Introducing Six New Stunning Designs from Caesarstone

Just in time for your fall kitchen or bath renovation, Caesarstone has added six new countertop designs to their Classico collection. Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today and view these samples and more from Caesarstone.

Bianco Drift - Caesarstone's own interpretation of a granite texture, refined with a clean and glossy feel that imbues the slab with a marbly touch. This interesting twist makes Bianco Drift ideal for both traditional and contemporary interior designs. Bianco Drift blends the classical beauty and elegance of white with delicate swirls of light brown and grey hues.

Vanilla Noir - Vanilla Noir offers a patent-pending, natural look of delicate wide veins that beautify the slab with a powerful and impressive look. Vanilla Noir dramatically merges solid black and bold beige and vanilla strokes. Treasured in the right space, Vanilla Noir enriches your interior with a unique, luxurious feel.

Coastal Grey - Caesarstone's own interpretation of the traditional granite look, beautified with strokes of black and white, Coastal Grey has dark, dominant tones and a strong character that empowers your interiors with a rustic beauty.

Summer Rye - Savouring the gentle array of classic, timeless brown hues with calming white details, Summer Rye creates an ambiance of confidence and tranquility that completes the harmony of any space with warmth.

Clamshell - Fusing a sophisticated blend of soft-toned, trendy greys with intricate details of deep greys and whites. Clamshell offers the versatility to suit interiors featuring either warm or cold colour pallets.

Alpine Mist - Alpine Mist offers a patent-pending, natural look of delicate wide veins that beautify the slab with a powerful and impressive look. Immerse in the exquisite depths of Alpine Mist's lustrous white, glossy feel and captivating white details. Alpine Mist is a perfect match to any interior design environment.

The Beauty and Versatility of Viatera Quartz Countertops

Earlier this year, over 300 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) members-designers from the United States and Canada responded to NKBA’s annual design trends survey. In the survey, respondents were asked to report the materials, product types, and design styles they specified over the final three months of 2012. The results are in and it appears that quartz countertops are making a comeback: “While the use of quartz finishes was in slight decline last year, it has surfaced as a clear trendsetter this year [2013].” ~ NKBA

If you’re considering a kitchen or bath renovation this fall, chances are choosing a new countertop is on you’re to-do list.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designers often recommend quartz countertops to our clients. Stunning and exceptionally versatile, quartz is low-maintenance, resistant to stains and comes in a variety of textures, tones and colours.

The Viatera line of quartz countertops from LG Hausys, for example, is available in four colour collections. Drop by our showroom today to see them first-hand.

Terracota (warm earthen tones of beiges, browns and rust)

Woodlands (inspired by the colours and tones of the forest)

Urban Chic (an eclectic mix of colours that are both fresh and inviting)

International (bold coloured patterns, some with chips of glass, mirror and metal)

To view the Viatera Inspiration Gallery, click here.

One Design Trend You May Not Have Seen Coming

Brushed Bronze handshower
by Moen

Brass. It’s showing up in an increasing number of design showrooms and making its way back into your home!

Never completely gone, brass designs have had a rougher, more patinated feel to it in the past few years. For 2013, however, interior designers are embracing the shine. From gleaming chandeliers that incorporate a mixture of metals and hang above your dining tables, to brushed bronze hardware for your kitchen and bath cabinetry, there’s no denying it: brass is back and here to stay.

Icon by Moen
Brushed Bronze

“I love the fact that most of the new finishes are polish-free,” says Monarch design Marion Cuddie. “If you are a traditionalist at heart, brass is a great way to honour the past with all the style and convenience of today.”

Brass Ring Knob
by Berenson

Savvy kitchen and bath manufacturers are fully aware of the stigma attached to the word “brass” and have found ways to ease consumers into including brass décor into their homes.

Ever fearful of furnishing their homes with the shiny polished brass that decorated their parents’ homes, consumers are now purchasing items with such descriptions as “antique bronze” and “brushed bronze.”

What’s old is new again! For more ideas on including brass into your kitchen or bath décor, drop by the Monarch showroom and speak with one of our designers.

What Do You Wash in Your Kitchen Sink?

Large basin sinks have been popping up in kitchen showrooms for years and have been slowly winning over consumers for their practicality and simple beauty.

Large basin sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

“Ten years ago, most homeowners sought out double sinks when renovating their kitchens,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “In recent months, however, we have started to see a shift from the double sink to the larger basin sink.”

Apron-front sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Apron-front sink from Kindred KCFS33B

Why the change in attitude? For many, it comes down to evaluating what they actually use their kitchen for. With energy-efficient dishwashers in over 60% of homes in Canada, the kitchen sink is rarely used to wash plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery anymore.

“Those items get rinsed quickly and placed in the dishwasher,” explains Amanda. “What’s left are large pots and pans, cookie sheets and casserole dishes…items that don’t fit in a dishwasher and are difficult to wash in the standard double sink. Large basin sinks are also deeper than traditional sinks and make a great place to hide your dishes when company drops by unexpectedly!”

Choosing the Drawer Style that Fits Your New Kitchen Design and Your Budget

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

If a new kitchen design is in your future, you’re probably balancing a desire to have a beautiful kitchen with your basic need to have a more functional workspace.

