More on Monarch's Stunning White Kitchen Makeover

 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

A few weeks ago, we posted a colourful white kitchen by Monarch designer Marion Cuddie.

Below are the before pictures, and Marion's comments on how she met her client's dream kitchen design requirements.

Before

"The homeowner delights in entertaining family and friends and found that the awkward peninsula in her old kitchen cramped movement and food prep," says Marion.

Before

The client's needs included a coffee area, drinks' storage, a sink for clean up and a sink at the prep island.

"They wanted lots of light and a bright open feeling," explains Marion. "To accomplish this, the kitchen window was enlarged to flood the space with light and expand the view to the green space beyond the property." Minimal upper cabinets also contribute to the openness. 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"With limited upper cabinet space, it became important to maximize storage in remaining cabinetry," says Marion.
 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

(Left) Pantry items in the extra deep wall/counter cabinet are outfitted with roll-out shelves (left of the ovens and in the tall angled cabinet to the right of the fridge) to accommodate the door placement and to house overflow items and pet food.

(Right) Special attention was paid to the coffee/drinks station to keep the flow comfortable for family and guests during breakfast preparation. 

Glassware for adult entertaining is immediately available above the bar storage.

(Below) The island has become the perfect spot for Christmas cookie decorating as well as after school snacks.

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Happy Halloween from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre!

Looking for scary kitchen and bath renovation stories? You won't find any here.

While Monarch's kitchen and bath designers are happy to celebrate this spooky holiday, their clients know they don't have to worry about any design or renovation horror stories.

Visit Monarch's Homestars page to read satisfied client reviews like this one from Estelle and Don from Pickering:


If finding the perfect design firm to meet your needs has become a nightmare, drop by our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to arrange for a no-obligation consultation.

Your home renovations don't have to be a horror story.

Click here to find out what Monarch's clients are saying.

Make Your White Kitchen Design POP with Colour!

This stunning kitchen design by Monarch designer Marion Cuddie is a revelation of colour and customization. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we uncover the details of this vibrant space.

White Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Designing a Kitchen that Works for Your Family All Year Long

Here at Monarch, we often talk about preparing your home for the next big holiday get-together. Providing a comfortable working and entertainment space is a popular topic when clients walk into our showroom. However, homeowners initially looking for the “wow” factor during holiday season can often lose site of how the space is used the rest of the year.

“So often when we begin the process of designing spaces, we focus on the large events in our lives…the holidays and special occasions…but what we neglect to focus on are the routine comings and goings in our home,” says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. “Our goal is to help you plan a space so that it best suits your everyday needs, as well as accommodate your special occasion needs.” 

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The kitchen and dining areas are perfect examples of this. “Having your kitchen space work for you and your immediate family is very important,” explains Jackie.

Here are just a few of the factors to consider:

1. Do you have more than one cook, or more than one task being performed in your kitchen at any one time? Perhaps a designated homework area should be given priority, and not worry quite so much about accommodating 14 people for a meal.

2. Will homework be an everyday occurrence in your kitchen? You might want to incorporate a designated storage space for school items.

3. Are you an animal lover? If so, it may make more sense for your kitchen design to include an area designated for pet food storage instead of adding a fifth seat at the island.

When you work with a designer at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we can help you streamline the needs and goals for your space, and refine it to be the most functional space it can be.

Drop by our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak with a member of our design team.

Related posts:

Hoping to Celebrate Christmas in a Newly Designed Kitchen?

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Designers Discover New and Amazing Things from Blum

Cambria Adds Two New Countertop Designs to Their Marble Collection

BRITTANICCA

Brittanicca courtesy of Cambria

Vast and expansive, Brittanicca offers a velvety marbled background of neutral white that provides a stage on which gray streams meander among intertwining ashen veins dotted with veiled charcoal sparkles.
 

Brittanicca courtesy of Cambria

ELLA

Ella courtesy of Cambria

Combining classic marble beauty with legendary strength, Ella features a dimensional lattice of delicate dove-gray streams permeating throughout a creamy marbled backdrop.

