Book Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation Now and You Could Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop!

Book a kitchen or bath project with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre before August 31st, 2012, and you could win a granite or quartz countertop (up to a maximum of $5,000).

"Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop" Rules

1. Any kitchen or bathroom renovation project contracted with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre will be given one ballot to enter into the draw to win your granite or quartz countertop.
2. There is one prize available valued up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
3. All entries must be entered prior to August 31^st, 2012.
4. Your entry will be valid if your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre contract and deposit have been signed and collected prior to August 31^st, 2012.
5. The draw is open from June 1^st, 2012 until August 31^st, 2012.
6. The draw will be held on September 5^th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by a representative of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
7. By entering the draw, you consent to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, or its representatives,  the right to use the personal information you submitted on your entry form. You also give Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre the right to use your image, drawings, and project images for use in advertising.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is committed to your complete satisfaction. Drop by our Pickering showroom today and let us know how we can make your renovation dreams a reality!

What Will You Be Cooking in Your Kitchen this Christmas?

Whether you're preparing for Christmas in a newly designed kitchen or making design plans for the New Year, we thought we'd invite you into the kitchen of British cookbook author Nigella Lawson. In these two videos, Nigella makes a few Christmas favourites with her family.

Enjoy!

Looking Back: Top Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2011

Last May, The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed the standout design trends gleaned from the 2011 NKBA Design Competition.

"Each year, NKBA member designers exceed expectations and raise the standard we've come to anticipate from their entries in the NKBA Design Competition,” said 2011 NKBA President David Alderman. “NKBA designers continue to find surprising ways to incorporate complex design solutions and the latest technology into incredible kitchen and bathroom designs.”

From the NKBA website, here are the top 10 trends from the 2011 NKBA Design Competition:

1. Commitment to Color
“Clients and designers alike are making strong commitments to color. Vibrant colours are showing up in back splashes, counter tops and exotic wood color that’s smooth and fresh, and also refined enough to pair with the contemporary exotic wood cabinetry."



2. Tactile Appeal through Textures
“The use of actual and implied texture offers a tactile and visual feast. Lines, colors, and patterns can act as either a point of interest in a given space or a mellow background to a more prominent component.”
 

design: Kirsti Wolfe
photo: Paula Watts Photography

3. The Attributes of Glass
"Lighted panels of Mica art glass incorporated into the design of the volcanic stainless steel hood, the window in the door, and a glass tiled backsplash shining from behind granite countertops act as pops of color and light against the warmth of wood. In this example, they also help to provide cohesion, and as glass continues to be used in so many places and spaces, the application appears almost limitless."
 

MAAX Pearl Series Eterne

4. Freestanding and Angled Tubs
“Large freestanding tubs are taking front and center in bathroom design...freestanding tubs could be considered almost the norm, creating a focal point of near sculptural quality. Rounded, rectangular, and angled tubs are specified as an artistic accent that also provides a soothing soak. Whether situated on stones, wood flooring, or a low stage of sorts, the freestanding soaking tub is an integral part of many master or main bathrooms."
 

5. Espresso and Chocolate in Cabinetry
"Silky hues of chocolate and espresso are shimmering from the doors and drawer fronts of distinct cabinetry, incorporated into striking kitchens, ranging from contemporary to traditional. Natural finishes—absent glazing, distressing, and overall pomp and circumstance—are now found in many kitchen designs, as simple chocolate browns act as the smooth and understated partner to brighter accents. Whether black coffee or milk chocolate, the cabinetry foundation in the mid to dark brown family of colors appears rooted in the residential design approach."
 

6. Walk-in Pantries
More wall space means less in the way of wall cabinets and a greater need for a larger separate pantry. Open plan kitchens generally require an alternative pantry or storage solutions.
 

design: Jodi Hook
photo: Digital Arts

7. Detailed Ceilings
“This sophisticated design has a rustic touch that relies on traditional architectural features paired with sleek contemporary finishes and materials. The rough-hewn barn beam ceiling is beautifully detailed, and although the detail was newly created, it appears as if original to a comfort-worn space. The ceiling is highlighted by cable-strung lighting, which lights the textures and natural intricacies of the rough wood, bringing intimacy to the elongated space. This design feature straddles two trends seen strongly in the competition: detailed ceilings and textures."
 

design: Lori Carroll
photo: J. Mancuso

8. Natural Elements
"This refined rustic southwestern powder room is the perfect example of the use of natural elements in design. An agate slab became the foundation for this bathroom space that’s as unique and distinct as the elusively elegant stone itself. Polished stone combined with leather-wrapped cabinetry is at the core of this opulent space. When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched."
 

