On the rise: outdoor fire features set into the earth or a deck—a riff on cool 1970s conversation pits—that seat a host of toasty guests.

A conversation pit is a recessed or sunken living area with built-in seating, often surrounding a coffee table, fireplace, or fire pit. They are designed for both outdoors and indoors, and can ...

The somewhat controversial, somewhat sexy conversation pit has its benefits and downsides. The ‘70s conversation pit is making a comeback. The pros and pitfalls of this retro home design trend.

Fedosh had included a sunken outdoor seating area with a fire pit dramatically surrounded by water. The client loved it. “It’s the feature that grabbed him the most,” Fedosh recalls.