Of all the different styles that have surfaced over the centuries, Modern is perhaps the single biggest influence on today’s approaches to interior design. From its inception in the early years of the 20th century, it caused a seismic shift in design theory, discarding old ideas about decorative beauty and replacing them with an emphasis […]
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The average person spends around half of their waking life at work. Considering the sheer number of hours most of us spend at work each week, workplace atmosphere matters—a lot. Architects and interior designers are challenged with creating good working environments that are not only innovative and edgy, but also functional and comfortable for employees. […]
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It’s hard to imagine a time when there were almost no accommodations for people with disabilities—in public spaces, homes, or transportation. Yet, many disabled people can still vividly remember the challenges of trying to get around and work in a world designed exclusively for the able-bodied people. Then came the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). […]
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If you’re considering buying a fixer upper or your existing home needs a serious makeover, deciding whether to remodel or rebuild can be an agonizing decision. Which option—renovating or rebuilding—is more cost-effective is also a hotly debated topic among contractors, architects, and real estate pros. Rebuilding allows you to make your dreams (or your client’s) […]
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When we review interior design styles and how they came about, it is not uncommon to find one style influenced another. For instance, the modern style of the early to mid-20th century paved the way for the contemporary style, which is sometimes also called “modern contemporary.” This design style came about as a response to […]
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The maze of cubicles and impenetrable executive suites that once defined office spaces are in precipitous decline. Inspired by Silicon Valley giants like Google and Facebook, companies everywhere are embracing offices with open floor plans. In fact, as of 2014, around 70 percent of offices had already made the transition to an open office plan […]
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At Ortal, we know your priority is providing your clients with value at every turn—whether you’re an interior designer, an architect, or a builder. Clients today expect energy-efficient appliances with advanced technology and safety features. Ortal has developed some of the most skillfully-designed, energy-efficient luxury fireplaces in the industry—and that translates to real, sustained savings […]
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For more than 30 years Ortal has helped pave the way in modern gas fireplace design and elevate the interior design of countless homes, luxury hotels and spas, upscale restaurants, and other establishments across North America and around the world. Today, Ortal is the premier designer and builder of high-quality frameless gas fireplaces. The Most […]
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Ortal has long been recognized as a global innovator of modern fireplace design. Our engineers and designers have been hard at work for more than 30 years refining the cutting-edge technology and sleek design elements that make Ortal fireplaces the preferred choice among architects, builders, and interior designers for luxury home interior projects. A Legacy […]
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Winter is upon us, and that means more time indoors bundled up in your favorite blanket with a hot drink. What better time than a cold fall or winter day to gather around a warm fire and enjoy some family time? Here are a handful of family-friendly activities that just might inspire your household to […]
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Homes.com set out to uncover what Americans want in a dream home by conducting a survey. They asked 2,000 people to envision their dream home. Across the board, fireplaces were a top priority for people of all ages. The responses ranged from predictable to somewhat surprising, and there were some significant differences between generations. Baby […]
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A traditional fireplace mantel not only has a warm and inviting design; it also serves as a place to showcase treasures. With advancements in technology, it is now possible to have a traditional modern fireplace without the mess and hazards of burning wood. “Traditional modern” may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s precisely the look […]
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The fall season is upon us. The leaves are changing. There’s a chill in the air. It’s the perfect time to replace the inoperable fireplace that’s taking up precious wall space, or the outdated unit that long ago lost its luster. Your Fireplace: Reimagined Whether you’re converting a wood-burning hearth to a gas-burning direct-vent fireplace […]
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Whether to mount a TV over a fireplace continues to be a hotly debated issue by designers. Some have raised concerns about heat damage to sensitive electrical components as reasons to avoid installing a flat-screen television above the hearth. However, with the proper technology and equipment, Cool Wall Technology can provide a solution. At Ortal […]
