This Traditional Kitchen Design Maximizes Storage, Prep and Social Space

Traditional kitchen design featuring oak cabinetry.

These homeowners had high expectations for their new traditional kitchen design.

Oak cabinetry and an improved seating area were on "his" wish list. Increased storage space, and a better layout for cooking and food prep topped "her" list of priorities.

Design details

Cabinetry: Shaker cabinets in Urban Effects Oak, Sand

Countertop: Caesarstone in 4255 Creme Brule (Classico collection)

Backsplash: Sarana Tile, Glass and Stone Mosaic (V10GM1V)

Flooring: Torly's EverTile, Pembroke

Storage additions included a pots-and-pans drawer and a pantry.

Traditional kitchen design featuring Caesarstone quartz countertops. 

Traditional kitchen design with Torly's EverTile flooring in Pembroke.

Traditional kitchen design with pantry storage and glass and stone mosaic tile from Sarana Tile.

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.

 

Give & Take: This Custom Kitchen Makes Cooking a Priority

Transitional kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

To maximize the kitchen work area, these homeowners parted with their front hall closet.

"In this home, we had the front closet removed to create a more open kitchen and eating area," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. To compensate for this, the tall pantry beside the wall ovens hides a closet bar and room for boots and shoes.

"A single sink allows for increased counter top space and a large bowl for the items they choose to hand wash."

And since the homeowners enjoy cooking, they upgraded from a standard range to a separate cook top and wall ovens.

Tall pantry hides a closet bar and a room for boots and shoes.

"Our clients selected the durable Euro Finish cabinets in the Black Magic colour, which we balanced by having a light and bright Caesarstone countertop. The textured herringbone backsplash adds a touch of subtle sophistication," adds Jackie.

Euro Finish kitchen cabinetry in Black Magic.

Caesarstone quartz countertop in Ice Snow

Reclaimed Barn Board Makes a Statement in This Contemporary Kitchen Design

White kitchen design with reclaimed barn board by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Homeowners Janis and Steve Wilkes got the inspiration for their recent kitchen renovation from seeing barn board being reused in many kitchen designs.

They searched online and found someone selling off genuine barn board from a barn torn down in Clarington.

"They felt this was an excellent opportunity to breathe new life into material that had a lot of history," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson. "They also appreciated that the demolition crew was working to re-purpose the barn board instead of simply burning it."
 

White kitchen design with reclaimed barn board by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The Challenge
Incorporate the reclaimed barn board into the new kitchen design without it overwhelming the relatively small space.
 

White kitchen design with reclaimed barn board island by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The Solution
"We decided to open up the wall between the kitchen and living room and add an island," explains Janet. The repurposed barn board was added to the island's base, making a significant design statement without inundating the space. "Using a fresh, crisp white on most of the cabinetry kept the look light, airy and contemporary."

A sliding "barn door" on the closet provided an additional nod to the barn-inspired design theme.

Check Out NKBA's Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017

This month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Kitchen 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. Contemporary kitchens have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Although transitional designs remain the most popular, traditional kitchen design has dropped to the third most popular style and is expected to keep declining. 

2. White and grey painted cabinets and colour schemes will continue to dominate.

Photo courtesy of Cambria. Shown: Carrick.

Blue painted and high gloss cabinets styles, as well as blue and black colour schemes are also trending upward. 

"I'm happy to see that the light/dark and simple grey/white contrast finishes, with is a true and basic design tenant, is making its way back into the mix...and it should...for good reason," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "Countertops and cabinets are significant to change in your home so this elegant, yet simple, combination allows homeowners to protect their large renovation invest by using other inexpensive parts of their space...paint colour, backsplash, draperies...to add the fluid, fun and trendy colours for years to come."

3. Emerging trends of mixed colours, including varying countertop materials and mixed cabinet finishes.

This includes exaggerated two-toned effects, darks with lights and lights with darks. Several of those surveyed mentioned blending quartz countertops with wood.

4. The use of metal cabinetry is on the rise.

Although wood cabinets are still the top choice for most designers, metal cabinets appear to be a favourite of both younger and male designers.

5. Furniture-look pieces, rollouts, pullouts and under-cabinet lighting are popular cabinet features.

Simplicity is key, with flat-panel doors, flush inset, on the rise. Drawers are also popular. The bigger the better! On the downswing? Crown moulding and built-in desks. 

6. Quartz countertops are the favourite, with granite continuing its trend downward.

Photo courtest of Cambria. Shown: Swanbridge

 

7. Induction cooktops, convection ovens and microwave drawers are trending higher.

 

8. Kitchen technology is on the rise.

A whopping 31 per cent of NKBA professionals included wiring and pathways for future tech integration in their kitchen designs. Docking stations and appliances connected to the internet are also on the rise.

9. Barn doors and pocket doors are becoming a popular choice in the kitchen.

 

10. Accessible and universal design features continue to be popular.

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.