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.

The Marrying of Modern and Rustic Design -- Sarah Holmstrom's Favourite Design Trend for 2013

"One of the most exciting design trends that is beginning to surface for the 2013 design year is the marrying of two styles," says Monarch designer Sarah Holmstrom. "The juxtaposition of Modern with rustic elements makes for some very exciting designs, and has some gorgeous results."

"Think of a white shaker door, and add a kitchen table made of barn board," explains Sarah. "Or think of stainless steel being married with a kitchen that has board and batten moldings. It can make for a warm and inviting space that has interest." 

Sarah also suggests using any exposed brick in your home -- or the slab doors in your new kitchen design -- to add interest to the space.

Thinking about redesigning your kitchen this spring? Call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001 to speak with one of our designers or drop by our showroom at 1020 Brock Rd., Unit 6, Pickering.

Addressing the Need for Kitchen and Bathroom Design Solutions for "Aging in Place"

As the "baby boomer" generation approaches the age of retirement, their need to downsize or retrofit their existing homes has become a priority.

Lessons learned from watching their own parents deal with the challenges of getting older and finding a safe place to live has no doubt inspired the "aging in place" movement.

From the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities
(2008) [Research Highlight]

“There will be profound changes in the age structure of the Canadian population over the next 25 years. These changes will transform our communities and significantly affect housing. Population aging is taking place in a society that is being reshaped by a range of remarkable demographic and socio-economic trends. These include changes in family size and structure, increasing numbers of immigrants with family traditions very different from those of earlier generations, a growing number of persons living alone and new urban dynamics with increased concern for sustainability in the face of urban sprawl.

Other significant trends include the intent of many of today’s near retirees to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age, the increasing participation by women in the workforce and the tendency of young adults to stay longer in their parents’ homes.

An aging population will change the pattern of housing needs and preferences, alter the nature of the demand for services, change transportation requirements, accentuate the need for making communities more responsive to people with disabilities and challenge existing neighbourhood design and community planning practices.

The increasing desire of seniors to “age in place” (that is, to continue to live in their current home and familiar community for as long as possible, even if their health changes) will have major policy implications for housing and communities. It will create a need for housing adaptations and other supports; for more innovative housing options; and for planning and zoning changes.”

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, we understand the challenges involved in designing a home which allows you to "age in place." Kitchen and bath suppliers such as Kohler do, as well.

Below are two videos which illustrate some of the options available to help you live safely in your home for as long as possible. If you're considering renovating your home as you age in place, drop by our Pickering showroom or make an appointment with a member of our design team by calling 905-686-2001.

Dreaming of a New Kitchen? Only 4 Weeks Left to Book with Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre for Your Chance to Win!

If you've been contemplating a kitchen or bath renovation, you know that every dollar counts. Book a kitchen or bath project with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre before August 31st, 2012, and you could win a granite or quartz countertop (up to a maximum of $5,000).

Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop" Rules

1. Any kitchen or bathroom renovation project contracted with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre will be given one ballot to enter into the draw to win your granite or quartz countertop.
2. There is one prize available valued up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
3. All entries must be entered prior to August 31^st, 2012.
4. Your entry will be valid if your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre contract and deposit have been signed and collected prior to August 31^st, 2012.
5. The draw is open from June 1^st, 2012 until August 31^st, 2012.
6. The draw will be held on September 5^th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by a representative of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
7. By entering the draw, you consent to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, or its representatives,  the right to use the personal information you submitted on your entry form. You also give Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre the right to use your image, drawings, and project images for use in advertising.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is committed to your complete satisfaction. Drop by our Pickering showroom today and let us know how we can make your renovation dreams a reality!

You Could Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Contemplating a kitchen or bath renovation? Book a kitchen or bath project with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre before August 31st, 2012, and you could win a granite or quartz countertop (up to a maximum of $5,000).

Photo courtesy of dupont.coam.

"Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop" Rules

1. Any kitchen or bathroom renovation project contracted with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre will be given one ballot to enter into the draw to win your granite or quartz countertop.
2. There is one prize available valued up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
3. All entries must be entered prior to August 31^st, 2012.
4. Your entry will be valid if your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre contract and deposit have been signed and collected prior to August 31^st, 2012.
5. The draw is open from June 1^st, 2012 until August 31^st, 2012.
6. The draw will be held on September 5^th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by a representative of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
7. By entering the draw, you consent to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, or its representatives,  the right to use the personal information you submitted on your entry form. You also give Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre the right to use your image, drawings, and project images for use in advertising.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is committed to your complete satisfaction. Drop by our Pickering showroom today and let us know how we can make your renovation dreams a reality!

National Denim Day in Support of the CURE Foundation

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre proudly supports Denim Day for a Cure

The Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre design team donned their denim today in support of the CURE Foundation's 16th annual National Denim Day.

Monarch staff made individual donations with proceeds helping to fund breast cancer research; the addition of state-of-the-art equipment designed for early cancer diagnosis; and community programs to promote breast cancer awareness.

Since its inception in 1996, the CURE Foundation has raised close to $23 million. To learn more, visit www.curefoundation.com.

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time to Renovate Your Kitchen

Chances are you're planning on spending a little extra time in your kitchen over the long Easter weekend. If your kitchen is well-designed and meets your family's needs, you're probably comfortable with this idea. Perhaps you're even looking forward to the opportunity to cook for family and friends.

If, however, your kitchen is a constant source of frustration, this weekend just might be your tipping point―the point at which you realize something really needs to be done to improve the beauty and functionality of this pivotal room in your home.

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, our designers are familiar with the onset of "spring fever" that seems to come over homeowners at this time of year. After a winter spent indoors, many of you are ready to say goodbye to your drab, outdated kitchen and ready to embrace a brighter, more efficient living space.

If spring is a great time to plan, then summer is an even better time to renovate! No matter how well you plan for the disruption of a major kitchen renovation, there's nothing that quite prepares you for the inconvenience of preparing meals and doing dishes in a temporary kitchen. As the heart of the home, your kitchen is more than a place prepare and eat meals, it's the central gathering point for most families.

Renovating your kitchen during the summer months has its advantages. Here are Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's top five:

You can go on vacation.

With the kids out of school, it's often easier to leave for a week at the cottage or an extended road trip. You may not be able to avoid living at home during the entire period of upheaval, but you can reduce the amount of stress your family feels by planning to be away during some of the "messier" periods of your renovation.

Weather permitting...you can eat outside!

Polish up the patio set, turn on the portable CD player, set the table and VOILA! You've got yourself a temporary kitchen away from the dust and mess of your kitchen renovation.

You can spend more time barbecuing and less time in the drive-thru line.

Eating at restaurants and bringing take-out food home is not only expensive, it can be tiresome as well. With the Internet at your disposal, you can discover numerous creative ways to use your barbecue to grill meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables.

You can breathe easier!

With any renovation, there will be dust. Sure, you can close off rooms, shut all the doors...but the dust will follow you everywhere―except outside. Grab a book, your laptop or a deck of cards and head outside for a breath of fresh air.

No sleet and snow means less mess!

From the time tear down begins to the moment you sit back and enjoy your new kitchen, there is an enormous amount of traffic in and out of your home. It only makes sense that by renovating during the summer months, you reduce the amount of dirt tracked through your house.

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

A Toronto Kitchen Before...and After

Almost a year ago, we posted before pictures of John and Cindy's Lawrence Park home.

John and Cindy's kitchen BEFORE

What had started as a kitchen renovation turned into a whole home renovation and designer Sarah Overholt explained: "When you start picking out the areas of your home that you don't like, many parts of the home can be affected by the choices you make." 

Built in the 1920's, their 1,000 sq. foot home was completely gutted and all new electrical, plumbing, insulation was installed. Their main floor was opened up and their tiny isolated kitchen was transformed into an airy modern space.

John and Cindy's kitchen AFTER

Another Fabulous White Kitchen Design from Monarch

This Toronto kitchen design combines the beauty and practicality of stainless steel appliances and hardware with clean white cabinetry.