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Ortal Fireplace Featured on HGTV’s Hit Series “Property Brothers: Buying and Selling” Ortal is thrilled to have been featured in a recently aired episode of the ever-popular “Property Brothers” franchise. In the episode (Season 7, Episode 14), which aired on October 17 at 9:00pm EST, twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott once again worked their […]
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Burning wood for heat is a practice as old as humanity, yet it’s no longer necessary to the extent it once was. Technological advancements have inspired the development of cleaner, more efficient, elegant modern fireplaces that provide all the benefits of wood-burning hearths with significantly less maintenance and virtually effortless operation. It’s no surprise, then, […]
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“Ooh, look—the room has a fireplace, too.” These words are music to a hotelier’s ears. A breathtaking view, a glimmering fireplace, an in-suite jacuzzi bath—it’s details like these that inspire people to click “book now.” Savvy hotel owners know that complementary Wi-Fi, parking, continental breakfast and a fully-stocked minibar are just not enough to cut […]
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Atmosphere is a critical component of the restaurant dining experience—in fact, some studies have found it’s just as important as an establishment’s menu.1 Lighting, artwork, spacing, music, and furnishings commingle to create the character of a space. The atmosphere of your restaurant affects how much time guests spend at your establishment, their spending behavior while […]
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Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, designer, or architect, Ortal can help you prepare for your next modern fireplace installation and anticipate challenges along the way to help you avoid costly and time-consuming setbacks. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider as you plan your next gas fireplace installation project. Decide on a fireplace model […]
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Ortal recently partnered with DesignAgency on the installation of a contemporary Ortal fireplace at the Fairmont Tremblant, a landmark ski-in, ski-out hotel in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. The award-winning Toronto-based design firm was commissioned to revamp the popular hotel’s brasserie, Choux Gras, whose menu features high-quality fresh, local, and seasonal fare. The firm had specific requirements for […]
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Architects and builders have trusted Ortal fireplaces for over three decades. That’s because we manufacture modern gas fireplaces that meet modern needs—fireplaces known throughout the world for their beauty, efficiency, and safety. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of an Ortal fireplace. Beauty When a client looks at a fireplace, the first thing […]
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It’s spring. Time to sweep away the dust, clean out the closets and bring out the flowers. For many, it’s also the perfect time to rethink the kitchen or remodel the master bedroom. If you want a spring project that’s more ambitious than wiping down the counters and less intensive than a full home renovation, […]
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Why should beauty and comfort stay indoors? Indoor/outdoor fireplaces, one of the latest trends in luxury living and entertaining, bridge the divide between architectural planning and interior design, between indoor coziness and outdoor luxury. They may be more expensive to buy and more complex to install, but those who want the ultimate fireplace experience will […]
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A fireplace in the kitchen? Why not? They’ve become nearly as popular as islands and stainless steel appliances, in recent years, and the reason is simple. They’re unique. Unexpected. Enchanting. Cozy. Last, but not least, they’re warm, which makes all the difference if you struggle with long winters, big kitchens, and cold floors. With the […]
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Between the merely functional and the purely aesthetic lies the true home. Those spaces that invite you in, then make you feel safe, comfy and relaxed. The rooms that appeal not only to the eyes, but to the whole person. But what does it? What separates a pleasant room from a practical room? How can […]
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It’s easy to fall in love with a Lyric indoor fireplace. Beautiful, cozy, versatile, efficient—it’s everything you could want in one convenient package. Here’s why Ortal’s latest line of modern fireplaces is winning hearts and minds all over the world. Beautiful Ortal has long been a world leader in fireplace design, and we didn’t hold […]
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For years, Ortal has led the way in modern gas fireplace design and technology. Now, we’re reinventing hearth and home once again with our Lyric indoor fireplaces, our newest line of direct-vent gas fireplaces. When we established Lyric, we reinvented our fireplaces with a different kind of space and buyer in mind. The goal was […]
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Why do people still thrill at the sight of a fireplace? Why do fireplace designs still have the power to captivate? Why do they still raise the value of any home? Why will they never, ever go out of style? Here are five reasons the fireplace is the most enduring feature of the home. The […]