This is where your choice of kitchen cabinetry comes in. Sure, you want your cabinetry to look great on the outside, but don’t underestimate the importance of making the time you spend in your kitchen more convenient.

Today, an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to include more drawers in their kitchen cabinetry design. Stronger glide technology has allowed manufacturers to create bigger drawers that can handle heavier items like pots, pans, dishware, large serving dishes and chopping blocks. With drawers, items are in full view and no longer become lost at the back of the cupboard!

Like most design elements, there are a variety of styles and sizes to choose from. “When you are looking at what type of drawer to get in your kitchen, generally budget does come into play. If you’re on a tight budget, then a drawer without the slow close features, and without full extension is what you might consider,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “If you’ve got some room in your budget, drawers that provide full extension and slow-close technology are preferred.”

Double-wall steel drawers have the slow close and full extension glides on them, but the bottom of the drawer is melamine to match the interior of your kitchen. “The wood dovetail drawers are generally made out of birch, but can have an extra style feature of being constructed out of walnut,” says Amanda. “These drawers are more traditional, and often we find that people chose the wood dovetail when they are constructing a more transitional or traditional kitchen.”

Dovetail Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These traditional wooden dovetail drawers are assembled by hand; one by one; to make sure that every joint is perfect. Dovetail drawers are made of birch wood and mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides.

Tandembox Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These contemporary drawers are available in gray aluminum or stainless steel. Light and strong, Tamdembox drawers are a modern alternative to the traditional dovetail drawers. The drawers are mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides. Gallery, double gallery and double walled sides options are available. 

To get a closer look at the cabinetry and drawer options available, drop by Monarch’s showroom today.

Does Your Dream Kitchen Include White Cabinetry?

Find these design ideas and more on Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's page on houzz.com, or drop by our showroom and speak with one of our design team.

Don’t Miss the 21st Annual Bobcaygeon House Tour

Have you ever driven past a beautiful house and wondered what it looked like inside? This June, take a peak inside some truly stunning homes in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country.

View the inside of this custom-built home by Integrity Construction on the Bobcaygeon House Tour.

Bobcaygeon’s 21^st Annual House Tour takes place on Saturday, June 8^th, from 1 to 5 p.m.  Enjoy an afternoon of house-hopping while supporting local charities.

Tickets for the Bobcaygeon Annual House Tour can be purchased at the following locations:

My Favourite Things

10 King St. E., Bobcaygeon

Purdy’s Jewellery & Gems

61 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce

21 Canal St. E., Bobcaygeon

Town & Country Decorating Centre

50 Anne St., Bobcaygeon

Stokes-on-Trent

8 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls

Please note that slippers must be worn in all homes and cameras are not allowed.

Click here to learn more, call 705-738-9032 or email joan.wesley@sympatico.ca.

Moen Home Care Products Make Home Safety Stylish

Sacrificing the beauty of your home is no longer a necessity when you’re looking after others or taking care of yourself.

Moen’s Home Care line includes a variety of products designed to make home safety easier without sacrificing style.

Monarch designers often design spaces for individuals choosing to stay in their homes well after retirement, or “age in place.” Special considerations like hand grips and grab bars in shower bathrooms can make life easier, but homeowners often put off installing them because of their sterile, institutional feel.

Thanks to Moen, this is not the case. “Moen has many products that not only enhance the safety of your home, but they are stylish too,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “You no longer have to sacrifice your stylish bathroom for added safety features.”

Photos courtesy of moen.ca. 

GE Introduces Hot Water at the Touch of a Button!

“Like most guys, I love gadgets and toys,” says Monarch designer Kevin Samson. “But truly useful gadgets and toys are even better.”

From geappliances.com:

The GE Café^TM Series French Door Refrigerator with Hot Water Dispenser puts hot water right at your fingertips, allowing you to make hot drinks and prepare hot foods easier than ever before.

No More Waiting For Water to Boil

The in-the-door hot water dispenser makes it easy for you to pour hot, filtered water in minutes. With four pre-programmed settings for the most common food and drinks, hot water is dispensed at a perfectly accurate temperature every time.

Safe and Simple to Use

Simply select your temperature setting, then use the knob to dispense up to 10 ounces of perfectly heated water. Plus, water is purified through the only refrigeration filter tested and verified to remove 98% of five trace pharmaceuticals from water and ice, offering added peace of mind for your family.

"Just when you think you’ve seen it all…now we can get hot water at the touch of a button,” adds Kevin. “It’s magic. I love it!”

Hot New Trends in Bath Design from KBIS 2013: Kohler's Awaken Showerhead

The 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) took place in New Orleans this past weekend.

As always, Kohler took part in this inspiring, interactive showcase. Here, master plumber Ed Del Grande introduces onlookers to Kohler's Awaken showerhead.



Here, product designer Gregory de Swarte discusses what sets the Awaken line of showering products apart.

Be Patient, Flexible and Prioritize When Renovating, says Bryan Baeulmer

In the article below, reprinted with permission from Baeumler Approved, Bryan Baeumler discusses the importance of prioritizing during the renovation process. His secret to sticking to your budget -- and renovation success -- is keeping your long-term goals in mind.

