Kitchen Makeover: Making the Most of a Small Space

Increasing the existing size of a kitchen in an older home is often not practical. However, in this small kitchen makeover by Monarch designer Marion Cuddie, it's evident that careful planning can bring big rewards.

"Our client enjoys baking and cooking for her family and friends, so her wish list included a more functional layout and her dream double oven," says Marion. With counter space already at a premium in this small kitchen, adding a double oven was a challenge since 30 inches of valuable counter would be eliminated.

The first design change Marion made was to reposition poorly placed appliances and repurpose the space of an unused and cluttered desk area.

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"Opening the entrance to the family room will help the homeowner feel more connected to her guests while cooking," says Marion. ""It also allowed for the placement of an extended serving counter that can function as both a prep area and serving space."

Small white kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Classic cabinetry in an antique white finish combine seamlessly with the rich warm tones of the Cambria quartz counter top and timeless ivory marble backsplash to marry this new kitchen with the beautiful detail of this period home.

More on Monarch's Stunning White Kitchen Makeover

 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

A few weeks ago, we posted a colourful white kitchen by Monarch designer Marion Cuddie.

Below are the before pictures, and Marion's comments on how she met her client's dream kitchen design requirements.

Before

"The homeowner delights in entertaining family and friends and found that the awkward peninsula in her old kitchen cramped movement and food prep," says Marion.

Before

The client's needs included a coffee area, drinks' storage, a sink for clean up and a sink at the prep island.

"They wanted lots of light and a bright open feeling," explains Marion. "To accomplish this, the kitchen window was enlarged to flood the space with light and expand the view to the green space beyond the property." Minimal upper cabinets also contribute to the openness. 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"With limited upper cabinet space, it became important to maximize storage in remaining cabinetry," says Marion.
 

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

(Left) Pantry items in the extra deep wall/counter cabinet are outfitted with roll-out shelves (left of the ovens and in the tall angled cabinet to the right of the fridge) to accommodate the door placement and to house overflow items and pet food.

(Right) Special attention was paid to the coffee/drinks station to keep the flow comfortable for family and guests during breakfast preparation. 

Glassware for adult entertaining is immediately available above the bar storage.

(Below) The island has become the perfect spot for Christmas cookie decorating as well as after school snacks.

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

What's Hot in Home Renovations?

Join Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre on Thursday, November 5th at 7 p.m. to find out!

Email info@mkbi.com or call 905-686-2001 to reserve your spot today! Spaces are limited.

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

What is Blum?
Blum is an international company that specializes in the fittings and functional uses of furniture. In other words, the slides, glides, drawers, organizational pieces and hinges that go into your kitchen! Blum has been manufacturing for more than 60 years and is a market leader in the development of new and innovative products.

Fans of Blum’s exceptional products since their early days working as designers, Monarch’s design team was excited to visit Blum’s Mississauga headquarters and see what new products they had to offer.



Servo-Drive
“The state-of-the-art technology that goes into Blum Servo-Drive is amazing to see,” says designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. With the push of a cabinet door, Servo-Drive pushes the cabinet open. “We thought this would be ideal for use in a garbage can unit since you are able to open it without using your entire hand.”

Image courtesy of blum.com

Blum also had some great slow-closing devices on display. At one time, lift-up cabinets didn’t have the ability to slow-close. Now they can thanks to some of the new hinging systems that Blum offers.

A place for everything and everything in its place.
The other item that caught our designers’ attention was Blum’s foil and plastic wrap dispensers! This brings organization to a new level. You don’t even need to have Blum hardware in your existing kitchen to accommodate these new organizational tools.

Interested in turning your unorganized utensil drawer into a functional kitchen storage space? Call Monarch today and one of our designers would be happy to show you how easy it is to incorporate Blum into your home.

Three Reasons Why Patience is the Key to Any Successful Home Renovation

You’ve done it! You’ve set a budget and made the final decision to renovate one or more rooms in your home. It’s exciting and you’re ready to get started NOW.

But wait! Whether you’re redesigning the powder room on your main floor or doing a complete tear down of your out-dated kitchen, it’s important to understand that quality renovation projects require a significant amount of lead time.

Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Trustworthy, Quality Contractors are Booked for Months in Advance
Everyone wants their project to run smoothly, and that’s why reputable design and renovation firms like Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre receive the majority of their new business by word-of-mouth and referrals from previous clients. This means we are often booking design projects months in advance. (If you find a contractor that’s ready to start the job tomorrow, you may want to consider the reasons why.)

2. Custom-made Materials Take Time to Order, Make and Deliver
High demand for quality services is just one of the reasons to be realistic with your timeline. In most cases, the materials required for your project will require a significant time for production and delivery. A custom kitchen or bath is just that – customized based on the measurements of your home. Custom cabinetry ordered through Monarch, for example, takes approximately six to eight weeks (from the time of order) to be delivered.

