There's Still Time to Help Monarch Feed Local Families in Durham

We're so grateful for the generosity of our clients and design team as they help us gather food for donation throughout our community. 

There's still time to drop off these much-need nonperishable food items to the Monarch showroom:

• peanut butter
• jam
• canned pasta sauce
• canned fruit and vegetables
• canned stews / chilli /soup
• meal replacement drinks (ie. Boost, Ensure)
• sugar
• canned tuna and salmon
• rice, pasta
• coffee, tea
• diapers
• baby formula

We'll be accepting donations until December 22nd. Our showroom is located at 1020 Brock Rd., Unit 6, Pickering.

For more information, please call our office at 905-686-2001.

Sweeten Up Your Thanksgiving Menu with These Great Dessert Ideas from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food

Lucky for us, the holiday weekend forecast for Southern Ontario includes mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high teens. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some time outside with close friends and family over the next few days.

For those of you inside baking up a storm, here are a few videos from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food that will make preparing your holiday dessert a breeze.







Remember, there's still time to spruce up your kitchen before the Christmas holiday season. Call Monarch today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom and speak with a member of our designer team.

Our showroom is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday, October 12th.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre team

Designing a Kitchen that Works for Your Family All Year Long

Here at Monarch, we often talk about preparing your home for the next big holiday get-together. Providing a comfortable working and entertainment space is a popular topic when clients walk into our showroom. However, homeowners initially looking for the “wow” factor during holiday season can often lose site of how the space is used the rest of the year.

“So often when we begin the process of designing spaces, we focus on the large events in our lives…the holidays and special occasions…but what we neglect to focus on are the routine comings and goings in our home,” says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. “Our goal is to help you plan a space so that it best suits your everyday needs, as well as accommodate your special occasion needs.” 

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The kitchen and dining areas are perfect examples of this. “Having your kitchen space work for you and your immediate family is very important,” explains Jackie.

Here are just a few of the factors to consider:

1. Do you have more than one cook, or more than one task being performed in your kitchen at any one time? Perhaps a designated homework area should be given priority, and not worry quite so much about accommodating 14 people for a meal.

2. Will homework be an everyday occurrence in your kitchen? You might want to incorporate a designated storage space for school items.

3. Are you an animal lover? If so, it may make more sense for your kitchen design to include an area designated for pet food storage instead of adding a fifth seat at the island.

When you work with a designer at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we can help you streamline the needs and goals for your space, and refine it to be the most functional space it can be.

Drop by our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak with a member of our design team.

Related posts:

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Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Designers Discover New and Amazing Things from Blum

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!

Monarch Welcomes Kitchen Designer Jackie Chambers

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is excited to welcome Jackie Chambers to their kitchen

and bath design team.

An interior design graduate from Georgian College School of Design and Visual Arts, Jackie has been working in the kitchen and bath industry since 2004. "I am excited to be working at Monarch," says Jackie. "It will be great working with such a friendly and cohesive team."

Jackie believes that form always follows function, and works closely with clients to achieve a delicate balance of practicality and aesthetics.

An active member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), Jackie stays close to the pulse of the industry by volunteering on various committees. After serving as executive secretary for NKBA’s Ottawa chapter for two years, Jackie has accepted the position of treasurer for NKBA’s Ontario chapter.

Are you ready to renovate? Call Jackie today at 905-686-2001 and discover how Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can inspire your kitchen and bath design.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Nominated for APBOT Business Excellence Award

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we understand that our success depends solely on the satisfaction of our clients. Recently, we received word that a past client (and business associate) had nominated us for a Business Excellence Award from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 500-plus members represent a wide array of business sectors. The APBOT Business Excellence Awards were established in 1994 to recognize the achievements and excellence in business performance. An independent panel of judges evaluates the nominees based on three categories – one to nine, 10 to 49, and 50+ employees.

“As a longstanding APBOT member and an active member of the Ajax-Pickering business community, it is an honour to be recognized for our commitment to excellence,” says Monarch president Neil Samson. “But most importantly, we are incredibly proud and humbled that our client felt so strongly about the quality of our service to nominate us for this award.”

The winners of the 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on October 9th, 2014, at the Ajax Convention Centre.

Spend Less Time Inside with these Easy-to-Prepare Summertime Recipes from Everyday Food

Looking for a little summer mealtime inspiration? Here are a few recipes that are both delicious and quick and easy to prepare.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Helps Feed the Need in Durham Region

After a week of ice storms and power outages, it is our pleasure to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in a brand new year!

We are pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity of our design team and the thoughtfulness of our clients, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre was able to drop off a substantial amount of food to Feed the Need in Durham last month.

Feed the Need in Durham is 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 our showroom.

Function and Beauty: Making Your Kitchen Island Work For You

In the past few decades, kitchens have transformed from just a place to prepare meals to the social hub of the home. The small closed-off food preparation zones of yesterday have become kitchens that are warm, welcoming spaces that open up into other rooms. Families use their kitchen as project spaces, entertaining centres, dining rooms, and much more.

At the centre of it all? The kitchen island.

If a kitchen island is on your redesign wish list, you’ll want to fully consider what your family’s needs before incorporating it into your new design. Will you be primarily using it to prepare food or will you also need a place for your kids to spread out their homework while you work? If you entertain, do you mind if the guests see what you’re doing? If not, a dual-height island may be for you: it can shield the kitchen mess from an open living area.

Perhaps you’ll want to include a dining bar, or make one end of the island a dining table. Since the island can take up a fair amount of kitchen real estate, it makes sense to take advantage most of every inch. In fact, designers regularly incorporate cooktops, prep sinks, storage and appliances into kitchen island designs.

