Choosing Cherry for Your Kitchen Cabinetry

A few weeks ago, we began our blog series on the different wood types available to choose from when redesigning your kitchen or bathroom. This week, we examine the distinctive characteristics of cherry.

Often associated with use in more traditional settings, cherry can be paired with modern finishes for a more contemporary look and feel. “There’s a richness and depth that you can only get with cherry," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "The variation in colour and grain gives a very elemental look that can only come from a truly natural material.”

Cherry:

• brings a sense of warmth to any space
• smooth, fine-grained appearance with uniform texture and random markings
• character comes from mineral streaking, fine pinholes and pitch pockets
• ranges from tan blonde to deep brown and darkens naturally as it ages
• hard enough to withstand everyday life

Are you ready to make your kitchen and bath renovation dreams a reality? Call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001, or drop by our kitchen and bath showroom and chat with a member of our design team. 

Photo courtesy of Cuisines Laurier.

Choosing the Drawer Style that Fits Your New Kitchen Design and Your Budget

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

If a new kitchen design is in your future, you’re probably balancing a desire to have a beautiful kitchen with your basic need to have a more functional workspace.

This is where your choice of kitchen cabinetry comes in. Sure, you want your cabinetry to look great on the outside, but don’t underestimate the importance of making the time you spend in your kitchen more convenient.

Today, an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to include more drawers in their kitchen cabinetry design. Stronger glide technology has allowed manufacturers to create bigger drawers that can handle heavier items like pots, pans, dishware, large serving dishes and chopping blocks. With drawers, items are in full view and no longer become lost at the back of the cupboard!

Like most design elements, there are a variety of styles and sizes to choose from. “When you are looking at what type of drawer to get in your kitchen, generally budget does come into play. If you’re on a tight budget, then a drawer without the slow close features, and without full extension is what you might consider,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “If you’ve got some room in your budget, drawers that provide full extension and slow-close technology are preferred.”

Double-wall steel drawers have the slow close and full extension glides on them, but the bottom of the drawer is melamine to match the interior of your kitchen. “The wood dovetail drawers are generally made out of birch, but can have an extra style feature of being constructed out of walnut,” says Amanda. “These drawers are more traditional, and often we find that people chose the wood dovetail when they are constructing a more transitional or traditional kitchen.”

Dovetail Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These traditional wooden dovetail drawers are assembled by hand; one by one; to make sure that every joint is perfect. Dovetail drawers are made of birch wood and mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides.

Tandembox Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These contemporary drawers are available in gray aluminum or stainless steel. Light and strong, Tamdembox drawers are a modern alternative to the traditional dovetail drawers. The drawers are mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides. Gallery, double gallery and double walled sides options are available. 

To get a closer look at the cabinetry and drawer options available, drop by Monarch’s showroom today.

Friday Flashback: Does Your Kitchen or Bath Look Like This?

While Monarch is usually in the habit of posting pictures from recently redesigned kitchen and bathrooms, we thought we'd post some photos of "newly designed" kitchen and bath renovations from years gone past.

A quick glance at these pictures and one thing becomes incredibly clear: from lighting and cabinetry to tile and technology, the kitchen and bath industry has grown rapidly over the past 25 years.

Today, homeowners enjoy a vast selection of stunning style options to suit every budget. Now, more than ever, your kitchen and bath designs can be a true reflection of who you are and respond to your needs for each space.

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we take pride in our ability to listen to your needs and ideas and work with you to create designs that are not only beautiful, but also make sense for your family in your daily life.

If your kitchen or bath still looks like this, it's time to UPDATE and RENOVATE!

What are you waiting for? Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001 or drop by our Pickering showroom today.

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.

How To Adjust Your Kitchen Cabinet Door Hinges

No matter how fabulous your kitchen cabinetry, daily use can result in doors that become out of alignment over time. If some of your kitchen cabinet doors are hanging incorrectly, fixing them is easier than you may think.

In this video, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president Neil Samson explains how simple it is to adjust your cabinet door hinges using only a screwdriver. 

If your cabinet door hinges aren't similar to the ones shown in this video, email us at contact@mkbi.com for assistance or drop by our Pickering showroom.

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.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Supports Habitat for Humanity

(Left to right) Marion, Samantha, Neil, Sharon and Jim.

A few weeks ago, we listed two display kitchens from our Pickering showroom for sale on this blog. While we're sorry to disappoint those who contacted us, we are thrilled with our decision to donate these kitchens to a very worthwhile cause: Habitat for Humanity.

"We have supported and worked with Habitat for Humanity for many years now and are very excited to have them in Durham Region," say Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president Neil Samson. "There is a build scheduled to commence in Oshawa that will provide housing for six Durham Region families. Monarch's team met with Habitat for Humanity recently and we are grateful for the opportunity to help our community in such a positive way."

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 Kitchen Showroom Displays On Sale Now!

What happens to Monarch's display kitchens when the showroom gets a makeover? They are sold to the public at a fraction of the original cost.