Why choose a Cambria countertop? Cambria's natural quartz surfaces are durable, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making them as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom to view samples of Cambria's newest additions.

Related posts:

Cambria Adds Six New Countertops to their Design Palette

Cambria Does it Again with 13 Innovative New Countertop Designs

Hoping to Celebrate Christmas in a Newly Designed Kitchen?

As you soak up these last few weeks of summer, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind.

Here at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, however, we're busy planning kitchen and bath renovations through the fall months.

If you're dreading the idea of celebrating another Christmas in your outdated kitchen, we encourage you to drop into our showroom soon to speak with a member of our design team. Major design transformations take time, and if you'd love to be entertaining your family and friends in a new kitchen this Christmas, the planning process should begin over the next few weeks.

Why so soon? Here's a brief summary of what needs to happen:

• Find a design company you can trust
• Set a budget and establish your design goals
• Consult with your kitchen designer
• Final design approval
• Technical drawings to be produced
• Order of cabinetry and materials
• Manufacturing of custom cabinetry
• Demolition and reconstruction of current kitchen
• Shop for new appliances/schedule delivery
• Delivery of custom cabinetry and countertop
• Cabinetry, countertop and backsplash installation
• Finishing touches such as painting, installation of new plumbing and light fixtures

Our primary goal is to help you design a space that not only reflects your personal style, but also meets your requirements for function and versatility -- for this holiday season, and for years to come.

As a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association for over 30 years, we pride ourselves on our knowledge, creativity and the variety of services we offer. Although you many only have one designer assigned to your project, you'll benefit from having an entire team of dedicated kitchen professionals working together to serve you.

Call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 and let us help you make your kitchen design dreams a reality. 

An Elegant Way to Integrate a Microwave Into Your Kitchen Design

No matter how big a kitchen is, many homeowners still contend with a shortage of counter space. Moving your microwave off the counter is a great way to free up space.

If installing your microwave in an overhead cupboard isn’t an option, or if you’d prefer to keep it out of sight, incorporating a microwave cabinet under a counter top is a popular alternative. Placed below the counter top, it’s easy to access, and the counter top area above acts as a readily available landing space for food going into or coming out of the microwave.

“You don’t always need to go up with the microwave,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “And just because you go low, it doesn’t mean the microwave has to a drawer-style model.”
“In this kitchen design by Marion Cuddie, she used a contemporary microwave with a trim kit. It has a beautiful built-in look, keeps the counter clear, and offers pullout storage below.”

Are you looking for ways to make your kitchen more efficient? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today and speak with a member of our design team.

Related posts:

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Designers Discover New and Amazing Things from Blum

Caesarstone Reveals 8 Fresh New Designs for 2015

Caesarstone Reveals 8 Fresh New Designs for 2015

Caesarstone 4001 Fresh Concrete

Why choose Caesarstone?
Caesarstone surfaces consist of up to 93 per cent quartz, one of nature's strongest minerals. They retain the cool tactile qualities of natural stone, while offering design freedom with almost unlimited application possibilities. Caesarstone quartz surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches and cracks and are also highly heat-resistant. Enjoy the enduring beauty of quartz, an ideal choice for kitchen countertops, backsplashes and bathroom vanities.

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today to view samples of Caesarstone's stunning new designs.

Caesarstone 4003 Sleek Concrete

Caesarstone 5130 Cosmopolitan White

Caesarstone 4004 Raw Concrete

Caesarstone 5111 Statuario Nuvo

Caesarstone 5133 Symphony Grey

Caesarstone 5212 Taj Royal

Caesarstone 5134 Urban Safari

All photos courtesy of caesarstone.ca

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Designers Discover New and Amazing Things from Blum

What is Blum?
Blum is an international company that specializes in the fittings and functional uses of furniture. In other words, the slides, glides, drawers, organizational pieces and hinges that go into your kitchen! Blum has been manufacturing for more than 60 years and is a market leader in the development of new and innovative products.

