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-20^th century paved the way for the contemporary style, which is sometimes also called “modern contemporary.”

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 or taken steps in that direction, by lowering or eliminating partitions, for example, according to the International Facility Management Association.

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.

From string lights and chandeliers to table heaters and indoor/outdoor fireplaces, there are endless ways to brighten up a patio or outdoor room. Given all of the options, more and more people are opting for the classic style and warmth of outdoor fireplaces to make their summer nights more enjoyable.

You spend a great deal of time deciding what type of fireplace you want. You weigh all the options—a traditional mantle and hearth versus a sleek modern fireplace, a front-facing model versus a three-sided model, a stone or brick surround versus a marble or concrete surround—but how much time do you spend selecting your gas fireplace accessories, from the media to the lights, to the back paneling?

What Is a Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace?

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?

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 ensure that it complies with the regulations.

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.

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…