3. Your Renovation Project May be Seasonal or Delayed by Poor Weather
As Canadians, we’re used to the unpredictability of Mother Nature and poor weather messing with our party and travel plans. With this in mind, it’s also important to remember that November through February are probably not the best months to build a deck or have a your roof re-shingled. Due to the frozen ground in many regions, it’s also not the best time to do major excavation work for an addition. Prep work for those jobs will have to be done by late fall or the project needs to be put off until the snow melts in the spring.

Scheduling is one of the most critical elements to managing your home renovation. At Monarch, we have over 30 years experience planning successful renovations and making your design dreams a reality. Drop by our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak with a member of our design team.

Beyond the Wine Rack -- How Sub-Zero Protects Your Wine and Enhances Your Experience

While most of the wine we purchase is consumed within 24 hours, fine wines are often set aside for special occasions. One of the few things that actually improve with age, wine is capable of having its quality deteriorate rapidly if stored improperly. Inadequate lighting, temperature and humidity are just three ways consumers ruin a treasured bottle of wine.



Sub-Zero wine storage unit employs a suite of technologies to protect wine from its enemies:

Light: A full spectrum of protection  Dark bottles afford some protection for the wine inside, but invisible ultraviolet light still gets through. One answer is to store your wine in utter darkness — but how satisfying is that? Sub-Zero shields wine from harmful rays with UV-resistant, bronze-tinted glass. Your wine will be both beautifully protected and gloriously displayed. 

Heat: Doubly worth defeating  Most wine drinkers believe they protect their bottles from heat by storing within their home or refrigerator. However, even wine stored inside these places can suffer from temperature swings —for example if the sun shines on a wine rack for part of each day. The wine may continuously warm up and cool down, spoiling your wine in the process. Temperature can also be the enemy of the enjoyment of wine. You might be surprised what "too high" means when it comes to serving temperature. Today’s normal room temperature of 70-plus degrees is too warm for reds. Only at cooler serving temperatures, typically in the low to mid 60s, will the flavor of red wine be balanced. 

Humidity: Neither too little nor too much  When it comes to humidity, wine appreciates moderation. To keep corks from drying out and letting the wine oxidize, Sub-Zero technology ensures sufficient moisture in the air. But not too much. As one professional points out, an excess of humidity can create problems of its own. 

Vibration: Bottles need to be babied  A rough, noisy compressor would disturb not only the wine; it would disturb the peace of your household. Sub-Zero’s exceptionally quiet compressor rests on isolation mounts to minimize sound and vibration. Bottles are cradled on rustproof, coated shelves that glide out smoothly on a roller assembly, further protecting against agitation.

Sub-Zero’s six wine-storage products offer limitless design options. Classic stainless or with any custom cabinetry you desire. Undercounter, freestanding, all wine or with refrigerated storage drawers. Storage capacities range from 26 to 147 bottles.

To learn more about incorporating Sub-Zero technology into your new kitchen design, drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom or call 905-686-2001 and speak with a member of our design team.

Images courtesy of subzero-wolf.com

Six Ways to Say "I Love You" This Mother's Day

Planning to surprise your mom with breakfast in bed on Mother's Day? Forget the toast and coffee...go the extra mile with one of these delicious recipes from marthastewart.com. (All photos courtesy of marthastewart.com.)

Heart-Shaped Egg in the Hole                         Ham and Egg Crêpe Squares                    Chocolate-Hazelnut and Banana Crêpe

Heart Pancakes                                   Bacon, Egg, and Toast Cups                                  Blueberry Blintzes

NKBA's 2011 Best Kitchen Design Winner Used Nature as Her Muse

Next week, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) will announce the winners of the 2012 NKBA design competition at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago.

We thought it would be fun to look back at last year's award-winning design for Best Kitchen by Chris Novak Berry of St. Louis, Michigan. In this video, Chris explains how she used the home's surrounding woods and nature as her primary design inspiration.



Are you considering a kitchen renovation? Your kitchen doesn't have to be as spacious as the one in this video to include the elements and features you love.

Drop by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today and chat with one of our designers about what inspires you. We'd love to help you make your kitchen design dreams a reality.

The Hands-Free Recycling Centre -- Another 2012 Kitchen Design Trend Worth Raving About

Hands-free Recycling Centre

According to Monarch designer Kevin Samson, one of the hottest kitchen design trends for 2012 is an electronic device that allows homeowners to enjoy "hands-free" opening and closing of their recycling centre.

