During the renovation of a 1970s Lakeview residence in Calgary, Alberta, designer Lindsey Tsang of LD&A wanted to honor the original, multi-level design while updating the interior space. With its multiple, split-level transitions, a vaulted ceiling and wide, main-floor windows, the residence provided open concept spaces and unobstructed sight lines.

During the construction of a new home in Santa Monica, Calif., Dorothy Alon of Sophea Interior Design saw opportunities to complement and enhance the modern farmhouse style that characterized the home. The boutique firm, located in Encino, CA, specializes in providing interior design of high-end residential development and new construction for condominiums. For this project, Alon wanted to magnify the home’s visual appeal with a highly distinctive quartz material around the fireplace to serve as a focal point. Because quartz can crack under high heat, she was left with choice of choosing more a traditional material or finding a fireplace designed specifically to deflect heat.

People are spending a lot more time outdoors these days as a safer way to enjoy activities with friends and family. This includes going on hikes, having picnics, enjoying fire pits in the evenings, and more. Summer won’t last forever, and as the weather starts to get cooler, it might be time to think about replacing your outdoor fire pit with an indoor-outdoor fireplace that allows you to enjoy the comfort and companionship that a fire makes possible all year long.

Clients rely on designers to make recommendations about products based on both aesthetics and performance. When it comes to fireplaces, most people want something that not only looks great, but something that also provides functionality to keep them warm and cozy, especially in the colder months. Efficiency is also often a top priority, especially if occupants plan to use the fireplace for heat. 

Luxury gas fireplaces do more than just look fabulous, they also have the benefits of being safer and giving you more design freedom. Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces that could allow combustion gases to enter indoor spaces, direct vent gas fireplaces have a sealed combustion system that expels exhaust outside. The combustion air is also drawn directly from the outdoors, and a sealed glass front isolates the entire direct vent fireplace system from the interior spaces. 

Although it’s not common knowledge to the average consumer, designers know that the words “modern” and “contemporary” can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but when it comes to design, there are important distinctions. The difference between modern versus contemporary interior design is all about time. Modern design refers to a specific era in the past, and contemporary design pertains to an aesthetic that is popular in the moment. When it comes to including a fireplace in a space with a modern or contemporary design aesthetic, Ortal offers solutions that will fit any era.

In the modern age, many customers do online research before ever stepping foot inside a fireplace showroom. They often already have a sense of the style they want, how much they’re willing to invest, and which manufacturers align with their needs. When selecting a new luxury fireplace manufacturer to add to your inventory, you want to be confident that the brand you choose meets certain criteria. In addition to being a popular choice for your customers, you also want to know what they offer to support you, your customers, and the installation crew.

If you’re like the majority of people who are spending most of their time indoors these days, you’re probably looking for new ways to enjoy your home’s features. Whether we’re puttering around the kitchen preparing meals or creating a soothing space to enjoy a few moments of silence while the kids focus on homework, the many ways we use our spaces have changed.

Architects and designers have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment through the choices they make because buildings account for 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the emissions of new buildings can make a meaningful dent in overall emissions, contributing to the effort to curb climate change. This can be achieved with a focus on environmental design and by following a few key principles that bring buildings closer to net zero emissions and create healthier spaces for occupants.

For some clients, adding a modern fireplace installation to their home might feel like an intimidating hurdle. Get more clarity about your clients’ concerns and learn some of the most common myths that might be holding them back. The more prepared you are to answer questions about the modern fireplace you specify, the more likely it is to stay in the project. These FAQs should help you dispel some of the most common myths about modern fireplace installation.