One Design Trend You May Not Have Seen Coming

Brushed Bronze handshower
by Moen

Brass. It’s showing up in an increasing number of design showrooms and making its way back into your home!

Never completely gone, brass designs have had a rougher, more patinated feel to it in the past few years. For 2013, however, interior designers are embracing the shine. From gleaming chandeliers that incorporate a mixture of metals and hang above your dining tables, to brushed bronze hardware for your kitchen and bath cabinetry, there’s no denying it: brass is back and here to stay.

Icon by Moen
Brushed Bronze

“I love the fact that most of the new finishes are polish-free,” says Monarch design Marion Cuddie. “If you are a traditionalist at heart, brass is a great way to honour the past with all the style and convenience of today.”

Brass Ring Knob
by Berenson

Savvy kitchen and bath manufacturers are fully aware of the stigma attached to the word “brass” and have found ways to ease consumers into including brass décor into their homes.

Ever fearful of furnishing their homes with the shiny polished brass that decorated their parents’ homes, consumers are now purchasing items with such descriptions as “antique bronze” and “brushed bronze.”

What’s old is new again! For more ideas on including brass into your kitchen or bath décor, drop by the Monarch showroom and speak with one of our designers.

Coming in April 2012: Five New Decorative Hardware Collections from Berenson Hardware

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is proud to support Berenson Hardware in their mission to increase breast cancer awareness and pay tribute to those affected by the disease.

Berenson Hardware's five new decorative hardware collections -- inspired by and named after breast cancer survivors -- will be available in the spring of 2012. 

To learn more, visit www.berensonhardware.com

A portion of the proceeds from these collections will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

From the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website:

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Finish with Flair: Introducing Berenson Hardware

Although a great deal of time and effort goes into the planning, design, tear down and renovation of your kitchen or bathroom, it's important to pay attention to the little details. Often overlooked, hardware such as knobs, handles and drawer pulls play a significant role in the final look and feel of your new space.

Berenson Hardware is now on display at Monarch's Pickering showroom. Stop by and take a look and talk to one of our designers about ways you can incorporate their Berenson's hardware into your new kitchen or bathroom.

"I was excited to see the arrival of the Berenson Hardware samples," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. "They round out our selections beautifully by adding some great craftsman styled pieces in burnished copper and steel, as well as adding to our options for polished nickel."

With five lifestyle collections to choose from, you're sure to find the look that fits your home. Berenson Hardware also offers over 70 finishes to choose from. Click here for their complete guide to hardware finishes.

Timeless Charm

• classic elegance with the best of family traditions

Uptown Appeal

• a reflection of sleek and sophisticated family life

Classic Comfort

• a warm, welcoming blend of traditional and contemporary

Artisan Inspired

• a bold and passionate point of view rich in colour and design

Creative Release

• the essence of freedom, a natural choice for a casual and approachable kitchen decor