A Modern, Masculine Bath Design with Boys in Mind

Caesarstone quartz countertop on Urban Effects HDF cabinetry.
Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

These homeowners wanted a clean, modern and masculine design for their busy family of boys.

"Although the design has an adult feel, it suits the family with multiple drawers for storage in the vanity and the installation of a new bathtub," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen.

A hotel-style towel rack adds to the contemporary feel and helps keep the space tidy.

Modern bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Design details

Cabinetry: Shaker cabinets in Urban Effects HDF, Black Bean

Countertop: Caesarstone in 3040 Cement (Classico collection)

Flooring: Sarana Tile, Artwork Acciaio porcelain tile

Artwork Acciaio porcelain tile from Sarana Tile. Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Introducing Cambria's Revolutionary New Matte™ Finish

The stylish matte finish you've been waiting for has arrived! Elegant and silky smooth, Cambria Matte™ finish is available in 16 designs, offering durability, easy-care convenience and the non-absorbency of their high gloss surfaces.

"Cambria doesn't disappoint with its new colours and matte finish," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson. "The matte finish will especially appeal to people who like a more 'industrial' look, as some of the Cambria colours in a matte finish emulate concrete."

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

"The new colours maintain Cambria's trend of being cutting-edge and innovative when it comes to quartz counter tops and keeps them at the forefront of the industry in terms of new developments," says Janet.

Cambria Matte™ is available in five new designs...

 

...and in 11 timeless collections.

 

Two New Reasons to Add a BainUltra Therapeutic Bath to Your Home or Condo

OpaliaTM from BainUltra

Who needs a weekend away at a spa when you can enjoy the benefits of a therapeutic bath in your own home?

“Our clients are asking us to take out their big corner tub, not only to allow room for a bigger and more luxurious shower, but to create space for a more sleek freestanding tub," says Monarch designer Kevin Samson. "It’s about creating an escape, an oasis. Often we’re adding a fireplace or TV and a place for a wine glass or candles.”

As the pioneer and inventor of the air-jet bath, BainUltra knows a thing or two about how to relax in style. Recently, they introduced two new freestanding tubs to their collection: Monarch and Opalia™.

Monarch from BainUltra

MONARCH

From bainultra.com:

Monarch is a refined collection of therapeutic baths with distinctive deck surfaces, for a look that’s noble and pure.

Designed to blend with the utmost harmony into luxury condo dwellings, Monarch bath is a graceful innovation for drop-in and alcove settings—an approach to bathroom design that is utterly refined.

This singular collection features radiant, sumptuous quartz deck surfaces in carefully selected enchanting colors combined with the bath inner shell made of 100% pure acrylic of the highest quality.

Monarch from BainUltra

OpaliaTM from BainUltra

OPALIA™

Presenting OpaliaTM, a new collection of exquisitely crafted therapeutic baths with the bold, pure lines of a fascinating opal. Like so many magnificent jewels, OpaliaTM oval baths play on elliptical perfection, with original deck designs that intrigue and delight.

OpaliaTM is available in five distinctive models, each as intriguing as the last. The oval inner shell can be centered, off-centered, or oblique from the center, creating an interplay of ellipses unique to each configuration.

To learn more about incorporating one of BainUltra's luxurious baths into your new bath design, contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001 or visit our showroom.

Mosaic Tiles Make a Big Impact in This Small Powder Room

Transitional powder room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

Often overlooked because of its limited size, the powder room can be the perfect space to make a bold design statement with limited investment.

  A Caesarstone countertop and Miralis Euro finish shaker cabinetry add style to this powder room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

In this transitional powder room design, homeowners combined contemporary mosaic tile backsplash with Miralis Euro finish shaker cabinetry (Ember) for a look that is both eye-catching and inviting.

"Miralis Euro finish doors are an excellent alternative that provides the 'wood look' in a space that blends both traditional and modern door design," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. 

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

"By placing the backsplash tile in a vertical pattern, it creates a focal point in a small space and keeps your eye moving all the way up the wall," says Chantal. The alternating textured smoke glass mosaic tiles also effectively reflect the light, making the room look bigger while adding a touch of glamour.

"Flanking wall sconces are an alternative way to place lighting in a powder room and allowed us to place an equally proportional mirror in the space," adds Chantal.

Additional design features include a Caesarstone quartz countertop (Frosty Carrine) and porcelain tile flooring from Sarana Tile.

Luxury Meets Style in This Stunning White Ensuite Bath Design

White bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

By adding square footage to their ensuite bath, these Pickering homeowners were able to make room for both luxury and style.

"This was a significant renovation," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "We took part of the closet to make the bathroom bigger, and then took some of the extra large bedroom space to expand the closet area."

White bath design with Cambria quartz shower by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Standout items in this stunning ensuite bath design include a freestanding tub and a Cambria quartz shower (Summerhill). 

The plain white tile wainscotting and white inset Miralis Euro finish cabinetry provide clean lines in this transitional design. Recessed, wall and ceiling lighting help set the mood.

A soaker tub adds luxury to this white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Monarch Adds a Fresh Take On A Tired Ensuite Bath

En suite bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

These Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre clients were ready to update their ensuite bath from the builder's design to a space they could really enjoy.

Ensuite bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"When we started planning with them, we realized there was space wasted behind the shower wall," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "We used the unused space to incorporate a larger shower with a seat."

Ensuite bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The addition of a bench integrated with a grab bar and both a rain and hand-held shower will allow the homeowners to stay in their house as long possible.

