Big Showers are a Big Priority for Today's Homeowners

According to the 2015 Houzz Bathroom Remodelling Survey, which polled over 3,000 homeowners who are currently or have just completed a bathroom renovation, more than two-thirds of those surveyed are increasing the size of their shower space. Of those homeowners, nearly one-third are increasing the size of their shower by at least half or more.

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

"Monarch has seen the trend in bathroom showers growing over the last few years," says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. "Today's shower designs are not just larger but more luxurious, as well! The shower has become a key feature in the design...a wow factor."

Monarch clients are choosing for their showers to be their oasis. Many are even steering away from having a large soaker or whirlpool-style tub. "Instead, their opting for a single larger shower, inviting luxury into their everyday instead of waiting for when they have the time to take a longer soak in the tub."

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

Aging in place continues as a priority for many of the Baby Boomers surveyed in the Houzz poll, with accessibility features such as grab bars, curbless showers and shower seats making their way into the majority of the bath designs.

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

Habitat for Humanity Recognizes Monarch’s Commitment to the Environment and Community

Many thanks to Habitat for Humanity Durham for recognizing Monarch in their Spring 2015 e-newsletter for its ongoing commitment to waste reduction during the home renovation process.

 

Monarch believes companies must conduct sustainable business practices and be responsible stewards of the environment while seeking profit only in a manner that leaves the earth healthy and safe. A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for 15 years, Monarch encourages homeowners to think twice before taking old cabinetry, appliances or fixtures to the dump.

“If you are contemplating a renovation and are updating items in your home that are still perfectly functional...think about donating them to Habitat for Humanity," says designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

A non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals through home ownership, Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping low-income families caught in the vicious cycle of poverty. 

If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, give Habitat for Humanity a call before tear down begins. Their volunteers will remove your old kitchen cabinets, appliances or bathroom fixtures at no-charge and issue you a tax-deductible receipt for the value of your donation.

Monarch's Design Team Gets in the Holiday Spirit by Building Holiday Homes ... with Gingerbread!

Always eager to flex their design muscles, Monarch's design team took on a holiday-themed design project on a smaller-than-usual scale -- gingerbread houses.

 

With no blueprints in sight, all they needed was some icing and colourful confections! Except for Kevin Samson -- his gingerbread house was held together with green packing tape.

Urban Effects -- Reasonably Priced Quality Cabinetry -- Made in Canada

Recently, a few members of Monarch’s design team hopped aboard an early morning flight to Winnipeg so they could spend the day with the crew at Urban Effects. Urban Effects is a division of Norcraft, now the fifth-largest kitchen and bathroom cabinet manufacturer in North America. This fall, Norcraft announced its first major expansion in 10 years: the doubling of its Winnipeg plant to more than 130,000 square feet. The expansion will be completed by mid-2015. 

First stop for designers Melissa Foley and Amanda Willson-Suppa was a tour of a new-home build. “The home was very large and the homeowners were having Urban Effects cabinetry installed throughout,” says Amanda. “From lockers in the mudroom entrance and kitchen, to all four bathrooms…even the bar! It was truly gorgeous.”

Melissa and Amanda returned to Urban Effects’ expanding manufacturing facility and showroom where they learned that the upcoming expansion will allow Urban Effects to move their shipping department on site. It will allow them to add even more of the most up-to-date manufacturing to their repertoire.

“One of the most interesting things I learned while I was there is that although we refer to one of the materials used for doors as MDF, Urban Effects only uses HDF – high-density fiber board -- for their painted cabinet doors,” says Amanda. “HDF is a superior product to MDF, allowing for stronger doors and a cleaner finish.”

Cabinetry is certainly one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen renovation. If you're looking for ways to stay within your design budget without sacrificing quality, drop by the Monarch showroom and allow one of our designers to show you the wide range of products Urban Effects has to offer.

Using Pinterest as a Starting Point for Your Upcoming Kitchen or Bath Design Project

If you've never heard of or used Pinterest, you're missing out. 

Simply put, Pinterest is "a tool for discovering things you love and doing those things in real life." Since launching their site three years ago, Pinterest co-founders Ben Silbermann, Evan Sharp and Paul Sciarra have "helped millions of people pick up new hobbies, find their style and plan life's important projects."

Pinterest is fast becoming a designer's best friend.

"Many of our clients have spent months envisioning their dream space," says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. "Pinterest is a convenient and easy way for them to assemble their favourite things over time and share their ideas with us."

Monarch designers encourage their clients to spend time on Pinterest, creating a Pinboard with all the key features they'd like in their kitchen or bath. "By using Pinterest, we're able to get a genuine feel for what they want to achieve in their new space and can truly share in their vision."

To learn the basics about using Pinterest, click here.

For kitchen and bath design inspiration, follow Monarch on Pinterest.