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In a previous post, we talked about how to upgrade your mantel so that it belongs in the 21st Century. Now it’s time to modernize the rest of your fireplace with the latest designs and the most up-to-date technology. Whether you have a Traditional Fireplace complete with a mantel and hearth, or a contemporary Tunnel […]
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Mantels may be associated with the traditional fireplaces of yesterday, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone the way of the chimney and the wood-burning fireplace. Indeed, modern fireplaces haven’t killed the mantel; they’ve forced it to evolve. Updated designs and new materials have transformed the most time-honored fireplace element and brought it into to the […]
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Canadian winters are famous for being frigid. Unless you head west to the B.C. coast, you’re in for some bone-chilling temperatures. So, how do you keep the chill (and the boredom) at bay? How do you survive the winter with your toes and your sanity intact? It’s simple. You light a fire (or, at the […]
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When you think of a fireplace, you think of the living room or perhaps the family room. Yet the modern fireplace, with its infinite design possibilities, has so much more potential. With Ortal’s advanced technology, there’s no longer a limit to where you can place it. Fortunately, more designers and homeowners are thinking beyond the […]
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You’ve selected a stunning, front-facing modern fireplace for the living room. Or perhaps a corner fireplace for the bedroom. You know where you’re going to place it. You know it’s going to look stunning. Now it’s time for installation. That may sound easy enough, but it gets complex quickly. Before adding a fireplace to an […]
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You can install the most beautiful gas fireplace in the world, but, if you haven’t put much thought into the fireplace surround, you’ll never reach your full design potential. So, what are the hottest fireplace trends for 2018? What materials and styles are exciting homeowners, designers, and architects around the world? From ultra-modern metallic porcelain […]
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Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all fireplaces. Now, Ortal makes linear gas fireplaces to suit every personality. These days, you can personalize your fireplace to satisfy your own aesthetic sensibilities. Pick your model—traditional, see-through, corner, three-sided. Choose your media—glass, faux wood, ceramic pebbles. Create a surround out of brick, stone, concrete, marble, or any other […]
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Everyone loves a good fireplace, whether they live in southern California or the North Pole. Still, in some places, a fireplace isn’t so much a luxury as an essential part of life. How can you be sure you absolutely need one? If you don’t already know, we’ve compiled a list of five American cities in […]
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Gas fireplaces are far safer than their wood-burning counterparts—no matches, no smoke, no sparks, no backdrafts, no soot—but that doesn’t mean owners should ignore basic precautions. Here are a few things you can do to minimize the dangers posed by even the safest modern fireplace. Pay Attention to Clearance Zones Ortal’s Cool Wall technology makes […]
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One common problem homeowners face when renovating their homes, if they want to add a fireplace, is where it can be placed in the room. In the past, you were limited to specific locations due to venting requirements. These inconveniences required making alterations to your interior designs, resulting in a fireplace in a location where […]
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What do buyers look for in a new home? A big living room? A spacious master bedroom? A winding staircase? Any number of features can make potential homeowners swoon, but one element consistently shows up on every wish list: a gas fireplace. According to Realtor.com, home buyers value fireplaces more than they want wood floors, […]
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Why own a gas fireplace? You’ve heard all the usual reasons—they’re cozy; they’re beautiful; they’re efficient—but there’s more to the modern fireplace than warmth and charm. Today, you can install a fireplace that’s smart, efficient, stylish, and fully customizable. Here are five surprising benefits of having a fireplace made by Ortal. You Get a Piece […]
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For over three decades, Ortal has manufactured high-end fireplaces that push the limits of design and technology. Now, we’re proud to unveil the Lyric Line, a series of beautiful modern gas fireplaces designed for consumers who want all the advantages of an Ortal fireplace with even greater value. Beauty Ortal fireplaces are renowned for their […]
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When your ancestors installed a fireplace, they were looking for one thing: heat. When your great-grandparents built theirs, they not only wanted warmth, they also hoped to create a cozy, homelike atmosphere. Over the past few generations, fireplaces have lost none of their age-old appeal. Modern fireplaces still bring warmth and cheer. They still act […]