“You can make your island the focal point of your kitchen by adding legs or turnings to give the warmth of furniture,” says Monarch designer Sarah Holmstrom. “Or choose a different colour for the island cabinetry and countertop, and hanging unique artful lights above.”

To learn more about incorporating an island into your new kitchen design, call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001, or drop by our showroom and speak with one of our designers.

There's Nothing Scary About Choosing Monarch for Your Next Kitchen or Bath Renovation

Happy Halloween from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre!

While Monarch's kitchen and bath designers are happy to celebrate this spooky holiday, 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 showroom 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.

Welcome Fall with a Bowl of Homemade Soup

Crisp cold air welcomed fall to Southern Ontario yesterday afternoon. It's officially soup weather!

Warm your kitchen and your bellies with help from these fast, easy and delicious recipes from  Everyday Food and Allrecipes.com.

What's the Best Time of Year to Renovate a Kitchen or Bath?

“Our clients frequently ask us what time of year is best to renovate a kitchen or bathroom,” says Monarch designer Kevin Samson. “There is no standard answer to that question, as every client has a slightly different requirement or reason for choosing a date.”

Before the renovation scheduling begins, your Monarch designer reviews the particulars of your kitchen or bath project so you know exactly what to expect during the entire renovation.

“By asking a few questions at the beginning of the planning process, we’re able to work together to determine an ideal project date,” explains Kevin. “Sometimes clients want to upgrade their kitchen or bath prior to hosting an event in their home and this can determine the date the project will start or finish.” The warmer months are a popular time to renovate because clients are able to cook outdoors and spend more time outside, away from the ‘job site.’

“Families with younger children often prefer to have their home renovated during the school year, as it is less stressful on the family if the children are in school during the day. One of my clients has completed three projects with Monarch, and each time they’ve asked for them to be performed during the winter months,” says Kevin. “Their reason for the winter time frame is so they can enjoy their home during the summer without disruption.”

Are you considering a kitchen or bath renovation? Monarch has been making homeowner’s kitchen and bath dreams a reality for over 30 years. Drop by our showroom or call us at 905-686-2001 to book a consultation with one of our design team.

Two Ways to Get Creative with Fresh Corn on the Cob this August Long Weekend

The August long weekend is almost here. If you're heading up to the cottage, you will undoubtedly pass a few roadside corn and vegetable stands along the way.

Here are a few creative ways to enjoy your fresh corn on the cob and some tips on how to grill vegetables from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food.

Celebrate Summer with Delicious Recipes from Everyday Food

No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, you probably have better things to do in the summer months than stay inside and prepare meals.

Here are a few fast and easy recipes from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Staff Proudly Support Kevin & Wendy Samson and the 2013 Gutsy Walk

On Sunday, June 9th, thousands of Canadians at close to 60 locations across Canada walked together to raise money to find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

CCFC-funded IBD research has confirmed what we have suspected for years – Canada has one of the highest rates for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world and those rates are increasing. In fact, one in 150 Canadians is living with IBD. The Gutsy Walk is a great way to spread awareness of IBD and raise much-needed funds to support essential research. ~ GutsyWalk.ca

Among those participating were Monarch designer Kevin Samson and his wife Wendy. "Many thanks to my co-workers who, as a group, raised $700," says Kevin. The annual event is sponsored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. "Wendy and I raised $2,580 and our group, Team Sinai, raised over $75,000."

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is proud to donate to this worthy cause. For more information on how you can donate or volunteer your time, visit www.gutsywalk.ca.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is Now RenoMark™ Approved!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is pleased to announce we are now among a limited number of renovation contractors in the Greater Toronto Area who are RenoMark™ Approved.

From Renomark.ca:

RenoMark™ raises the bar and identifies renovation contractors, who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders' Association's Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. RenoMark™ renovators understand the value of customer service, provide warranties and continually educate themselves on trends, materials and new regulations.

As an approved RenoMark contractor, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre can assure their clients they meet the following criteria for membership:

• 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.

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.

Are you planning a kitchen or bath redesign this spring? Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom. You can trust us to make your renovation dreams a reality.

One More Reason to Trust Monarch with Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation: We're BILD Approved!

Building Industry and Land Development Association

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is pleased to announce we are now among a limited number of home improvement specialists in the Greater Toronto Area who are BILD Approved.

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) encourages innovations and excellence in the planning and building of sustainable communities and in the redevelopment and renovation of existing communities. As the voice of the land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the greater GTA, BILD's goals include improving the communication between the industry and government and protecting the interests of consumers.

Members of BILD must abide by a strict code of ethics and shall:

1. comply with applicable building codes of Canada as a minimum standard for construction and shall work toward its improvement in the interests of structural sufficiency, safety, and health.
2. plan their projects to conform to the principles of good community planning and support for the environment.
3. deal justly with their employees, subcontractors, and suppliers of all goods and services.
4. deal honestly and fairly with their customers and stand behind the quality of their work and service commitments.
5. exchange information and experience, and encourage research on materials, technical advancements and building techniques in order to provide the best value for their customers.
6. avoid all conduct or practice detrimental to the land development and building industry, to the Association, to the good name or reputation of any of its members, or its customers.
7. commit to continuing learning through human resource policies and practices, including employment practices which treat employees as assets.
8. actively promote health and safety principles.
9. treat their competitors, including their property and ideas, with respect.

Are you planning a kitchen or bath redesign this spring? Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom. We'd love to help make your renovation dreams a reality.