Fans of Blum’s exceptional products since their early days working as designers, Monarch’s design team was excited to visit Blum’s Mississauga headquarters and see what new products they had to offer.



Servo-Drive
“The state-of-the-art technology that goes into Blum Servo-Drive is amazing to see,” says designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. With the push of a cabinet door, Servo-Drive pushes the cabinet open. “We thought this would be ideal for use in a garbage can unit since you are able to open it without using your entire hand.”

Image courtesy of blum.com

Blum also had some great slow-closing devices on display. At one time, lift-up cabinets didn’t have the ability to slow-close. Now they can thanks to some of the new hinging systems that Blum offers.

A place for everything and everything in its place.
The other item that caught our designers’ attention was Blum’s foil and plastic wrap dispensers! This brings organization to a new level. You don’t even need to have Blum hardware in your existing kitchen to accommodate these new organizational tools.

Interested in turning your unorganized utensil drawer into a functional kitchen storage space? Call Monarch today and one of our designers would be happy to show you how easy it is to incorporate Blum into your home.

5 Reasons to Trust Monarch With Your Kitchen and Bath Design Needs

Choosing a company you can trust to handle renovations in your home can be a huge source of stress. As kitchen and bath designers for over 30 years, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre understands that the best way to put your mind at ease is to present you with the facts you need to make the decision that's right for you.

"When taking on such a large project in your home, trust and confidence in the people that will be performing the work is crucial," says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. "That's why we provide all our potential customers with a copy of Monarch's Trust and Confidence Guide. It includes extensive detail of all Monarch's certifications, as well as a gallery of before-and-after pictures."

Why choose Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre?

1. We are experienced and qualified.

Take comfort in the knowledge that all Monarch designers are professionally trained and educated. Monarch has been a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) for over thirty years. The NKBA promotes professionalism and ethical business practices within the kitchen and bath industry, and is committed to helping design professionals create more energy efficient living spaces. 

Monarch is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). The CHBA is committed to a fair and competitive marketplace and provides members with opportunities to learn and grow. Monarch shares the CHBA’s belief that all Canadians have the right to a reasonable opportunity to own their own homes, and the right to decent, safe and appropriate housing.

In 2012, Monarch became a Baeumler Approved contractor. The brainchild of Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Disaster DIY and House of Bryan, Baeumler Approved pre-screens home renovation companies to ensure their references check out and they have all the require insurance and licenses necessary to run their business. Baeumler Approved checks with previous customers and the tradespeople and companies they employ on a regular basis to ensure a company they deem “Baeumler Approved” has a solid reputation in the industry and with their clients.

In 2013, Monarch became a RenoMark Approved contractor. RenoMark identifies contractors who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. As a RenoMark approved renovator, Monarch is recognized as understanding the value of customer service as well as providing warranties and continually educating ourselves on trends, materials and new regulations.
Monarch also became BILD Approved contractor in 2013. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) encourages innovations and excellence in the planning and building of sustainable communities and the redevelopment and renovation of existing communities. As a BILD approved contractor, Monarch must abide by a strict code of ethics.

2. We are committed to your complete satisfaction.

At Monarch, we understand that our success depends solely on the satisfaction of our clients. Our primary goal is to help our clients design a space that not only reflects their personal style, but also meets their requirements for function and versatility – now and for years to come. Many of our new clients come to us as a result of referrals. Not only have they walked into a friend or family member’s newly designed space and been blown away by its beauty, they have also learned firsthand about our attention to detail, expert guidance and respect for their time. Click here to read our reviews on HomeStars.

3. We design and renovate homes, cottages and condos!

Monarch offers customized design and renovation services for all rooms in the home, condominium or cottage. This service includes in-home consultations; detailed plans and designs; a written description of the scope of work for each project; computer-generated plans and perspective; "one-stop”shopping on a large range of cabinetry, tile, flooring, and plumbing fixtures; licenced, insured and bonded trades; complete project management; and several lines of cabinetry to cover a range of budget options.