9. A Tiered Approach to Proportion
Varying heights of island surfaces, elevated and overlapping dining countertops combined with tall, regal pantry cabinets are used to create asymmetrical proportion.
 

10. Inlaid Flooring
“Variations of inlaid flooring are being incorporated into many new kitchen and bath designs. Designers and installers are being called on to bring innovation, stretching old boundaries as materials are selected and flooring is installed.”

5 Kitchen Design Trends to Consider Right Now

"You have strong current trends that will last for maybe five to ten years while others last only six months to a year. Colour, finishes, lighting fixtures and things that are super-new are examples of the shorter trends. Relying on the stronger trends will bring elegance and sophistication that will stand the test of time."
~ Montreal designer Alexandre Blazys, from the article House Proud: Kitchens that Last, Lisa Brandt, Sun Media, November 2011

According to Blazys, if you're considering a kitchen renovation, there are five trends to consider right now:

Natural Neutrals
The Integrated Kitchen
White on White
1960s Retro
Hosting Centres

Which of these trends will work in your kitchen? To learn more, read Lisa Brandt's article here.

Say Goodbye to Water Spots with Spot Resist™ by Moen

Leave it to Moen to find a way to make cleaning your kitchen and bathroom—often the most used rooms in your home—easier!

"Spot Resist™ does just what it says—resists fingerprints and water spots. This innovative Spot Resist™ finish maintains the brilliance of your faucet or shower head to help you spend more time enjoying your home...and less time cleaning it. And, when it is time for periodic cleaning, Spot Resist™ easily wipes clean."   
— moen.ca

Spot Resist™ brushed nickel and stainless steel surfaces are available on a wide variety of kitchen and bath faucets and shower heads. For a full list of products featuring Spot Resist™, click here.

Finishing Touches: Monarch Kitchen and Bath Designers Discuss Decorative Hardware

Monarch designers rely on a variety of different elements to make a kitchen and bath design both functional and beautiful: cabinetry, countertops, lighting, appliances, flooring — and decorative hardware.

"Decorative hardware plays a significant role in tying together a kitchen or bath design," says Monarch Kitchen and Bath designer Kevin Samson. “Choosing the perfect finishing touch allows our clients to add their own personality to the project.”

And while the trend in decorative hardware continues toward clean and simple lines, many of our clients continue to choose larger-sized handles. These are available in a wide variety of finishes and colours to complement the ever-popular earth tones.

"Hardware manufacturers also offer many variations of the bronze, brass and pewter finishes," adds Kevin. "Solid colours in the brown and black shades make a bold statement on a lighter coloured wood door.

From Richelieu's
Inspiration Collection

Chrome is Back
Today, with over 90% of homeowners choosing faucets with a chrome finish, Samson notes that the majority of his clients choose chrome hardware for their cabinetry and accessories. Richelieu Hardware's new Inspiration Collection offers a fresh new designs for your kitchen and bath.

Precious Stone Pull
from Richelieu

Setting the Tone
"The hardware you select for your cabinetry is really a great way to personalize or set the tone for the entire space," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. 

"In one of my current installations, the client selected an over-sized crackled Murano glass knob for a white shaker door," adds Marion. "The sparkle in the glass will pick up the glitter in the granite and elevate the very basic style of the door to one with a subtle elegance."

"We have recently been introduced to a new exciting line of hardware from Richelieu that includes handmade RAKU pieces and a precious metals collection that offers Amber, Mother of Pearl and Onyx," says Marion. "I can’t wait to see them in installation!"

Luxurious AND Practical -- Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Makes an Impression in Port Perry

What does your dream kitchen look like?

For many, it's the perfect combination of luxury and comfort paired with practicality and having "a place for everything and everything in its place."

Here are some pictures that illustrate how Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designers helped a client in Port Perry achieve their dream...

Finish with Flair: Introducing Berenson Hardware

Although a great deal of time and effort goes into the planning, design, tear down and renovation of your kitchen or bathroom, it's important to pay attention to the little details. Often overlooked, hardware such as knobs, handles and drawer pulls play a significant role in the final look and feel of your new space.

