From Julie & Janet:

Who can deny the elemental appeal of a campfire in your own backyard? When not in use, fire pits can be topped with a piece of wood to create a functional table.

Above: A fire pit in rural New York, in the home of Steven Harris and Lucien Rees Roberts; via PointClick Home, photograph by William Abranowicz.

Above: A minimal fire pit from the portfolio of photographer Dan Duchars.

Above: A simple concrete trough filled with recycled glass; via Sunset.

Above: A patio in LA by Barbara Bestor Architecture.

Above: A modern concrete fire pit by Mark Concrete, via Sunset.

Above: A water feature and fire pit by Dry Design.

Above: A simple concrete fire pit by Solus Decor.

Above: An outdoor space by LA-based John Dutton of Dutton Architects with garden designer William Nicholas of Nicholas Budd Architects.

Above: A concrete fire bowl by Ernsdorf Design; via Dwell.