"As a Baeumler approved contractor, we take great pride in helping our clients develop a realistic budget for their kitchen and bath renovations," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson.

"When working with a client on a large renovation, the first thing we focus on is a comprehensive budget that identifies potential 'hidden problems' that may impact the overall cost of the job," explains Janet. "From conception to completion, our goal is to anticipate areas that may be more challenging to renovate and ensure there are no surprises."

Contemplating a renovation in 2013? Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom and speak with one of our designers.

DuPont Zodiaq Introduces 3 New Quartz Countertop Colours -- Just in Time for Your Spring Kitchen or Bath Remodel

In our last post, Monarch designer Marion Cuddie discussed Dupont™ Corian’s release of nine new colour surfaces as part of their 2013 Corian collection. In addition to the nine Corian® colors, three new colors of DuPont™ Zodiaq® Quartz Surfaces have been introduced, as well.

Zodiaq® is a solid surface quartz product used for counter tops, backsplashes and vertical surfaces. Inspired by nature, the new colours celebrate the beauty of the organic world, delivering a more natural pattern within the surface.

“The current and ongoing trend in kitchen and bathroom design has been the movement to more natural-looking surfaces and colours, bringing outdoors in to the home,” says Monarch designer Kevin Samson. “Softer earth tones and natural colours relax and calm the senses, while the bolder natural colours elicit a more energetic response from our senses.”

From Dupont:

The new colors Coarse Marfil, Coarse Carrara and Snow Flurry further reinforce the 2013+ aesthetic trends and will help create subtle, yet luxurious environments for both commercial and residential settings.

Sourced from abundantly available quartz, the colors of Zodiaq® surfaces achieve an improbable harmony between the durability of rock and the subtle interplay of light and natural crystal. Stain-resistant and nonporous, Zodiaq® quartz surface is ideal for kitchens and baths because, when properly cleaned, it does not support the growth of mold or mildew. Because DuPont™ Zodiaq® is made with quartz crystals, it's also extremely scratch-resistant. And, unlike other materials, you never have to seal, polish or recondition the surface to maintain its luster. Zodiaq® quartz surface is easily cleaned with soap and water, and does not require sealants or waxes. Timeless beauty. Magical science. That's why homeowners, designers and architects choose DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surface.



To view samples of Zodiaq’s 2013 colour collection, drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom today -- 1020 Brock Rd., Unit 6, Pickering. To speak with a member of our design team, call 905-686-2001.

Reassurance, Honesty and Authenticity: Dupont Corian's Inspiration for their 2013 New Colour Countertops

In January, Dupont Corian® introduced nine new colour surfaces as part of their 2013 Corian collection. The new colours fall into three main colour trends: Raw, Interference, and Solidify.

“Corian is upping their game in the countertop market with the introduction of nine new colours that are inspired by today’s elemental trends, says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. “My favourite in this new collection is Seafoam. With its barely there hint of azure under a detail of a frothy wave top, it would be a perfect compliment in a soothing spa en suite.”

From Dupont:

The Corian® Trends: RAW

Raw represents honest luxury, and the fresh hues that follow this trend embody comfort in a down-to-earth aesthetic that offers a respite from daily realities.  Here, organic, yet polished effects are blended to celebrate the natural world and emulate plant materials and other natural fibers that are encased in transparency. 

In the Corian® colors Whipped Cream and Seafoam, soft wheat, butters, lush and heritage greens are highlighted with optic tinted whites, metallic and pearl effects that echo natural surroundings. Colors work together in gradients, reflecting nature’s variation, offering a retreat into the woods, an escape into the environment.

The Corian® Trends: INTERFERENCE

Interference explores the lure of semi-precious stones, with a feeling of sparkle and glamour, yet with an understated opulence that conveys mystical and organic luxury.  Bronze is a key metallic shade and when juxtaposed with subtle finishes and earthy textures, reflects the warm tints of raw sienna and terra cotta. 

In the Corian® colors Pebble and Desert, rich warm browns that lend an aura of comfort to our surroundings are given a subtle shimmer and color variation. Rose marbles, granites with mica, copper and gold flakes are suspended in a semi-transparent focus. 

The Corian® Trends: SOLIDIFY

Solidify was inspired by global climatic changes and how our high-tension atmosphere can create crystallized and frosted solids.  The cool tones of this trend are misted and sensorial, as melded metal and mirrored flecks are set within frosted solids for depth and dimension.  The surfaces are fractured and scattered fragments are fused, creating delicate and ethereal patterns that bring a softly opulent edge to these hard surfaces.   

In the Corian® colors Deep Sea and Luna White, Stardust and Mineral, the smokiest of lilacs and blues allow space to focus after the dust has settled, bringing sophisticated aesthetics to the forefront.  Shadowy ripples with subtle movement enrich the inherent authenticity of Corian®.

To view samples of Corian’s 2013 colour collection, drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom today -- 1020 Brock Rd., Unit 6, Pickering.  To speak with a member of our design team, call 905-686-2001.