Home Sweet Condo: Seamless Style and Storage in the Master Bath

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

 Downsizing from a large home into a condominium can be a very stressful experience. While the end goal may be to streamline and simplify, there’s no need to give up all the comforts of big-home living.

In this condo renovation, the master bathroom was completely overhauled to create an elegant and beautiful space.

“Moving from a large home with a big kitchen and multiple bathrooms into a two-bedroom condo was quite a life change for our clients,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “The goal of this renovation was not only to make it as seamless as possible, but also make condo living enjoyable. A master bathroom that didn’t feel like it was part of a condo was the first item on the to-do list.”

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Amanda used light finishes to make the space seem larger. “The storage in this room was increased, and lighting was added so that our clients could feel as though the space was as light and bright as possible,” says Amanda. “The storage is second-to-none. The sizable vanity includes many drawers, and the big cabinet next to the shower allows for more storage than bathrooms in most homes have.”

The Cambria counter tops, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosure and stylish one-piece toilet create an elegant and luxurious space with all the comforts of “home.”

Up next: The Condo Kitchen

From Drab to Fab: Follow this Master Suite Makeover!

Are you guilty of spoiling friends and loved ones before treating yourself to something special?

  

If you don't think you are -- think again -- but this time, consider how you decorate your own home.

Often we overlook the areas of our home that only we see, choosing to spend our decorating and design dollars on updating the rooms where we entertain our guests.

Does this make sense?

We spend more than eight hours each day in our bedrooms and master bathrooms, and yet they are usually the most overlooked and under-decorated rooms in a home.

This was the case in our client's 4,500 sq.ft. Pickering home. The tired and out-of-date master suite was just that, and it was time for a makeover.

Their current bathroom features a tiny 30x30-inch closed-in box-style shower; a huge vanity with only one sink; tired wallpaper; and an outdated Jacuzzi-style tub that is lacking in the energy-efficiency department. To top it all off, the stairs into the tub are carpeted.

The team at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre has undertaken this master suite renovation, and no dream is being overlooked.

The new bath design will include:

• a 4x4-foot glass shower enclosure with GROHE flow-wise fixtures;
• a luxury MAAX soaker tub;
• an updated vanity which will include two sinks and functional storage;
• more energy efficient and stylish lighting fixtures.

Make sure you check back soon to see the stunning results of this master suite makeover.

How Can Your New Bath Design Help Save You Money and the Environment?

Choosing a new toilet and faucet is often one of the final design choices you'll have to make in a bath renovation, but potentially the most important.

From Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):

A high-quality toilet can help you save money, protect the environment and conserve water, all without sacrificing performance or peace of mind. Choose the wrong toilet, and you could wind up flushing your hard-earned dollars down the drain.

In this short video, master plumber Ed Del Grande explains how Kohler's new products have been re-engineered to help you save up to 30% off your water bill.

With so many makes and models to choose from, deciding on which product is right for your home can be a bit overwhelming. If you're considering a bath renovation, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can help.

Drop by our Pickering showroom today or call us at 905-686-2001 and speak with one of our designers. Book your bath renovation with Monarch before August 31, 2012, and you could win your new granite or quartz countertop. To learn more, click here.

A Spa-Inspired Pickering Bath Design by Monarch

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Kohler Designers on How to Personalize Your Bath Design to Fit Your Needs

Three Kohler designers think outside the box and put their own spin on Kohler's versatile Tresham Collection.

Clean and Contemporary Bath Design from Monarch

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Renovating Your Bathroom in 2012? Kohler Redefines Luxury with the Numi Toilet

When you think of adding a bit of luxury to your bathroom, chances are you're considering a freshly tiled shower with multiple shower heads, rich new cabinetry with updated fixtures and hardware...not a toilet that comes with a remote control.

The designers at Kohler, however, have other ideas, and their latest offering—the Numi toilet/bidet—will have you thinking twice about the true meaning of luxury.

From Kohler.com:

"Introducing Numi, Kohler's most advanced toilet. The Numi toilet combines unmatched design, technology and engineering to bring you the finest in personal comfort and cleansing. From its striking form and features to its unrivaled water efficiency, the Numi toilet marks a new standard of excellence in the bathroom."

Monarch Staff Celebrates the Holiday Spirit by Supporting Feed the Need in Durham

Recently, we asked our clients and staff to donate nonperishable food items to help families in need throughout Durham Region...and they did!

The Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre team and their donation to Feed the Need in Durham.

We're thrilled to report that Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is able to drop off a substantial amount of food to Feed the Need in Durham, a non-profit charitable organization that delivers food to food banks, soup kitchens, community service centres, shelters, drop-in centres and breakfast feed programs.

Our thanks to everyone who took the time to drop off food at Monarch's Pickering showroom.

GROHE's Answer to the "Ultimate" Shower Experience

Like most things in life, when it comes to getting what you want -- it's all in the details.

As experts in water technology, GROHE's mission is to develop superior showers with outstanding features. Their DreamSpray® technology provides optimal water distribution for an unparalleled showering experience. With an advanced shower engine ensuring an equal flow of water through each and every nozzle and six luxurious shower settings to choose from, DreamSpray® technology allows you to tailor your shower to your mood and prepare for maximum exhilaration.

Monarch Designers Attend MAAX Fall Launch Party in Toronto's Distillery District

(l-r) Neil Samson, Amanda Willson-Suppa, Kate Beranger, Kevin Samson, Marion Cuddie, Melissa Foley

Monarch's design team was on hand as MAAX unveiled their new fall collection at a launch party at the Fermenting Cellar in Toronto's Distillery District last week.

MAAX's new line of bath tubs and shower enclosures left attendees both impressed and excited to offer these new products to their clients.

Some highlights from MAAX's new fall collection:

PURFECT™ and MECHANIX™ New Frameless Shower Doors

PURFECT™ Frameless Pivot Shower Doors

MECHANIX™ Dual Ball Bearing Sliding Shower Doors

Tile-Redi® Easy-to-Tile Shower Bases

The Pearl® Series

Okapi™

Ambroisa®

The Breathtaking Series

Viaggi® Freestanding Bathtub

"Teamwork and Dedicated Staff" Still the Backbone of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's Success

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's team took a trip down memory lane recently with this article from The News Advertiser which appeared almost 15 years ago.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre...SNAP'd!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's 30th anniversary celebration last month continues to make headlines in Durham Region.

A photographer from SNAP Pickering was on hand as Mayor Dave Ryan presented Monarch with an award of achievement and a representative from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade congratulated them on their continuing success.

For more pictures of the event, visit the SNAP Pickering website.

Renovating Your Kitchen? Chances Are You'll Need a Building Permit

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we don't begin any renovation project without obtaining the necessary building permit first.
 
"I can’t emphasize enough the importance of permits and inspections,” explains Monarch president Neil Samson. “This is your guarantee that work will be done according to Ontario Building Code Standards and your home will be returned to you in a safe and secure manner."

The City of Pickering's planning and development department describes a building permit as "your formal permission to begin construction or demolition."  

A building permit from the City of Pickering ensures it has approved plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Most importantly, all approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning bylaws and other applicable laws and regulations.

From the City of Pickering's Planning and Development website:

It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you obtain a permit.

Building permits regulate types of construction permitted in the community and ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection of safe structures.

By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.

In many cases, your designer or contractor will obtain permits on your behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

For a full list of projects you'll need a building permit for, click here.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, click here for more information on obtaining a building permit for your renovation.

While obtaining a building permit from the city or town you live in may seem like a nuisance, it ensures your project is completed according to code and will often safe you time and money later on.

“You’re spending a lot of time, energy and money on your renovation—be safe and protect your investment," says Neil.

Monarch's 30th Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success!

Sharon and Neil Samson

What a party!

On Saturday, June 11th, friends, family, past and present clients from across Durham Region and the GTA--even some local politicians--helped Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre celebrate 30 successful years in business.

A tribute from Linda Ruddy

We'd like to thank everyone who joined in the celebration. If your ballot was drawn for one of our many giveaways, Amanda Willson-Suppa will have already contacted you. Congratulations to all the winners!

Linda Ruddy from LMR Consulting with Sharon Samson and Melissa Foley.

The Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre team.

Monarch president Neil Samson is joined by Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan

Achieving Balance Through Rituals: The Secret to this Durham Kitchen Design Firm's Success

While perusing BainUltra's website recently, Monarch designer Marion Cuddie discovered some thought-provoking information on wellness and how best to achieve balance in our lives. One item she found particularly relevant involves rituals--their goals and effects.

From BainUltra's Guide to Your Vedana Experiences:

Rituals can be defined as organized ceremonies that involve predetermined actions, the manipulation of objects, or interior practices designed to effect certain results. During rituals, participants direct their energy toward a defined goal.