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Frameless fireplaces may not be new—Ortal has been perfecting the look for decades—but they still represent the future of modern fireplace design. Of course, every designer has his or her own take on upcoming trends—that list of hot styles, colors, and materials that will make 2018 a year to remember—but with their infinite design possibilities […]
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Interior design trends come and go, but the fireplace remains an eternal fixture of any gathering space. Of course, like all design elements, fireplaces evolve. Over the past few years, modern gas fireplaces have replaced traditional wood-burning models, and superior technology continues to break down design obstacles. So, what will the next five years bring? […]
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It’s never been easier for architects and designers to stay up on the latest trends, happenings, and ideas. Beyond trade shows and magazines, they now have a world of knowledge at their fingertips in the form of podcasts. From the wonder of see-through modern fireplaces to the challenges of the modern city, the following podcasts […]
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For the ultimate in luxury living, architects and designers turn to the indoor/outdoor fireplace, a modern masterpiece of fireplace design. This contemporary gas fireplace bridges the interior with the exterior to create a stunning, three-dimensional tableau. Of course, with Ortal’s heat-producing fireplaces, you get not only architectural grandeur, but also warmth, comfort, and efficiency. Here […]
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Want to enjoy the beauty of tradition without sacrificing the convenience of modernity? Ortal’s traditional gas fireplaces combine the best of both worlds. Here, old-school charm meets new-world efficiency. With Ortal, you get advanced technology, limitless design possibilities, and the freedom to choose the fireplace of your dreams. Enjoy the Comfortable Heat Some fireplaces run […]
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Modern gas fireplaces are clean. They’re efficient. They’re beautiful, featuring sleek lines and streamlined designs. There’s only one drawback: the heat. Those elegant glass panels that grace the front of most modern fireplaces can get hot—extremely hot. Hence, the need for heat barriers. Yet, how do you protect people from burns without detracting from the […]
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Compared with traditional fireplaces, three-sided fireplaces offer less structure and more flame. With a firebox that’s visible from the front and sides, and a sleek design that possesses an unmistakably modern charm, these contemporary fireplaces have become increasingly popular among design-conscious homeowners and luxury apartment dwellers, not to mention commercial establishments (think high-end hotels and […]
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Beware the hidden costs of fireplace solutions. That’s a good piece of advice whether you’re purchasing an app or buying a home. Fireplaces are no exception. Impressive (read: high) price tags can deceive the savviest consumer. What are you really getting in return for your investment? Most manufacturers won’t tell you about the hidden charges […]
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Think of a fireplace, and you picture a flame enclosed in a wall, yet the modern fireplace is a multifaceted wonder. Versatile and innovative, it can adapt to any setting and every style. Nowhere is that more apparent than with Ortal’s island and curved fireplaces—the latest marvels of the interior design world. Position an island […]
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The modern fireplace transcends function. Today, homeowners strive for more than a warm glow. They’re looking for limitless design. They demand cutting-edge efficiency. Featuring elegant contours and superior technology, Ortal’s linear line of contemporary fireplaces offers a triumph of form and function, transforming mere walls into stunning masterpieces. A Fireplace for Any Space Luxury fireplaces […]
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Why are Ortal’s direct vent gas fireplaces superior? Fewer safety concerns mean fewer regulations and fewer compliance costs. That equals smarter building. The open flame has always captivated the imagination, but it can also pose safety concerns. That’s why governments around the world have enacted strict rules and regulations—to ensure that fireplaces and surrounding structures […]
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Want the warmth of a fireplace without the safety and environmental concerns that keep other Massachusetts residents up at night? Choose Ortal’s direct vent gas fireplaces. Modern. Beautiful. Safe. Clean. What Does Massachusetts Say About Fireplaces? Read the Massachusetts Building Code, and you’ll notice an entire section on chimneys, fireplaces, and solid-fuel-burning appliances. The section […]
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You want to install a beautifully designed, modern fireplace in your next commercial or residential project. You want warmth. You want beauty. You want safety. You want efficiency. The last thing you want is to get hit with a housing code violation in DC. How do you find the perfect fireplace that stays within the […]
