12 Great Conversation Spaces and What They Want You to Talk About
Comfortable surroundings encourage connecting
Spaces made for conversation are places you want to sink into for a nice, long chat. Comfortable furniture for everyone is a must, and something to prop your feet on is a big bonus. A place to set a drink and snacks is always a good thing. Some spaces are intimate and made for two, while others encourage a larger group. These cushy and inviting surroundings call out for long talks, whether you’re making plans, recapping the day or spilling the tea.
Armchairs in the bedroom. This sitting area requires making your partner go out and fetch the newspaper in bare feet while you make coffee. Then scurry back upstairs, still in your PJs, and spread the paper out on the ottoman. Share headlines and shocking tidbits from the stories you choose.
Dynamic design in the family room. Vibrant colors and playful architecture make this just the spot to lay out some after-school snacks and catch up with your kids. Find out what they’d like to do that weekend, which assignments they need to tackle first and what the best part of their day was.
A bit of spa style on the patio. These cocoon-like woven chairs are made for two very close friends to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight and sip lemonade. And talk about whatever is going on with Beyonce.
Tufted upholstery in the conservatory. Something about this sitting area is begging for gossip; perhaps it’s that naughty fringe on the ottoman. Fill the tray with cookies and tea and then spill some. Of course, if you and your friends don’t believe in gossip, look out at the garden and do what some Southerners do: preface it with “Y’all, we need to pray for [insert name here]. I heard the most terrible thing … ”
Up in the loft. These overstuffed chairs tucked up near the dark wood ceiling look oh so inviting. During a family gathering, whisk a family member from another generation in here. If you’re the younger one, find out what your elder’s childhood was like and capture the family stories. If you’re the elder, tell them.
Upstairs beach house nook. In the morning, pull the ottoman into the middle and share it while you make plans for the day. While you’re listening to the waves lap the shore, decide whether you’re going sailing, packing a picnic, touring lighthouses or making fairy houses.
Hearth room for two. Porter’s chairs were made to keep the drafts out and the heat around your body in. Somehow here they look serious, so roll with it. Light a fire and get advice from someone you trust about something that has been weighing heavily on your mind.
Cushy breakfast room. A lacy tablecloth, comfy wingback chairs and wide views out to the woods — just the spot to catch up with a loved one in the evening and discuss the future, whether it’s a vacation, your aspirations or what you want to do after you retire.
Living room bay. The tufted upholstery of the ottoman and the comfy armchairs say “feet up.” Retire here with friends after a day spent together at a bowling league, on a long hike or working on a Habitat for Humanity house. Toast and recap the day.
Leather-bound library. Deep, handsome armchairs, library lights, cozy throws, wood bookshelves — this is the type of conversation spot where you meet under the pretense of discussing the book club book, then drink a bunch of wine and talk about Ralph Fiennes instead.
Tucked-away patio. This is such a gracious and cozy outdoor nook, with its red and gold upholstery and classic wrought iron furniture. It’s just the right place to have the committee over for some party planning or to discuss neighborhood issues, then quickly digress into what the heck happened on that Shonda Rhimes show last night.
Bedroom tête-à-tête. Finally, the chaise lounge for two, also known as the tête-à-tête. Tête-à-tête indeed. This is a place where you have the kinds of conversations that go with a game of footsie, if you know what I mean.
Your turn: Does your house have a favorite conversation spot? Share it with us in the Comments.
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Your turn: Does your house have a favorite conversation spot? Share it with us in the Comments.
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16 Scrumptious Eat-In Kitchens and What They Want You to Serve