Drop into the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Pickering showroom today to view what's available...but hurry! With prices this low, these kitchens are sure to go fast!

MODERN KITCHEN - Only $1,500

Originally $9,847

• MDF Presto door cabinetry with a Wedgewood Blue high- gloss finish
  
  
• Silestone Aguaul countertop
  
  
• Sink and faucet included
  
  
• All cabinet accessories (Blum cutlery system, garbage and magic corner) are included
  
  
• Transforms easily into a bar!

BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN - Only $1,900

Originally $10,163

• Perfect for the basement or Granny suite!
  
  
• Created in a Maple Chamberlain door cabinetry with a Snowdrift finish
  
  
• Corian Canyon countertop
  
  
• Features a glass corner cabinet and open shelf
  
  
• All accessories (corner garbage storage, recycling centre) are included. Dishwasher not included.

PLEASE NOTE: Any cabinets required to complete your installation will be available by quotation. Prices exclude installation, HST and delivery.

For more information, call Neil Samson at 416-464-0511.

The White Kitchen Cabinetry Has Been Installed as Monarch's Pickering Showroom Takes Shape

Looking at pictures of beautifully designed kitchens online and in magazines is a great way to get ideas, discover the latest trends and figure out what you like--and what you don't. But when it comes to getting truly inspired, there's nothing quite like standing in a kitchen and imagining how the cabinets, countertop, sink etc. would look in your home.

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we've witnessed some of our clients' biggest "a-ha" moments while standing in one of our showroom kitchens...one of the many reasons why we take such pride in getting our model kitchens "just right." 

Monarch's latest showroom update--a framed white kitchen--is almost complete. The Cuisines Laurier cabinetry is now in place and the granite countertop from Interstone Marble and Granite will soon be installed. We invite you to stop by and view it for yourself.

What Will Be Your Favourite Thing in Your New Kitchen?

Trying to decide which features to include in your kitchen redesign can be incredibly overwhelming. With so many elements to consider--cabinetry, countertops, flooring, appliances, sinks, faucets, lighting--it's no wonder some homeowners find it difficult to stay focused. Often, the best way to explore what's right for your kitchen is to learn from the experience of others.

www.dreamkitchenrenodiary.wordpress.com

A few years ago, one of Monarch's clients decided to write a blog chronicling her family's kitchen renovation process. Over several months, she recorded the reasons for the renovation, the before pictures, details and pictures of the tear down and wrote an ongoing description of how her family of four coped during that time of upheaval. One of our favourite posts--and one we're sure you'll find very useful--was written almost two years to this to day and, with her permission, we've reprinted it here:

These are a few of my favourite things
December 28, 2008

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things!!

We’ve been singing this song ever since we saw The Sound of Music in November. (It was wonderful, by the way.) And I can’t think of a better way to describe my kitchen than to say that it is chock FULL of my favourite things. We have hosted three dinner parties since the majority of the renovations were completed two weeks ago and I must say that people have been blown away by how incredible our kitchen has turned out. The dust and  disaster of the renovations now seems like a bad dream and in the spirit of the “12 Days of Christmas,” I’m ready to share my 12 favourite things about our new kitchen.

12. A place for everything and everything in its place – There is a ton of storage space in this kitchen and so many opportunities to store things in logical places.

11. Hidden Spice Drawers – I love the two sliding spice drawers underneath my gas cooktop. No more rifling through my cupboards; everything is at my fingertips.

10. More Countertop Space – With the addition of the island, I have a ton of countertop space. This means I can now store my mixer, espresso machine and toaster on the countertop and it doesn’t interfere with my food prep area — the island.

9. Lowered Workspace – Speaking of the island, not only is it HUGE but we had the counterop made lower than usual to accommodate our height deficiencies (translation: we’re short!). Friends, family and even Nick (in the early stages) questioned our decision to do this, but this is definitely one of our favourite features of the entire kitchen.

8. Lowered Cooktop – We also had our cooktop lowered and this makes preparing food so much easier. Instead of grabbing a stool for the final stages of my wok cooking (stop laughing, it’s not easy being short), I can actually stir big pots full of pasta or soup with ease.

7. Gas Stove – Oh, how I love my gas stove! Of course, the fact that I spent the past eight years cooking on a 30-year old almond-coloured stove may contribute to this love…but only slightly. Instant heat is a beautiful thing.

6. Breakfast Bar – This is a family favourite to be sure and a great place for guests to congregate while we mix drinks or prepare dinner. Love, love, LOVE it!

5. Lights – We have gone from three lights (in total) in our kitchen and dining room to over 20 pot lights, four pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting and a chandelier-type light fixture over our table. Needless to say, we see things a little differently now :)

4. Two Sinks – While Nick may have briefly questioned the lowered countertop on the island, I questioned whether I REALLY needed a prep sink on the island. Thank goodness I decided to keep it; I love having a sink specifically for washing fruits and vegetables…right by my food prep area. And the main sink is huge. I can stack a pile of dishes in there and it doesn’t even look full! Having two sinks is an indulgence, but hey…go big or go home!