Mixing Patterns: Amanda's Favourite Design Trend for 2013

"One of the newest and hottest design trends hitting the design world is the mixing and matching of colours and patterns," says Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

"No longer do you have to pick one pattern and have it be the feature and focal point of your space. Now you can pick three patterns and solid colours to create the look and feel you want in your home."

Less is most definitely not more.
"The rules of years gone by are gone," explains Amanda. "Be daring and pick what you like to make the space your own. Think about placing an upholstered chair with a Moroccan print next to a pinstriped settee."

"This kitchen from House Beautiful illustrates the point perfectly. The blues are bright and fun, the space can be classical and yet still have your personality built in."

Looking for some kitchen or bath design inspiration? We'd be happy to help. Drop by the Monarch showroom and speak with one of our designers, or call 905-686-2001 to arrange a consultation.
 
Photo courtesy of housebeautiful.com

Bold Pops of Colour: Amanda's Favourite 2012 Design Trend

"In 2012, I expect people to get even more adventurous with the colours they chose to accent their kitchens with," says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

"Trends in kitchens move slower than they do in the fashion world, but that isn’t to say fashion doesn’t have an impact on kitchens and how we design.

"Bold purples, shocking greens, vibrant reds, beautiful blues—even bright pinks!—are making their way into our kitchen accessories and our wall colours, and are making quite the statement," adds Amanda. "I love the impact these colours have on a kitchen— they can change the entire look and feel of a  space.

"Take a classic white kitchen and add some bright pink and purple accessories and voila—you have modernized a classic! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with colour!"

Giving Back to the Community with Habitat for Humanity

A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for many years, the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre team is always left more inspired than ever when they come into the office--as they did last week--for a presentation.

A non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals through home ownership, Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping low-income families caught in the vicious cycle of poverty. 

How can you help? If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, give Habitat for Humanity a call before tear down begins. Their volunteers will remove your old kitchen cabinets, appliances or bathroom fixtures at no-charge and issue you a tax deductible receipt for the value of your donation.



"I feel Habitat for Humanity is such an important entity to have in the community because they help families achieve goals that they would otherwise not be able to achieve on their own," says Amanda Willson-Suppa of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre. "Each family who is granted a Habitat for Humanity home not only pays a mortgage on the home that is structured to their income, but they also help build their own home, giving them a sense of accomplishment and ownership. If you are contemplating a renovation and are updating items in your home that are still perfectly functional...think about donating them to Habitat for Humanity."

Trend Watch at the 2011 Interior Design Show

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre recently played host to the 13th annual Interior Design Show (IDS), Canada's largest contemporary design fair. This highly anticipated show is a favourite in the Canadian interior design world as designers watch for new product debuts and emerging trends.

Starck X from Duravit

"This year, it was apparent that there is a major trend starting to surface, and that trend is plumbing," says Amanda Willson-Suppa of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre. "All of the major brands were in attendance--Aquabrass, Blanco, Brizo, Delta, Duravit, GROHE and Hansgrohe--and they all displayed their newest and most innovative pieces. The look of 'plumbing' is evolving. Architects and designers are now behind these new creations and fresh shapes and design features are starting to from," Amanda explains. 

Arcon from Blanco

"Like the minimalist design of the Starck X toilet from Duravit, for example, or the stunning angular geometry of the Arcon line of sinks from Blanco. Plumbing pieces that rarely changed shape or design now take on an artistic flair and the consumer has so much more to choose from."

To learn more about incorporating these new products into your bathroom redesign, contact Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

Help Monarch Support Herizon House

Please join us as we support Herizon House, a shelter for abused women and their families that provides a place of safety, support and empowerment.

Located in Ajax, Ontario, and serving the Durham/Clarington Regions (including Ajax, Bowmanville, Brooklin, Courtice, Oshawa, Newcastle, Pickering and Whitby), Herizon House is committed to ending the cycle of abuse and violence in the community.

How can you help? Drop off new or gently used household items at the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom and Monarch staff will ensure your donation is transported to Herizon House.

Brand new household and clothing items--and even gift certificates--are given directly to families in need. For a complete list of suggestions, please click here. Gently used items are sold at their New Starts Store, with the proceeds benefiting the women and children served by Herizon House.

For information on dropping off items at the Monarch showroom, contact Amanda Willson-Suppa at 905-686-2001.

To learn more about supporting Herizon House directly, call 905-426-1064, or visit them online.

No Scary Stories at Monarch

Amanda Willson-Suppa from Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre helped staff get into the Halloween spirit last week with an artfully designed pumpkin cake. And while Monarch's kitchen and bath designers were happy to celebrate this spooky holiday with a homemade treat, their clients know they don't have to worry about any design or renovation horror stories.

If finding the perfect design firm to meet your needs has become a nightmare, drop by our Pickering showroom today, or call 905-686-2001 to arrange for a no-obligation consultation. Your kitchen or bath renovation doesn't have to be a horror story. Click here to find out what Monarch's clients are saying.