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Why waste time and money bringing a masonry fireplace up to compliance when you can get a safe, green, and fully compliant direct vent gas fireplace from Ortal? The Problem with Building Codes Complying with regulations may be one of the most daunting tasks facing builders, architects, and contractors. It doesn’t help that Illinois is […]
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Deciding to add a fireplace to your residential or commercial space in Washington is easy. Complying with government regulations can prove more challenging. Before construction can even begin, you have to wade through countless state ordinances and local building codes. Designed to keep pollution at bay and residents safe, the regulations outline what you can […]
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Tunnel fireplaces, modular fireplaces, island fireplaces—modern fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes and bear all sorts of names. You can place them in columns. You can put them in corners. You can install them anywhere, from the dining room to the master suite bathroom. They can connect the parlor with the patio. They can […]
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Corner fireplaces are among the most versatile of all hearth styles. A contemporary corner fireplace brings distinct advantages—it can be incorporated into small or tight spaces, and the angular, three-dimensional design adds visual interest to any room. Ahead we explore the advantages and possibilities of corner fireplaces. A Beautiful Space-Saving Solution Rather than taking up […]
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Introducing the Modular Fireplace: More fireplace. Less clutter. Humans have lit fires since the beginning of time. Once a matter of bare necessity—a source of warmth and a tool for cooking—fires have long since evolved into a symbol of modern comfort and luxury. Over the years, innovators like Ortal have pushed the limits of modern […]
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By providing visibility and exposure on both sides of a wall, Ortal’s tunnel fireplaces are a stylish and versatile way to divide any space. With sleek lines and a see-through design, these modern updates on the traditional fireplace provide warmth and beauty on both sides of a room or on the interior and exterior of […]
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The California Building Code is strict and comprehensive. It sets rigorous standards for the design, construction, and remodeling of buildings. There’s no detail too small to fall under its purview, and that includes fireplaces. Every time a builder or contractor installs a new fireplace in a California home, they must first check each feature to […]
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What Is a Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace? Most contemporary fireplaces need a buffer zone or a clearance area—they must not sit in or around any combustible materials or they may give off enough heat to spark a fire. Zero-clearance fireplaces are an exception. They feature fireboxes made of materials (primarily metal) that reduce temperature buildup. […]
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You may know that a crackling fire can add charm and ambiance to any room; you may know that a modern fireplace can enhance your décor, but did you know these surprising (and useful) facts about gas fireplaces? Fact #1: A Modern Fireplace Can Save Energy Did you know a modern fireplace is a green […]
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From modern gas fireplaces to vessel sinks, there are plenty of creative ideas to inspire your quest to find the perfect look for your bathroom. It may not be the first room you think of decorating. It’s probably the smallest room you’ll renovate. That doesn’t make the bathroom any less important. It’s where you prepare […]
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Whether your home is Colonial revival, farmhouse, or Craftsman, the right fireplace design allows you to express your personal style turning a room into a conversation. Fireplaces have helped create inviting gathering spaces through the ages—a tradition that lives on today. Here are five design ideas for modern vs. contemporary interior design fireplace solutions. […]
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If you haven’t yet heard, Ortal is hosting a design contest. We’ve asked interior decorators, architects, and general contractors across the country to show us how they Ortal. We want to showcase the incredible ways in which designers are incorporating Ortal’s modern fireplaces into their client’s commercial and residential spaces. The contest is far from over, but we’ve already received some incredible entries. We wanted to give you a sneak peek at some of the wonderful designs that have come our way. Now, for the finest in modern fireplace design…
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Energized by the success of the popular, new Ortal fireplace design competition with Dwell in Los Angeles in March 2017, Ortal is pleased to spring into the May design season in New York. With the intent of educating the marketplace about Ortal custom designs for architecture and design, the brand intends to host a series of […]