3. Back Splash - I wanted tumbled marble, but Nick had something else in mind. We took the advice of a good friend and went to Tile Zone in Ajax and found long, narrow porcelain tiles that our pal Christian installed with black grout. The result? An urban feel that makes the cabinetry pop. I love it and I love my husband for having such great taste.

2. Roll out drawers in the pantry cupboards – I had a walk-in pantry in my old kitchen, so space wasn’t really an issue…except for the fact that I could never find anything! I love being able to pull out a drawer and see exactly what I have. It’s really quite basic…but very important.

1. Room to Move, Cook, Party and Enjoy – I had to laugh at one of the electricians that came into our home. He had been there many times since the renovation began, so he had a good feel for the space. But once the cabinets and countertops were installed, he commented that “this isn’t a kitchen, it’s a banquet hall!” Yes, our kitchen is big. One might even say huge. And this is what I love about it most. We had 12 people for dinner on the Sunday before Christmas and as everyone stood around the island and sink and stove, I realized that there was still room to move! Lots and lots of it! One of the things that I hated most about my old kitchen was that, despite its size, it didn’t make sense. The layout didn’t allow for more than two of three people in the prep area at once. I’m starting to realize that our ‘dream’ kitchen isn’t just a room for us to enjoy, but instead, it’s a place we can share with our family and friends for years to come.

To view the entire blog, visit www.dreamkitchenrenodiary.wordpress.com.

Bathroom Remodeling: Before You Begin

If you're ready to renovate one or more of your bathrooms, it's important to do your homework before any work begins.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reminds homeowners to avoid surprises:

"Before you start renovating, you’ll want to think about your bathroom, your needs and your budget. Look carefully for signs of deterioration and the possible causes. This will save you money and also help you to be better informed if you’re dealing with contractors. Reflecting on your project will also help you to decide whether you need the services of a professional. Being unsure of what needs to be done, recognizing that the job is very complicated, or that you don’t have the time or energy to do the work, are good reasons to hire a professional renovator."

Photo courtesy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

While each person's reason for renovating is slightly different, CMHC notes that the majority of reasons fall into the following categories:

1. Size and design
2. Fixtures
3. Structural
4. Moisture
5. Plumbing & Electrical
6. Heating & Ventilation

For CMHC's entire checklist of items to consider before remodelling your bathroom, click here.

For design inspiration, view Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's bathroom gallery here.

Monarch Designer Enters NKBA Kitchen Design Competition

Monarch designer Melissa Foley is hoping a recent kitchen design has what it takes to catch the attention of judges at the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) annual design competition. 

Monarch is proud to be a member of the NKBA, an organization that promotes professionalism and ethical business practices and sets industry standards for conduct and construction around the world. With over 40,000 members, winners of NKBA's annual design competition represent the top kitchen and bath designers in North America.

"I decided to enter this kitchen project into the NKBA design competition because it is one of the biggest transformations of a space I have designed so far in my career," explains Melissa. "The client's typical U-shaped kitchen and closed-off dining room has been transformed into an open concept space where they feel comfortable entertaining their guests."

Creating a warm, welcoming and functional environment to entertain friends and family was a priority for Melissa's clients. The wall between their kitchen and dining room was removed, opening up the main floor so it now illuminates with natural light, creating a bright and cheerful feel.

To keep costs down, the structural post was left in and the island became the focal point of this new area. The newly acquired space allowed room for the pantries, refrigerator, microwave and a decorative open-shelf unit, and all tall units were put along one wall, opening up the rest of the room for much needed counter and workspace.

With the back wall now the cooking area, a convenient prep sink under the window and ample workspace on each side of the range, Melissa's happy clients can now easily work side-by-side. A small desk area at the very end of the range wall keeps papers within reach but out of the way. The old dining room—now part of the open-concept kitchen—with double beverage fridges, a wall-mounted TV and wine racks became the ultimate entertainment space and serves as the main eating area, as well.

"The traditional look of the cabinetry, the modern look of the hood fan, tile, faucets and stools, the elegance of the lighting fixtures and the vintage feel of the recycled wood table has transformed this into a unique, inviting dream entertainment space," says Melissa.

Click here to view NKBA's 2010 winning designs.

High-end Kitchen Design for Less

Are you worried about getting the look you want while keeping your kitchen design budget in check?

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is pleased to carry the Laurier Lite collection, a line of stunning cabinet designs from Cuisines Laurier. Assembling their most popular cabinet colours and styles, Cuisines Laurier has created a cabinetry collection that puts a spectacular, high-end kitchen design within your reach.

Known as one of the finest custom cabinetry manufacturer in North America, Cuisines Laurier offers an amazingly diversified selection of door styles, wood species, colors and specialty finishes. To learn more, click here or watch Cuisines Laurier's video below.

Visit Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre today and discover why designers from all over North America choose Cuisines Laurier for its extended flexibility and its capacity to deliver the most detailed projects.