Year in Review: A Look Back at Some of Monarch's Most Popular Posts of 2016

As another year comes to a close, we thought we'd look back at some of our most-popular blog posts of 2016.

We kicked off the year with "Home Sweet Condo," a three-part series detailing the stunning redesign of two baths and a kitchen.

White condo kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In February, we helped homeowners make the most of their small space with a functional white kitchen design.

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In March, BILD awarded Monarch with the Best Renovation Under $75,000.

Award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In April, Monarch designer Kevin Samson showed us how he helped homeowners "keep the party in the kitchen."

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In May, we helped add some luxury to a homeowner's laundry room.

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

 In June, we shared the transformation of a 1950s kitchen nightmare into an entertainer's dream.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In July, we took a look at the three layers involved in lighting your kitchen.

Lighting your new kitchen design

In August, we examined seven bold and innovative tile products that could change the way you decorate your home.

Slide from irisceramic.com - floor and wall coverings inspired by glass
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

Luminescence from marazziusa.com - highly reflective poured glass tiles available in eight colours
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

In September, we showed you seven new products we love for your new kitchen or bath design.

PAREO - the telescoping island hood from faberonline.com
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

This handle-free wine storage cabinet from liebherr-appliances.com opens with a tap and features beechwood telescoping shelves, a LCD control screen and storage for up to 18 bottles.
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

In October, we revealed Poised Taupe as Sherwin-Williams 2017 Colour of the Year.

And then in November, we introduced you to Benjamin Moore's 2017 Colour of the Year, Shadow.

What a year! As fun as it is to look back, our job as designers is to continually look forward to find new and innovative ways to serve our clients best.

Is 2017 your year to renovate?

Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom, located just 15 minutes east of the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto, off the 401.

The Second Step to Renovation Success: Hire a RenoMark™ Renovator

Toronto kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Last week, we discussed how crucial planning is to your renovation's success. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of choosing a RenoMark™ renovator such as Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Why a RenoMark™ renovator?

• RenoMark™ renovator members believe in professionalism. They are committed to their industry and to their businesses and are willing to pay annual dues to keep informed and to help educate consumers.
• RenoMark™ members have legitimate business licences. They do not support the underground economy of renovators who avoid paying taxes and operate "fly-by-night" and "cash only" businesses.
• RenoMark™ members are informed. Information and education are important benefits of membership. Our member contractors are the first to know about changes in building codes, municipal requirements, health and safety regulations and more through our courses, information sessions, and communications program. Local Renovator Councils meet regularly for industry updates and information exchange sessions.
• RenoMark™ members are "in-the-loop." It makes sense to hire a renovator that is part of an extensive home building and renovating industry network. Our members are in touch with manufacturers, suppliers, and experienced trade contractors. They know what's new and where to get it.
• RenoMark™ members offer peace-of-mind. Joining this association program is your sign that a renovator is concerned about fair and honest quotes and reliable start and finish dates. They understand that keeping the lines of communication wide open is the key to a successful job.
• RenoMark™ members subscribe to the association’s general Code of Ethics applicable to all members plus a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. It's all about integrity. Our members believe in treating not only their clients appropriately, but also deal fairly with trade contractors and employees.
• RenoMark™ members offer a wealth of advice. Put them to work for you in the planning stages of your renovation. Our members can offer design and technical advice to achieve designs you may not have thought possible. They are a call or email away.
• RenoMark™ contractors take care of the details. Hiring a professional means that the details like ensuring all necessary approvals and permits are in place, all employees and sub-contractors have the provincial workers’ compensation coverage, and obtaining the appropriate insurance are not only taken care of, they are readily available to you for your assurance.
• RenoMark™ members offer a warranty and after sales service. A contractor committed to professionalism will offer you the coverage you need. Under the table deals leave you no recourse - so make sure your renovator spells it out on paper. Our members will also provide you with a written list of referrals so you can check on their performance and expertise.
• RenoMark™ renovators are members of the local home builders association. A crucial first step in knowing that you’ve hired a professional.

Toronto bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

As an approved Renomark™ contractor, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre must adhere to Renomark's Strict Code of Conduct:

• Be a member in good standing of the local Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
• Abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics.
• Provide a detailed, written contract (including scope of work) for all jobs.
• Offer a minimum two year warranty on all work (excludes minor home repair).
• Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.
• Have coverage for workplace safety and employers' liability and/or work only with subcontractors who carry such coverage.
• Carry applicable licenses and permits.
• Have access to information, education, training and professional development through membership in the Association.
• Maintain a safe and organized worksite.
• Return phone calls within two business days.

Related: The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project

Are you ready to renovate? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

What's On Your Laundry Room Wish List?

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

As  more and more laundry rooms make their way out of the basement and onto the main and upper floors, it's becoming clear that homeowners want their laundry room's decor to flow seamlessly with the overall design of the house. Finally, a room that was once ignored is now getting some long overdue TLC.

What's on your laundry room wish list?

Below are the the top five requests Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designer Marion Cuddie gets from her clients.

1. Hanging racks for drying
Not every item you wash can be placed in the dryer. That's where hanging racks come in handy. The size of the rack will depend on the space available and the amount of washing you do each week.

2. Storage bins, drawers and cubbies
Storage bins and drawers help keep the counter clear for folding. Cubbies are ideal for placing items you want to keep close-at-hand but out of the way.

