From The ’70s To The Present

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.

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Enhance Your Vision Without Material Limitations

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.

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Replacing Fire Pits with a Versatile Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace

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.

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Advantages of Gas vs. Electric Fireplaces

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. 

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Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: Expand Your Design Options with Ortal’s Power Vent Solutions

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. 

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Which Ortal Fireplace Best Suits Your Client’s Personality? [QUIZ]

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all fireplaces. Now, Ortal makes modern gas fireplaces to suit every personality. These days, you can personalize a fireplace to satisfy your client’s aesthetic sensibilities. Take the quiz below to see which Ortal fireplace best suits your client’s personality and explore Ortal's entire line of modern fireplace collections.

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Three Fireplaces, One Luxurious Mountain Home

 

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5 Creative Ways to Earn AIA Credits

The design and construction industry is constantly evolving, which is one reason professionals must continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. Design professionals who belong to the AIA must earn a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their membership credentials. Many states also require continuing education to renew licenses, and for designers who are not yet licensed, some AIA credits may count toward the experience prerequisite.

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5 Benefits of Incorporating Cool Wall Technology into your Fireplace Design

Many homeowners desire a space with a luxury fireplace as the focal point, especially when designing a new home. However, the limitations of conventional fireplaces can impact your ability to bring the design vision to life. Factors such as clearances and heat barriers can alter the intended design or prevent clients from using the space in the way they envision. For example, with a conventional fireplace, they might not be able to safely hang artwork or a television above it.

Cool Wall Technology opens up new possibilities, allowing you to design with more freedom. It also provides several long-term benefits to clients that go beyond the look and feel of luxury.

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5 Trends in Contemporary Living Room Design

Living room design has evolved over the decades from formal sitting rooms to a nexus of family entertainment to casual multipurpose rooms. One common thread throughout this evolution is that living room design is centered around creating spaces for people to gather. The elements in the space, finishes, and style of furniture all influence the look and feel of a living room. Whether the intent of the design is to create a strong first impression, to provide a cozy study space for the kids, to entertain guests, or all of the above, consider incorporating some of these five contemporary living room design ideas into your home.

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