What's Open and Closed on the Civic Holiday

If you're considering a kitchen or bath renovation in your home, condo or cottage, drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom this weekend. Our design team would be happy to discuss your plans with you.

Here are our Civic Holiday long weekend hours:

Friday, July 31st - 9am to 5pm
Saturday, August 1st - 9am to 5pm
Sunday, August 2nd - closed
Monday, August 3rd - closed
Tuesday, August 4th - regular business hours resume

Below is a list of what's open -- and what's not -- around Toronto on Monday.

OPEN

• Tourist attractions (ROM, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium)
• Major malls (Eaton Centre, Yorkville, Fairview, Sherway Gardens, Square One, Vaughan Mills) The Pickering Town Centre will be open 10am to 6pm.
• Select Beer Store locations
• LCBO
• Grocery stores
• Movie theatres

CLOSED

• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Banks
• Libraries
• Government offices
• Post offices and mail delivery

For a full list of what's open and closed, click here.

We hope you enjoy a safe and happy Civic Holiday long weekend!

What's Open and Closed on the Civic Holiday

Happy Civic Holiday Long Weekend from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Are you considering a kitchen or bath renovation in your home, condo or cottage? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom this weekend-- our designers would be happy to discuss your design plans with you.

Here are our Civic Holiday long weekend hours:

Friday, August 1 - 9am to 5pm
Saturday, August 2nd - 9am to 5pm
Sunday, August 3rd - closed
Monday, August 4th - closed
Tuesday, August 5th - regular business hours resume

Below is a list of what's open -- and what's not -- around Toronto on Monday.

OPEN

• Tourist attractions (ROM, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium)
• Major malls (Eaton Centre, Yorkville, Fairview, Sherway Gardens, Square One, Vaughan Mills)
• Select Beer Store locations
• LCBO
• Movie theaters

CLOSED

• Tourist attractions (AGO, TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Banks
• Government offices
• Post offices and mail delivery

For a full list of what's open and closed, click here.

We hope you enjoy a safe and happy Civic Holiday long weekend!

Luxury Meets Relaxation in this Black and White Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Black and white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Black and white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Black and white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Black and white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Black and white bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre -- Your Baeumler Approved Contractor

Over a year ago on this blog, we announced Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre were among a

limited number of home improvement specialists in the Greater Toronto Area to be Baeumler Approved. Monarch’s team continues to be proud of this designation and works diligently to ensure we live up to the Baeumler Approved level of excellence.

Baeumler Approved is the brainchild of Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV's "Disaster DIY" and "House of Bryan." Baeumler Approved screens home renovation companies to ensure that their references check out and they have all the required insurance and licenses necessary to run their business. Not only does Baeumler Approved check with previous customers, but they also check with the tradespeople and companies they employ on a regular basis to ensure a company who they deem "Baeumler Approved" has a solid reputation.

In an article in the Bay Observer, Bryan writes:

“We all work hard for our money. As a homeowner, deciding to renovate or repair your home it is very important to be wise before making a decision as to which contractor or tradesperson to hire. I have always encouraged people to dig below the surface in order to ensure they are making the right choice. A few hours spent online or on the phone can save you days and weeks of future frustration, not to mention the costs associated with redoing work that has been completed improperly, or not at all. A good contractor has liability insurance, conforms to all municipal and provincial guidelines and has active WSIB coverage for their workers. You can also learn a great deal by looking into a company’s work history and reputation online and through other businesses. 

This is the reason that I have established the Baeumler Approved network of quality contractors. We have actively sought out the best builders and trades from across Ontario and vetted our members for insurance, WSIB coverage, quality of work, and reputation to ensure that we are providing homeowners with quality workmanship that comes with honest service. Our members must adhere to a strict code of conduct and we encourage feedback from homeowners about the work that has been completed." 

I know that no one is perfect and even the best contractors will occasionally encounter issues, but quality contractors communicate openly and honestly with homeowners and ensure that the job is completed on-time and to a professional standard.”

Trust Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre with your kitchen and bath design and renovation needs. Drop by our showroom or call us today to book an appointment with a member of our design team.

BainUltra Takes Relaxation to the Next Level with AromaCloud

A few months ago, we introduced you to BainUltra’s revolutionary Geysair hydro-thermo massage technology – an incredible way to relax at the end of hectic day.