3. Landing space for laundry baskets
Are you constantly tripping over laundry baskets? You're not alone. Even if you're updating the look of your laundry room, there's a good chance your available floor space is limited.  Having room to move around and place your baskets is a priority for may homeowners.

Bryan and Sarah Baeulmer's laundry room

4. Ergonomic folding space
While washer and dryer pedestals provide additional storage, they don't allow any room above the appliances to fold the clothes comfortably. Many homeowners are choosing to forgo the pedestals so they can install a counter above the washer and dryer for quick-and-easy folding. This is a great option if your space is limited and you don't have room to install additional counter tops.

5. Low-maintenance counter tops and durable cabinetry
If you've got room to spare, quartz counter tops are non-porous and make a stunning statement in a utilitarian space. Euro-finish cabinetry (pictured below) is a stylish choice that offers both durable and affordable.

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

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Is it time to renovate your laundry room? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

5 Reasons We Use Schluter Products for Kitchen & Bath Renovations

Seeing the ceramic or porcelain tile installed in your new kitchen or bath design is an exciting part of the renovation process. Tile puts the finishing touch on a room's design and ties in all of the design elements you've spent months choosing with care.

To ensure your tile work stays beautiful for years to come, Monarch uses a variety of tried and trusted products from Schluter Systems.

Schluter®-DITRA and DITRA-XL is the new standard to prevent cracked tile and grout
You can't turn on HGTV without seeing DITRA's eye-catching orange waterproof layer being used on many of the home renovation shows. In addition to being a waterproofing layer, DITRA works to prevent large-scale tiles -- 12" x 24" for example -- from moving and cracking. Monarch uses DITRA on almost every tile project.  

Keep it linear and unique with Schluter®-KERDI-LINE
This low-profile linear floor drain creates a barrier-free, open-concept space and is specifically designed for bonded waterproofing assemblies. 
 

Schluter®-JOLLY profile pieces stay watertight and prevent tile edges from chipping
This finishing and edge-protection profile is designed for the outside corners of tiled surfaces on walls. It's ideal for creating decorative transitions on walls and using as trim for the top edge of a tile wall, back splash and bathtub surround.

Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN provides a large contact area for a secure connection
The KERDI-DRAIN allows us to use popular square tiles on the base of your shower without having any tiny chips and pieces around the drain.

Schluter®-KERDI and KERDI-DS waterproofing membranes provide peace-of-mind 
We use various pieces from the KERDI line to customize your shower into unique and different shapes. These pliable, bonded waterproof membranes and vapour retarders have limited crack-bridging capabilities and ensure your shower or bath surround is well-protected against mould and mildew.

To learn more about how Monarch uses Schluter products in our clients' home renovations, drop by our showroom or call us at 905-686-2001.

7 New Products We Love for Your Kitchen & Bath

PAREO - the telescoping island hood from faberonline.com

Wide-plank flooring from hullforest.com, available in sizes up to 12 inches wide.

This connected wall oven from jennair.com will soon be able to communicate with Nest and allow the thermostat to lower room temperature when the oven is in use.

This handle-free wine storage cabinet from liebherr-appliances.com opens with a tap and features beechwood telescoping shelves, a LCD control screen and storage for up to 18 bottles.

The Signature Series from ronbow.com are a contemporary style of bathroom cabinets, sinks and vanities.

The SuperSteam+ Combination Steam and Convection Oven from sharpusa.com allows steam cooking up to 485℉, maximizing moisture.

The Next gas range from tecnogasuperiore.us caters to serious cooks and includes a tri-fuel range offering gas, induction and electric griddle cooking.

Photos courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

7 Bold and Innovative Products That Will Make You Rethink How You Use Tile in Your Home

Slide from irisceramic.com - floor and wall coverings inspired by glass

Basole geometric mosaic tiles from interceramicusa.com - available in three colours

Up! from saloni.com - 6- x 6-inch dimensional ceramic wall tiles available four shapes and four colours

Magical3 from equipeceramicas.com - 3-D relief decorative wall tiles in hexagon and square patterns

Luminescence from marazziusa.com - highly reflective poured glass tiles available in eight colours

Paper from ornamenta.com -available in white, gray and black - special surface glaze gives tiles the characteristics of a chalkboard

The Fashion Lab project from peronda.com - tiles give off an encaustic-cement-effect look

Photos courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

Kitchen Makeover: Making the Most of a Small Space

Increasing the existing size of a kitchen in an older home is often not practical. However, in this small kitchen makeover by Monarch designer Marion Cuddie, it's evident that careful planning can bring big rewards.

"Our client enjoys baking and cooking for her family and friends, so her wish list included a more functional layout and her dream double oven," says Marion. With counter space already at a premium in this small kitchen, adding a double oven was a challenge since 30 inches of valuable counter would be eliminated.

The first design change Marion made was to reposition poorly placed appliances and repurpose the space of an unused and cluttered desk area.

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"Opening the entrance to the family room will help the homeowner feel more connected to her guests while cooking," says Marion. ""It also allowed for the placement of an extended serving counter that can function as both a prep area and serving space."

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Classic cabinetry in an antique white finish combine seamlessly with the rich warm tones of the Cambria quartz counter top and timeless ivory marble backsplash to marry this new kitchen with the beautiful detail of this period home.