Berenson Hardware is now on display at Monarch's Pickering showroom. Stop by and take a look and talk to one of our designers about ways you can incorporate their Berenson's hardware into your new kitchen or bathroom.

"I was excited to see the arrival of the Berenson Hardware samples," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. "They round out our selections beautifully by adding some great craftsman styled pieces in burnished copper and steel, as well as adding to our options for polished nickel."

With five lifestyle collections to choose from, you're sure to find the look that fits your home. Berenson Hardware also offers over 70 finishes to choose from. Click here for their complete guide to hardware finishes.

Timeless Charm

• classic elegance with the best of family traditions

Uptown Appeal

• a reflection of sleek and sophisticated family life

Classic Comfort

• a warm, welcoming blend of traditional and contemporary

Artisan Inspired

• a bold and passionate point of view rich in colour and design

Creative Release

• the essence of freedom, a natural choice for a casual and approachable kitchen decor

The Waterstone Collection™ by Cambria -- now at Monarch

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Pickering showroom to view The Waterstone Collection™ -- the latest collection of countertop colours and styles from Cambria.

Visit cambriacanada.com to view The Waterstone Collection™ swatches in detail.

"Influenced by the natural movement of water over stone, these trendsetting looks capture the unpredictability of flowing water. The range of neutral and vibrant tones are reminiscent of granite and marble, yet offer the benefits of Cambria, such as strength greater than granite or marble and its maintenance-free, non-porous surface."     cambriacanada.com

Each new colour is named after locations in Wales and England.

For example, Buckingham™--named after the home of the British monarchy--was chosen because the colour is rich and versatile with spots of brown, gold and gray.

Torquay™ on the other hand, has a posh, continental feel similar to the town it was named after and its pure milky colour is complemented by swirls of gray and tan.

To view the entire collection, visit Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today.

Reflex: Moen's Newest Pull Down Faucet

courtesy of www.moen.com

"With Reflex, Moen has created the best, most user-friendly pulldown faucet experience.

Driven by input from actual users, Moen focused on improving the way the pulldown system functions overall, not just individual features. The result was the Reflex pulldown system — a comprehensive collection of improvements and enhancements that work together to naturally respond to the way you work, and the way you want your faucet to work."

                                                                                    — moen.com

Praise for the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Team

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, our goal isn't to meet our clients' expectations, it's to exceed them.

Recently, we received a kind note from our clients John and Martha. We'd like to thank them both for taking the time to write.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your entire team for the wonderful job that you did on our kitchen renovation. It was truly a pleasure from beginning to end working with your staff. We greatly appreciate the detailed planning you went through to convert our outdated kitchen room into a beautiful modern and functional kitchen. To say we are pleased with the finished product would be an understatement. With that in mind, we would highly recommend Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre to anyone.

Lighting Your Outdoor Living Space

Last post, we talked about bringing your kitchen and living space outdoors for the warmer months. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining, you'll need the right lighting for when the party runs late into the night. Not only does a properly lit patio and walkway help set the mood...it helps you get safely from A to B.

For some inspiration on where to start, check out these two videos.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre...SNAP'd!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's 30th anniversary celebration last month continues to make headlines in Durham Region.

A photographer from SNAP Pickering was on hand as Mayor Dave Ryan presented Monarch with an award of achievement and a representative from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade congratulated them on their continuing success.

For more pictures of the event, visit the SNAP Pickering website.

Monarch's Showroom Makeover is Complete!

Visitors to Monarch's 30th Anniversary Celebration were blown away by our newest kitchen showroom.

Why not drop by soon and see it for yourself? Pictures just don't do it justice!

Cabinetry: White framed maple cabinetry by Cuisines Laurier

Countertops: Granite by Interstone Granite & Marble

Backsplash: Glass and stainless steel mosaic tiles from Saltillo

Hood Fan: Vent-A-Hood

Coffee Maker: Miele espresso and cappuccino maker

Oven: Miele wall oven

Range: KitchenAid Slide-in

Fridge: GE Monogram wine fridge

Sink: Kindred

Faucet: GROHE

Chairs: Chair Source

Door handles: Select Hardware

Pendant lights: Osso City Lighting, Oshawa

Renovating Your Kitchen? Chances Are You'll Need a Building Permit

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we don't begin any renovation project without obtaining the necessary building permit first.
 
"I can’t emphasize enough the importance of permits and inspections,” explains Monarch president Neil Samson. “This is your guarantee that work will be done according to Ontario Building Code Standards and your home will be returned to you in a safe and secure manner."

