Both designers and homeowners have plenty of options when selecting a fireplace. Aesthetics are, of course, a major factor, but many modern fireplace manufacturers offer similar-looking options for corner, tunnel, and space creator models. With so many contemporary fireplace options, it can be difficult for consumers to distinguish the differences between them. 

For many people, when they envision a fireplace, the mantel above it is a key feature. It’s where keepsakes, family photos, and other decor are displayed. It’s a place where seasonal decorations come out of storage once a year to spark fond memories. In many homes, the mantel is the centerpiece of the room.

Green building has shifted from being an emerging trend to a choice that the majority of people are making. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 57 percent of building owners plan to make their projects green by 2021. One reason for this is that tenants seek out LEED buildings because they provide value through lower operating costs and higher employee productivity and retention. LEED buildings also have a higher resale value, so they’re smart investments for your clients. 

Once you’ve gone through the schematic design process and decided that your client wants to include a fireplace, you have to decide which model is right. Choosing the best gas fireplace for your design isn’t always easy. There are plenty of options available, and not all of them have the same features. Analyzing the following key features can help you come to a decision that both honors your design and ensures that your clients get exactly what they want.

At 230,000 square feet, the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Center in Saint-Hyacinthe, Montérégie is the largest convention and exhibitions center outside the Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. The multifunctional building features 30 furnished rooms for events, with a very large main room, two-story meeting rooms, private executive rooms and a business lounge.

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 20^th century, it caused a seismic shift in design theory, discarding old ideas about decorative beauty and replacing them with an emphasis on pure functionality.

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.

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.

 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 magic, transforming a family’s dated log-cabin interior into a polished modern abode.

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.