There’s something special about a fireplace. It’s more than just a heat source—it’s the heart of a room. When we moved into our home, I knew the existing brick fireplace wasn’t going to be the forever moment. It felt heavy and dark, and didn’t match the light, calm feeling we wanted to create throughout the rest of the space.

So I partnered with Ortal to reimagine what a fireplace could be—modern, realistic, and beautifully integrated into the design of the room.

The Before: A Classic But Dated Look

Our original fireplace had a traditional red brick façade, an arched inset, and a hearth that jutted into the room. While it had character, it visually dominated the space and didn’t feel like us. It was time for a fresh start.

Why Ortal?

When it came time to choose a new fireplace, I did a lot of research—and Ortal stood out immediately.

Here are a few reasons:

• Hyper-realistic flame technology: It looks just like a wood-burning fire—without the mess.
• Safe & sealed: The glass front stays cool to the touch, which gave me peace of mind with kids in the house.
• Flexible venting options: We were able to install it exactly where we wanted without compromising the look of the wall or ceiling.
• Customizable style: The minimalist design allowed us to finish the surround in a way that matched our overall aesthetic.

The Process: From Demo to Completion

We stripped the wall back to the studs, framed out a new surround, and ran all new venting for the Ortal insert. Watching the wall take shape—smooth drywall, marble surround, and eventually, our final styling—was one of the most satisfying parts of the renovation.

The After!

The final result is everything I hoped for. The Ortal fireplace brings instant coziness to the room while feeling sleek and high-end. We chose a clean-lined marble surround that matched out kitchen to keep things feeling light and polished, and topped it off with a Frame TV that doubles as artwork when not in use.

I can honestly say that this fireplace makes the room. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in—and every time I light it, I’m reminded why investing in quality, thoughtful design is always worth it.