The City of Pickering's planning and development department describes a building permit as "your formal permission to begin construction or demolition."  

A building permit from the City of Pickering ensures it has approved plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Most importantly, all approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning bylaws and other applicable laws and regulations.

From the City of Pickering's Planning and Development website:

It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you obtain a permit.

Building permits regulate types of construction permitted in the community and ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection of safe structures.

By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.

In many cases, your designer or contractor will obtain permits on your behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

For a full list of projects you'll need a building permit for, click here.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, click here for more information on obtaining a building permit for your renovation.

While obtaining a building permit from the city or town you live in may seem like a nuisance, it ensures your project is completed according to code and will often safe you time and money later on.

“You’re spending a lot of time, energy and money on your renovation—be safe and protect your investment," says Neil.

Monarch Kitchen's Showroom Makeover: Countertop Installed!

Monarch's framed white kitchen display
in their Durham Region showroom

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's Pickering showroom makeover is almost finished. If you haven't been into our showroom lately, why not drop by and take a look?

Interstone Marble and Granite has just installed the stunning granite countertops and--after the painting is done this weekend--the white framed kitchen showroom will be complete.

And just in time--Monarch's 30th anniversary celebration is just over a week away. We hope you'll stop by on Saturday, June 11th between 9am and 5pm for some refreshments, live musical entertainment, wine tasting and lots of great product giveaways.

Granite countertop by Interstone Marble & Granite

The White Kitchen Cabinetry Has Been Installed as Monarch's Pickering Showroom Takes Shape

Looking at pictures of beautifully designed kitchens online and in magazines is a great way to get ideas, discover the latest trends and figure out what you like--and what you don't. But when it comes to getting truly inspired, there's nothing quite like standing in a kitchen and imagining how the cabinets, countertop, sink etc. would look in your home.

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we've witnessed some of our clients' biggest "a-ha" moments while standing in one of our showroom kitchens...one of the many reasons why we take such pride in getting our model kitchens "just right." 

Monarch's latest showroom update--a framed white kitchen--is almost complete. The Cuisines Laurier cabinetry is now in place and the granite countertop from Interstone Marble and Granite will soon be installed. We invite you to stop by and view it for yourself.

Monarch Puts the Finishing Touches on John & Cindy's "Whole-Home" Transformation

If you've been following our blog over the past few months, you'll know that Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre has been working diligently on updating the look of John and Cindy's almost 100-year old home located in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

Monarch also managed the construction of the exterior of John and Cindy's home.

In the picture above, you can see that the exterior of their house is almost complete. "We had to remove the main floor exterior wall to reconfigure for the new location of the windows and doors," says Monarch president Neil Samson. "Brick was an option for reconstruction, however, stucco was used and is a future consideration for the second storey. Once we put flashing at the top, install the lights and repair the deck, then the outside will be finished."

Monarch installed a white kitchen in John and Cindy's Toronto home.

"The stunning white kitchen cabinetry has been installed and we are waiting for the solid surface countertop. Once the countertop is added, we will install all the appliances and backsplash tiles," says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt. "Note, the floor is covered with a protective recyclable cardboard surface. Once all the trades are finished, the floor will be buffed and one more coat of finish will be applied."

The solid oak staircase awaits its final coat.

"The same attention to detail will apply to the custom solid oak staircase," adds Neil. "After the trades are finished, the protective covers will be removed from the stairs and a final coat of finish will applied to both the stairs and the banister."

The Advantages of Using a Kitchen and Bath Design Firm

Monarch's "Whole-Home" Makeover Nears Completion: Walls and Ceiling Primed, Hardwood and Stairs Installed

John and Cindy will soon be returning to their newly renovated Lawrence Park home.

“The drywall-joint taping, filling and sanding is complete. We always prime the walls and ceilings on every Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre project before the final skim coat of plaster,” says Monarch president Neil Samson. “This reveals any slight imperfections which will impact the end result. Small details make all the difference.”

“John and Cindy have chosen a traditional hardwood application in keeping with their century home,” says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt. “This involves installing raw kiln-dried material, sanding, filling, staining, sealing and applying two coats of urethane. Their other choices were prefinished or engineered hardwood. The floor will match with the solid oak staircase…and the results will be spectacular!”

Coming next week: we will be installing cabinets in this area, as well as trim, casings and fixtures.