All it takes is a simple touch of the cupboard door to trigger the electronic opening system. Touch the door again and the door closes. If your hands are solied, a touch of the knee or slight hip check will activate the system. Messy hands no longer mean messy cupboards.

"I'm like most guys...I love gadgets and toys and I feel this one is a real winner," says Kevin. "It's practical, but it's also a great way to impress my family and friends — like having a magic show in the kitchen!"

To learn more, contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our Pickering showroom.

The Sensational Simplicity of Shaker Doors: Melissa's Favourite Design Trend for 2012

Simple, functional and well-made, the Shaker door has been a kitchen design staple for decades.

Consisting of a frame overlaid on a simple panel of wood, the Shaker door design originated with the Shakers, a utopian Christian sect which settled in the Northeastern U.S. in the 18th century.

Admired for their simplicity, innovative use of dovetail joints, quality and functionality, Shaker designs continue to provide inspiration for today's furniture and interior designers.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer Melissa Foley appreciates the versatility and timeless beauty of the Shaker door design and what it offers her clients.

"With such a wide selection of finishes to choose from, the Shaker door's elegant and durable design allows you to create both a modern and a traditional look, all with the same door style," says Melissa.

"Years from now, if you decide to change the look of your kitchen, you can re-stain the cabinets — or leave them as is — and transform your space by changing the cabinet hardware, flooring, back splash and counter top."

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

A Sneak Peek at The Princess Margaret Home Lottery's Big Ticket Show Home Kitchen

Looking for some kitchen design inspiration?

In this video, Jack Celli guides us through his open-concept kitchen-family room design in The Princess Margaret Home Lottery's big ticket show home in Thornhill, Ontario.

Garbage Bins? Broom Closets? Big Pull-Out Drawers? Which Design Feature Will You LOVE in Your New Kitchen?

To celebrate Valentine's Day, we thought we'd do a followup post to What Will Be Your Favourite Thing in Your New Kitchen?

The original post was borrowed from a happy Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre client who chronicled her kitchen redesign and renovation in the blog Dream Kitchen Reno Diary. Below is the post she wrote as a followup to her original post. 

Are you considering a kitchen renovation in 2012? Below are just a few of the elements you might want to include.

Three months later...

March 3, 2009

And we're still loving the kitchen.

I realized a few months back that I used to cringe every time I walked into my old kitchen. Seriously. I lived in it for eight years, so you do the math (8 years x 365 days)....that's a lot of cringing! Now, my kitchen brings me nothing but joy, peace and contentment.

Some more of my favourite things:

1. Two big pot drawers underneath the gas cooktop. All my pots and frying pans--and even my really big stock pot--exactly where I need them!

2. Great BIG drawers, perfect for all my Tupperware and Rubbermaid containers. Ask any mom what cupboard in her kitchen gives her the most grief and I'll bet you it's the one she stores her Tupperware containers in. My new tall drawers have saved me hours of frustration and allow me to stay organized with ease.

3. My garbage bins.  I know this probably sounds lame, but my pull out double-drawer garbage is perfect. Located to the right of my prep sink on the island, the pull-out garbage has one huge bin for recycling (no more ugly green bin on the counter or under the sink) and one huge bin for garbage. So when I'm peeling potatoes or carrots, I just pull out the drawer and peel directly into the recycle bin. So easy and no more mess!

4. My broom closet. Conveniently located to the right of the fridge, our broom closet is a little piece of heaven for me. (Strange, the things that make me happy...) Reduced in depth because of floor-to-ceiling duct work, the cupboard space was the perfect size for a broom closet and some shelves.  Organization has never felt so good!

5. My handy-dandy pull-out step stool. Since my new cupboards now go all the way to the ceiling, reaching the top shelves is impossible for even the least of the vertically-challenged people I know. My handy-dandy, pull-out step stool is discreetly located under the pantry cupboard beside the fridge. Can't reach something? Just pull it out, pop it open and up you go!

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

Kevin Samson Asks: Is the Kitchen Desk a Thing of the Past?

Has the kitchen desk become extinct?

Countertop Charging Station

"Many clients are asking us to eliminate the desk in their new kitchen plan," says Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer Kevin Samson. "Most agree their kitchen desk becomes the unsightly drop zone for mail, keys, newspapers...and the odd time, a missing report card.

"In fact, many clients confess that their kitchen desk has started minor family arguments over who left certain items sitting on the desk for days on end."

So, do we get rid of the desk altogether?

"Yes...and no," says Kevin. "Most families tell us they are lacking adequate storage in their existing kitchen. Replacing the desk's seating area with cabinetry helps solve the storage problem...but what about all of those desk items that need a spot?"

REINVENTING THE KITCHEN DESK AREA

"Today's desk in no longer the seating area of kitchens past. It has evolved into a more modern and updated communication centre. With so many families using wireless Internet and devices in their home, we are now adding power access pods or charging stations to kitchens, instead."