Monarch specializes in condominium renovations of all sizes. Because each condo board has different rules and regulations, condo renovations are a more complex process than renovating a home. Monarch liaises with each condo board and superintendent to ensure a seamless approval process; delivery and execution of the renovation. Our qualifications exceed condo board requirements.

4. We understand how busy you are so we offer concierge services, too!

Recently, Monarch added a concierge service to help our clients manage the many steps and stages involved in a renovation. Our concierge service includes a pack-up service; professional organization; appliance moving; cleaning services; duct and filter cleaning; daily progress reports with pictures or video; product sourcing and interior design and decorating services.

5. We are your long-term renovation partner.

Our commitment to you does not end when your design project is finished. We offer a one-year parts and labour warranty on everything we supply and install. Should something get broken or damaged, we will help you obtain replacement parts. We are always happy to make time for you, your friends and anyone you refer to us.

Monarch Designers Pick Their Favourite Kitchen & Bath Trends for 2015

White, white, slightly off-white, and more white!

“White kitchens have been back in a big way over the last few years, and 2015 is not going to be any different,” says designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. 

“White is timeless, can meet a multitude of design styles, matches existing décor impeccably, and can be so versatile. 

"Whether you are looking to re-fresh your home with new cabinets, or looking at a much larger scale renovation, white cabinetry is something everyone is comfortable with.”

Complete bathroom remodel

According to designer Kevin Samson, the popularity of bathroom remodel projects has grown to become a substantial segment of the renovation market.

 "Twenty years ago, we rarely renovated bathrooms, perhaps a tub or cabinet was updated, possibly a counter top and faucet would be swapped out," says Kevin. "Interest in complete bathroom remodels started about ten years ago and has steadily increased since.

"The majority of these projects involve stripping the room down to the studs and sub floor, and starting with a clean slate."
 
When asked about current trends and what tops the client's wish list, Kevin says heated tile floors and larger, spa-type showers lead the list. "The number one complaint? A lack of useful storage in the existing space."

More texture

Image courtesy of saranatile.com

"This year, I think we'll be seeing a lot of texture," says designer Jackie Chambers. 

"I'm enjoying playful geometric patterns in tile like herringbone and hexagons, but installed in subtle and muted colours to add depth to the space. The variance in texture in a monochromatic palette adds a level of timeless  sophistication."

Sherwin-Williams 2015 Colour of the Year: Coral Reef

Sherwin-Williams has chosen its 2015 Colour of the Year and Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa agrees that this cheerful colour is the perfect way to add warmth to your home during the long, dark days of winter. 

“How nice would it be to make yourself a tea, grab your favourite book and sit in a room adorned with Coral Reef? It's warm, bright colour pairs well with white and beachy accents, giving it a comfortable, welcoming feel."

From Sherwin-Williams:

Coral Reef (SW 6606), a vivacious hue, is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015. Upbeat and optimistic, Coral Reef celebrates a time for renewal and is the perfect mélange of pink, orange and red that can be used to liven up any space.

 

Add Coral Reef to your home’s palette and watch creativity blossom. Here are some ideas on where to use Coral Reef in your home:

• Let the color stand by itself on a single accent wall or on your front door for a pop of color.
• Paint a piece of furniture as a great accent piece.
• Pair Coral Reef with Cotton White (SW 7104), Black Fox (SW 7020) or other floral hues and lush greens.
• You can relax this bold color slightly by pairing it with warm neutrals such as Sedate Gray (SW 6169) or buttery yellows like Hubbard Squash (SW 0044).
• Driftwood, medium wood tones and metal finishes also complement its flower-garden hue.
• For vintage quality that’s hard to beat, Coral Reef and aged matte brass make a perfect pair.

Click here to find the Sherwin-Williams dealer nearest you.