"This got me thinking about Monarch's commitment to our weekly production/design meeting," says Marion. "Although we all feed off one another in the creation of the perfect solution to the design challenges we are given--and have an open and ongoing communication with our crews and management--we really do benefit from the set and structured meeting each Wednesday."

And while BainUltra is undoubtedly referring to how the predictable, structured nature of rituals can be used to benefit one's physical and mental well-being, Marion believes Monarch's weekly meetings--their ritual--has played an integral part in Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's success.

"Through our weekly meetings, we have an opportunity to collectively celebrate our successes and manage the challenges of our business," adds Marion. "We are able to stay on track, all of us with the common goal of creating an organization that services our clients in their homes with professionalism, sensitivity and creativity."

The Advantages of Using a Kitchen and Bath Design Firm

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Gets Top Marks in Durham Region, the GTA and beyond

From Pam in Oshawa, posted February 23, 2011 on HomeStars:

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the fine workmanship and attention to detail you and your staff exhibited during my kitchen project. I am so overwhelmed and pleased with the final results. Everyone of your staff should be complimented on their talents and their caring attitudes. When dealing with Melissa over the phone or by email, even though we have never met in person, she was attentive to my concerns and was quick to reply to them. When she said things would be delivered by a certain date and time, they were and I appreciated this promptness.
    The young man who delivered the cabinets was very friendly and careful as he alone brought in all the heavy pieces. Don was simply amazing and quietly proficient as he managed to install all those heavy cabinets. Although the young men who installed the counter top were present for a short time on the site, they were very skilled and polite.
    Sarah was an enthusiastic delight to work with. She had so many good ideas and made my decisions so much easier with her eye for detail. I appreciated the fact that Neil took the time to come to the project and double check the measurements. Last but not least, I cannot say enough about the wonderful workmanship of Tim and JoAnn. They are simply outstanding in their ability to tackle any aspect of a project. They worked very long days but treated my kitchen as if it was the most important task they had to do. Each day the project site was left neat and tidy and work debris was taken away.
    I definitely will recommend your company to my friends and family and look forward to other projects that I have on the horizon. Thank you again all for your hard work.

From Anna and Mario in Thornhill, posted January 19, 2011 on HomeStars:

We were very pleased with the renovation of our children’s bathroom. Everyone involved was extremely helpful. Neil with the measurements and rearranging of the space to our taste. Melissa with the design and helping us with choosing the pieces that met our needs and fit our budget. Last but not least, the installer Rick. He was professional and did an excellent job, showing up when promised and working very cleanly. Any issues we had were dealt with promptly by Melissa and Neil. There was a small leak after the job was finished and the problem was resolved completely.
    We would certainly recommend Monarch Kitchen and Bath to anyone contemplating a renovation.

Bathroom Design Inspiration: Walk-In Shower Wet Rooms

Photo courtesy of Duravit

Looking for the ultimate way to add the luxury of a spa to your bathroom?

Discover the latest European design trend now making a mark in North America: the walk-in shower wet room.

Walk-in shower wet rooms are bathrooms designed to function as full-room showers. With minimal use of materials, the bathing area is not segregated from the rest of the room by walls, enclosed stalls or even lips to step over. Instead, the shower is level with the rest of the floor, making the entire bathroom area easy to access and clean.

Ideal for North America's aging population, this open-concept shower experience can be made even more user-friendly and address accessibility and mobility issues with the installation of benches and handrails. In keeping with its sleek, modern design, toilet screens or separators are usually transparent and the entire bathroom area is intended to operate as a single space.

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.

Cast Iron Sinks: The Beautiful Alternative

Although the kitchen sink is probably one of the most functional elements in your home, it is often one of the last products homeowners decide upon when designing their new kitchen.

Next to choosing the colour and material of your counter tops, deciding on a style and wood colour for your cabinets and picking out shiny new appliances, shopping for a kitchen sink can't really compare, can it?

After all, how do you excited about a sink?

Well, for starters, you might want step away from the stainless steel aisle and consider the beauty and durability of a Kohler cast iron sink.

Available in over 20 colours, Kohler's extensive line of cast iron sinks will quickly have you pondering how to incorporate their beauty and functionality into your kitchen redesign. And because beauty isn't everything, Kohler's cast iron sinks have an easy-to-clean, durable enamel finish and are guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. 





Video courtesy of Kohler.