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“The World’s Biggest Show for the Combination of Water and Energy” Following the epic annual HPBExpo in Atlanta held early March, Ortal is pleased to be exhibiting and participating in the world’s largest show for trends in fireplace design for the home at ISH 2017 Frankfurt, beginning on March 14th at the Ortal Heating Solutions booth […]
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Looking for inspiration for your next major interior design project, or want ideas to help you freshen up your space? Instagram is the place to find it. The days of flipping through stacks of glossy magazines to find inspiring new design ideas are fading. Today more and more designers are using sites like Instagram and […]
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LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to promote more sustainable building. The aim of LEED is to promote energy savings, improve indoor air quality, reduce carbon emissions, improve water efficiency, reduce waste sent to landfills, protect natural resources, and […]
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When looking for a new home, most people worry about the structure of the house, how many bedrooms it has, or what kind of neighborhood the house is in. There is always a laundry list of must-haves for new homeowners. There is a way to get your perfect dream house and have everything on your new homeowner checklist list crossed off. Build as you go, nothing’s better than a making a house a home. Making a house into your home is even more special than buying it with everything you want. One hot button item that people mark as a must on their laundry list of must-haves would be a fireplace.
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When we envision our fireplace at home we mostly think of it as the center of warmth for the household; an area everyone comes together, converses, and feels at home. An area in the center of the living room comes to mind because it is often an inviting space, and how better to invite a family member or guest inside then a warm fireplace welcoming them? With this in mind, it may seem like the traditional area for the fireplace
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The kitchen is the most used room in the average home (a quick Google search confirms this). It’s no surprise, really. Food brings us together, and for the culinarily-gifted among us, cooking is often much more than a necessary chore—it’s an enjoyable, creative outlet, and even a stress reliever. Make this important space all your […]
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How you arrange your furniture around an existing fireplace or design a room with a fireplace from the ground up depends largely on how you want to use the space. Below we present five ideas for creating an inviting seating arrangement around a fireplace. The Family Room Creating a warm gathering space for the family […]
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The New Year is an exciting time for many reasons, not the least of which is the highly-anticipated home décor and color trend predictions for the coming year.
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Not only have modern innovations greatly expanded where fireplaces can be installed, cutting-edge technology has dramatically enhanced the aesthetics and design possibilities for today’s contemporary fireplace.
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With the dual opening of IBS and KBIS last week in Orlando, global design and manufacturing brands showcased the latest in high technology materials, appliances and lifestyle products.
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An average fireplace helps heat a home. An outstanding fireplace provides warmth, acts as the focal point of a space, and inspires people to come together.
One of the challenges with traditional wood-burning fireplaces, as well as most direct vent models, is the limitation on which materials can be used around the fireplace opening. Artwork, electronics, and wall finishing materials like wood, marble, and steel cannot typically be placed around traditional fireplaces because of the excessive heat the units generate.
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-by Tali Hardonag, Architect- A small mid-century tract home in the Coastwise neighborhood of Midtown Palo Alto was renovated and expanded to create an open flowing space for hosting and entertaining. Blending rustic elements with modern forms, a light filled great room concept evolved.
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Our fireplaces now features a screen for our Front, LS, RS, TS, Tunnel and Space Creator series. A glass bracket at the corner maintains the taut screen tension for our multi-sided fireplaces. The screens have no metal and offer an attractive, sleek design.
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For all AIA members, you can now familiarize yourself with Ortal and earn credit at the same time through our course on AEC Daily
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Ortal fireplaces aren’t just heating up homes, but our products have been received warmly by many wonderful blogs across the Internet. From brief shoutouts to full articles, accolades and galleries, we’re heating up! Check it out, here
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Framing Installation REMINDERS! All the framing surrounding the unit should be detached and free from the unit. Follow all the clearances around the fireplace. Fireplace clearances can be downloaded here: Download Keep the firebox unit free from additional weight. Unit should stand as if an…
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