Once again, BainUltra has found a way to take relaxation to the next level. AromaCloud, their newest therapeutic technology, is the first of its kind. Now you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy through this new and innovative system.

AromaCloud is an essential oil diffuser that can be built into any of BainUltra’s therapeutic baths.  Energizing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating essential oils are absorbed more effectively by your body.

With AromaCloud, you are able to choose whatever essential oils you’d like to create a calming atmosphere. And like its name, it creates a cloud filled with essential oils that cascade down the side of the tub, and into your bath—creating a calming and enjoyable therapy experience.

Monarch’s design team is the first in Canada to have been trained in all of the therapies offered by BainUltra. Are you contemplating a bath renovation in 2013? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom and speak with one of our designers. We’d love to help. 

Redesigning Your Bathroom? Robern Electric Vanities and Cabinets Put an End to Clutter Chaos

Hair dryers, flat irons, electric toothbrushes...they all belong in a bathroom, but storing them without cluttering your counter top can be a challenge.

By focusing on the details, Robern has created bathroom vanities and cabinetry which offer convenient yet well-concealed electrical outlets where you need them most.

Planning on redesigning your bathroom? Watch this video and discover how Robern has effectively combined function with elegant design.

Happy Holidays from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In order for our staff to enjoy holidays with their families and friends,

our business hours for the 2011/2012 holiday season are as follows:

December 23rd

9 am to 12 pm

December 24th to 27th

Closed

December 28th to 30th

9 am to 5 pm

December 31st to January 2nd

Closed

Monarch's showroom will reopen for the New Year on January 3, 2012.

All the very best to you and your family for a safe, healthy and happy holiday.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Finishing Touches: Monarch Kitchen and Bath Designers Discuss Decorative Hardware

Monarch designers rely on a variety of different elements to make a kitchen and bath design both functional and beautiful: cabinetry, countertops, lighting, appliances, flooring — and decorative hardware.

"Decorative hardware plays a significant role in tying together a kitchen or bath design," says Monarch Kitchen and Bath designer Kevin Samson. “Choosing the perfect finishing touch allows our clients to add their own personality to the project.”

And while the trend in decorative hardware continues toward clean and simple lines, many of our clients continue to choose larger-sized handles. These are available in a wide variety of finishes and colours to complement the ever-popular earth tones.

"Hardware manufacturers also offer many variations of the bronze, brass and pewter finishes," adds Kevin. "Solid colours in the brown and black shades make a bold statement on a lighter coloured wood door.

From Richelieu's
Inspiration Collection

Chrome is Back
Today, with over 90% of homeowners choosing faucets with a chrome finish, Samson notes that the majority of his clients choose chrome hardware for their cabinetry and accessories. Richelieu Hardware's new Inspiration Collection offers a fresh new designs for your kitchen and bath.

Precious Stone Pull
from Richelieu

Setting the Tone
"The hardware you select for your cabinetry is really a great way to personalize or set the tone for the entire space," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. 

"In one of my current installations, the client selected an over-sized crackled Murano glass knob for a white shaker door," adds Marion. "The sparkle in the glass will pick up the glitter in the granite and elevate the very basic style of the door to one with a subtle elegance."

"We have recently been introduced to a new exciting line of hardware from Richelieu that includes handmade RAKU pieces and a precious metals collection that offers Amber, Mother of Pearl and Onyx," says Marion. "I can’t wait to see them in installation!"

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.

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.

Athena Electric Helps Monarch Designers Stay Up-To-Date

Vicky Campbell
Master Electrician

When it comes to renovating, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's team of designers always put their clients' safety first. With this in mind, Monarch invited electrician Vicky Campbell to their Pickering showroom recently to give designers a refresher course on what to plan for when working on a kitchen or bath design.

Vicky Camlbell is a fully insured and licensed electrical contractor registered with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Vicky is a Master Electrician with a Construction and Maintenance licence: this certifies her for any kind of residential or commercial electrical work throughout Canada.

"We use her on all our jobs that require an electrician," says Amanda Willson-Suppa. "She visits Monarch from time to time to make sure our team has a clear understanding of the building code and how it applies to electrical items in kitchens and bathrooms."

Vicky's 10 years of experience as an electrician include control wiring, knob and tube removal, aluminum removal and reconditioning, and any kind of power and distribution in a residential or commercial setting.