ditto the PP on getting a pro contractor that will likely sub some things out.  

HollyMichelle

thanks for the input.  I don't have electrical thank goodness, and mine isn't really a wall.  It's just plywood covered in carpet (yikes) so I think I can do that part.  Keep the comments coming, please. 

MeghanC 1028

What is under the higher part of the floor, concrete or floor joists?  How much does it step down?  If there is enough space you could anchor joist hangers to the existing floor system and do wood joists with a plywood subfloor.  Probably 2x10s at 16" on center. 

Mrs.G123

My ILs had theirs filled in. Dirt/sand then concrete. No electrical or drywall, either. I am sure your kids love it but they will get over it

dr.girlfriend

I don't know if I would choose it for my house, but given that you have it I think it's kind of cool.  :-D  If it were the one in the picture, I would do bookcases around those three sides with storage, etc.  Can you fit a comfy couch down there, or are you restricted by the size of the pit?  I think with wood floors and a gorgeous rug down there it would look supercool.

dr.girlfriend

Check this out!

http://www.midcenturia.com/2011/05/miller-house-is-open.html