Keys/Device Cabinet

The charging station (see above) allows for three electrical outlets and two USB ports, and can disappear into a courtertop. 

"Since all devices can be charge in one area of the home, it makes life easier for the entire family," adds Kevin.

"As well, we often provide dry erase boards, chalk boards and when space permits, a narrow wall cabinet for storage of electronic devices, pens, paper, keys and such."

Are you considering a kitchen renovation this spring? If so, will your new space include room for a desk or will you move towards the "communication centre" concept? For more information on how Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designers can help make your renovation dreams a reality, drop by our Pickering showroom at 1020 Brock Rd., Unit 6, or call us at 905-686-2001 to book an appointment.

Bold Pops of Colour: Amanda's Favourite 2012 Design Trend

"In 2012, I expect people to get even more adventurous with the colours they chose to accent their kitchens with," says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

"Trends in kitchens move slower than they do in the fashion world, but that isn’t to say fashion doesn’t have an impact on kitchens and how we design.

"Bold purples, shocking greens, vibrant reds, beautiful blues—even bright pinks!—are making their way into our kitchen accessories and our wall colours, and are making quite the statement," adds Amanda. "I love the impact these colours have on a kitchen— they can change the entire look and feel of a  space.

"Take a classic white kitchen and add some bright pink and purple accessories and voila—you have modernized a classic! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with colour!"

How Long Until Our New Kitchen is Ready, Mom?

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we believe that designing a new kitchen is FUN.

As the homeowner, you get to dream big and explore options for your new space. The fun continues when you collaborate with one of Monarch's kitchen designers on the floor plan and overall design and drop by our Pickering showroom to choose new cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and discuss appliances, lighting, back splash, flooring, paint colours, furniture and more.
 
And while Monarch has over 30 years of experience in ensuring your kitchen renovation goes smoothly and according to plan, we'll admit that renovating your existing kitchen is not nearly as much fun as designing and planning for your new and improved space.

Because after all the design decisions are made...

TEAR DOWN BEGINS!

Aubrey helps Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre installers with tear down.

Suffice it to say, the tear down process is quite a bit less exciting — and much messier — than the thrill of designing.

Especially if you're staying in the house that's being renovated.

Graydon takes matters into his own hands.

Even more so if you have young children who can't wait for the new kitchen to be finished.

Enter Aubrey and Graydon...the children of one of Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's clients.

No doubt excited by the weeks of planning for the new space, Aubrey and Graydon apparently didn't think things were moving along quickly enough and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Can you blame them?

After all...

it's not like your mom lets you take a hammer to the walls of your kitchen EVERY day!

(Back l-r) Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre installers Don and Clint with (front l-r) Graydon and Aubrey.

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.

Celebrate National Cupcake Day with Candy Cane Cupcakes

Up Your Game in the Kitchen with the Stages™ Kitchen Sink from Kohler

Whether you love to cook or are just searching for ways to make your time in the kitchen more efficient, Kohler's Stages™ kitchen sink is designed specifically with today's chef in mind.

Its features include a selection of accessories designed to accompany each stage of the cooking process:

• an ample basin and wet work surface that are perfect for rinsing and drying foods
• a wood cutting board and sliding trays that fit neatly into the sink
• an angled basin bottom that directs water and waste down the drain

5 Kitchen Design Trends to Consider Right Now

"You have strong current trends that will last for maybe five to ten years while others last only six months to a year. Colour, finishes, lighting fixtures and things that are super-new are examples of the shorter trends. Relying on the stronger trends will bring elegance and sophistication that will stand the test of time."
~ Montreal designer Alexandre Blazys, from the article House Proud: Kitchens that Last, Lisa Brandt, Sun Media, November 2011

According to Blazys, if you're considering a kitchen renovation, there are five trends to consider right now:

Natural Neutrals
The Integrated Kitchen
White on White
1960s Retro
Hosting Centres

Which of these trends will work in your kitchen? To learn more, read Lisa Brandt's article here.

Say Goodbye to Water Spots with Spot Resist™ by Moen

Leave it to Moen to find a way to make cleaning your kitchen and bathroom—often the most used rooms in your home—easier!

"Spot Resist™ does just what it says—resists fingerprints and water spots. This innovative Spot Resist™ finish maintains the brilliance of your faucet or shower head to help you spend more time enjoying your home...and less time cleaning it. And, when it is time for periodic cleaning, Spot Resist™ easily wipes clean."   
— moen.ca

Spot Resist™ brushed nickel and stainless steel surfaces are available on a wide variety of kitchen and bath faucets and shower heads. For a full list of products featuring Spot Resist™, click here.