"These small but important changes combined with a warm fresh look provide a whole new bathroom experience for our clients," adds Jackie.

Does your outdated ensuite need a makeover? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom for some design inspiration and advice from a member of our knowledgeable design team.

What's New in Bath Design? Here are NKBA's Top 10 Bath Trends for 2017

Last month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Bath Trends for 2017. Conducted online in August/September 2016, the NKBA surveyed 562 of its members from across North America. Here's a look at the major trends that came out the survey.

1. As with kitchens, contemporary and transitional designs have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Shaker is gaining momentum, with mid-century modern emerging. Many survey respondents described clients' tastes as modern, clean and sleek. 

White bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

2. Whites, off-whites and greys continue to be the most popular colour schemes.

Blue is also trending upward, with younger design professionals choosing violet and purple colour schemes. Stainless steel is niche and emerging.

3. Storage solutions such as linen cabinets and wood vanities are most common.

Floating vanites and open shelving continue to be a popular and growing choice. The use of toilet topper cabinets is declining with requests for specialized storage options (custom medicine cabinets, drawers for hair dryers/curling irons, tilt-out hampers) on the rise.

4. Ceramic tile is the most popular floor option for the bath.

High-quality vinyl appears to be on the rise, with wood-look porcelain gaining ground.

5. Undermount sinks are in the most demand.

Use of vessel and pedestal sinks continue to wane, with trough sinks growing in numbers.

6. Freestanding tubs are on the rise.

Essencia Design from BainUltra

Although more than half of NKBA members eliminated a tub or whirlpool in a bath remodel over the past year, 60 per cent of respondents expect to specify more of them in 2017.

"An increase in soaker tub requests is a direct reflection of the lifestyle changes we have seen over the last two decades," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "People are spending more and more time commuting, longer hours at work, shuttling kids to activities, and less social down-time outside of the home as a result.

"The idea that your bathroom becomes your private oasis and escape from the chaos is a trend that will only continue to rise. Homes have now become a space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. Bathrooms are becoming less utilitarian and more about sustaining both your mental and physical health. The popularity of soaker and hydrotherapy tubs is a direct reflection of the trend toward the focus on personal wellness."

7. White fixtures are trending higher while bone-bisque units are declining.

Chrome and polished nickel continue to be the most popular faucet finishes, with gold and brushed brass emerging.

 

Self-cleaning toilet from American Standard

8. Safety- and comfort-improving amenities are still popular.

These include comfort-height toilets, shower seats and lighting, and no-thresold showers. Emerging trends include smart toilets and toilet seats, music in the shower and radiant floor heating.

9. Water-saving toilets and faucets are becoming more mainstream.

 

10. Technology-wise, video, audio and wiring pathways for future integration are beginning to emerge.

Get Inspired This Weekend at the 2017 Interior Design Show

One of North America's leading design conferences, the Interior Design Show (IDS17), returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend for its 19th consecutive year.

IDS17 is the first global design fair of the year and show curators have forecasted some of the top trends for 2017,  inspiring the direction of design for the year to come.

Some of Monarch's favourite companies at IDS17

Members of Monarch's design team will head to IDS17 on Friday for Professional Trade Day: a day designed to inspire, educate and expose professionals to products, designs and ideas from both international and national perspectives.

While Friday is for the trades, Saturday and Sunday are jam-packed with displays, exhibits, speakers and demonstrations geared to consumers!

Monarch is thrilled that many of the suppliers they depend on to equip their clients' homes so beautifully will be in attendance. If you're at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend for IDS17, consider dropping by their exhibitor booths. We're sure you won't be disappointed.

For more information, visit the Interior Design Show online at toronto.interiordesignshow.com or check out the IDS 2017 Show Guide.

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.

The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project

A few years ago, 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 Kitchen & Bath Centre is recognized as understanding the value of customer service as well as providing warranties and continually educating ourselves on trends, materials and new regulations.

In their "Read Before You Renovate" Reno Guide, Renomark™ reviews the five steps to a worry-free renovation or addition:

1. Carefully plan your project
2. Select a RenoMark™ renovator
3. Get a written contract
4. Check on progress
5. Discuss your project

Toronto Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Over next five weeks, we will explore the importance of each of these steps.

Let's begin with the importance of planning ahead.

From RenoMark™

"Major projects may require the services of an architect and other professionals such as engineers and heating contractors. Their drawings are not only required to obtain building permits and other municipal approvals, but they provide the basis for your renovation contractor to price the project.
Be realistic about the time a project will take to get started and to complete. Consider its full costs, including at least a 10 per cent contingency for changes and unexpected conditions and the impact the project will have on the daily operation of your home and family activities.
If your project is likely to last more than a few weeks, it’s wise to discuss your project with neighbours. In addition to unavoidable noise and dirt, there will be vehicles parked on the street, disposal bins in the driveway and plenty of truck deliveries. Most neighbours will be understanding and accommodating, especially if notified first."

Toronto Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Here are just a few of the questions Monarch's design team will ask you to consider before moving forward with your kitchen or bath design:

• Are you going to keep or change the existing layout of the space?
• What type of flooring makes sense for your family?
• Do you want to keep the bathtub or make the shower larger?
• Are you planning to remain living in your home during the renovation process?
• In what order would you like the work completed?
• Which countertop material is going to best suit your needs?
• How many people need to use the space at the same time?
• Do you want to allow for seating in your kitchen design?
• Are warm bathroom floors a priority for you?

"Our design team is here to help you understand your options and the pros and cons of every choice," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "We'll make sure you are always making an educated decision."

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