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.

Should You Move or Renovate to Adapt? Monarch Explores the Benefits of Updating Your Home to Fit Your Needs

Does this house still fit our needs? Should we move?

We often ask these questions as we journey through the different stages in our lives. Perhaps you’re ready to move into your first home, move in with your partner, or have children? Or maybe you’ve been considering downsizing because your children have grown and left; or your home’s current layout is posing mobility issues. Is moving really what you need to do? Or does renovating your current living space to adapt to your new lifestyle make more sense? Would the money you’ll have to spend on moving fees be better spent by putting it back into the home you know and love?

The time and effort involved in preparing your home for sale is staggering. From cleaning the house and painting walls, to checking off items on your honey-do list and landscaping to grab some extra curb appeal, you’ll wonder why you’re doing all this work for someone else’s benefit. When you add in all the other costs − lawyers, movers, real estate agents, bank fees, taxes, disbursements, insurance and home inspections − it can add up to huge numbers.

Should you move? Ultimately, it comes down to how you want to spend your money.

If the cost of moving is just too great, putting the money you do have into your home is key for living happily and functioning effectively in your day-to-day life. But which elements of your home do you need to renovate to make this work?

Over the next few weeks, Monarch will be exploring ways to adapt your home to your ever-changing needs. This week, we’ll discuss ways to help those hoping to adapt their home from one that was ideal for a single lifestyle into a home perfect for two.

Moving Forward: From Bachelor to Couple

You graduated from college or university, landed a “real” job, and bought your first home. And if you’re like many young professionals, this first home was your solution for how you were living at the time: single. As a first-time home buyer, you were probably not looking ahead to how you were going to be using this house in the future. There was no real thought to who would be living there or what you would be doing in the space in the future.

Fast-forward to today and your needs for a home and living space are much different than they were a few years ago. What previously worked for you, no longer works for you and your partner and it’s time for a change.

Closets that functioned for one person just fine seem smaller than ever, and the need for more storage is has doubled.  

Investing into your storage solutions will make your home feel larger and function better, resulting in a more

harmonious living arrangement. Custom storage solutions allow you to find a place for everything, and help to put everything in its place.

Now that you and your partner are living together, you may be hosting more events at your home, having friends and family over for dinner parties, backyard barbecues and game nights. Perhaps the powder room could use a facelift?

You can make a dramatic change to your home by updating your powder room to a more current and functional look. And because most powder rooms are small, you don’t have to blow your budget to make a big difference to the space.

For more renovation inspiration, drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak with a member of our design team.

Refresh the Look of Your Kitchen Before Christmas: Book Now and Save

There's no avoiding it. No matter how you try to steer people out of your kitchen, as the heart of the home, it is where guests feel the most comfortable.

If you're dreading the idea of celebrating another Christmas in your outdated kitchen, don't despair! There is still time to give your kitchen a face lift before having your family and friends over during the holidays.

Give Yourself the Gift of a New Countertop and Backsplash
Imagine how much a new countertop and backsplash would change the overall look and feel of your kitchen. A new look may be all you need to love your kitchen again, so give the designers at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre a chance to refresh your space in time for the holidays.

Book with Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Now and Save

When you purchase any solid surface countertop for your kitchen between now and December 31st, 2012, receive up to 30 sq. ft. of backsplash at no cost. (Valued at up to $10 per sq. ft. Installation not included.)

For more details, drop by our Pickering showroom or call 905-686-2001. 

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

Looking Back: Top Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2011

Last May, The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed the standout design trends gleaned from the 2011 NKBA Design Competition.

"Each year, NKBA member designers exceed expectations and raise the standard we've come to anticipate from their entries in the NKBA Design Competition,” said 2011 NKBA President David Alderman. “NKBA designers continue to find surprising ways to incorporate complex design solutions and the latest technology into incredible kitchen and bathroom designs.”

From the NKBA website, here are the top 10 trends from the 2011 NKBA Design Competition:

1. Commitment to Color
“Clients and designers alike are making strong commitments to color. Vibrant colours are showing up in back splashes, counter tops and exotic wood color that’s smooth and fresh, and also refined enough to pair with the contemporary exotic wood cabinetry."



2. Tactile Appeal through Textures
“The use of actual and implied texture offers a tactile and visual feast. Lines, colors, and patterns can act as either a point of interest in a given space or a mellow background to a more prominent component.”
 

design: Kirsti Wolfe
photo: Paula Watts Photography

3. The Attributes of Glass
"Lighted panels of Mica art glass incorporated into the design of the volcanic stainless steel hood, the window in the door, and a glass tiled backsplash shining from behind granite countertops act as pops of color and light against the warmth of wood. In this example, they also help to provide cohesion, and as glass continues to be used in so many places and spaces, the application appears almost limitless."
 

MAAX Pearl Series Eterne

4. Freestanding and Angled Tubs
“Large freestanding tubs are taking front and center in bathroom design...freestanding tubs could be considered almost the norm, creating a focal point of near sculptural quality. Rounded, rectangular, and angled tubs are specified as an artistic accent that also provides a soothing soak. Whether situated on stones, wood flooring, or a low stage of sorts, the freestanding soaking tub is an integral part of many master or main bathrooms."
 

5. Espresso and Chocolate in Cabinetry
"Silky hues of chocolate and espresso are shimmering from the doors and drawer fronts of distinct cabinetry, incorporated into striking kitchens, ranging from contemporary to traditional. Natural finishes—absent glazing, distressing, and overall pomp and circumstance—are now found in many kitchen designs, as simple chocolate browns act as the smooth and understated partner to brighter accents. Whether black coffee or milk chocolate, the cabinetry foundation in the mid to dark brown family of colors appears rooted in the residential design approach."
 

6. Walk-in Pantries
More wall space means less in the way of wall cabinets and a greater need for a larger separate pantry. Open plan kitchens generally require an alternative pantry or storage solutions.
 

design: Jodi Hook
photo: Digital Arts

7. Detailed Ceilings
“This sophisticated design has a rustic touch that relies on traditional architectural features paired with sleek contemporary finishes and materials. The rough-hewn barn beam ceiling is beautifully detailed, and although the detail was newly created, it appears as if original to a comfort-worn space. The ceiling is highlighted by cable-strung lighting, which lights the textures and natural intricacies of the rough wood, bringing intimacy to the elongated space. This design feature straddles two trends seen strongly in the competition: detailed ceilings and textures."
 

design: Lori Carroll
photo: J. Mancuso

8. Natural Elements
"This refined rustic southwestern powder room is the perfect example of the use of natural elements in design. An agate slab became the foundation for this bathroom space that’s as unique and distinct as the elusively elegant stone itself. Polished stone combined with leather-wrapped cabinetry is at the core of this opulent space. When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched."
 

9. A Tiered Approach to Proportion
Varying heights of island surfaces, elevated and overlapping dining countertops combined with tall, regal pantry cabinets are used to create asymmetrical proportion.
 

10. Inlaid Flooring
“Variations of inlaid flooring are being incorporated into many new kitchen and bath designs. Designers and installers are being called on to bring innovation, stretching old boundaries as materials are selected and flooring is installed.”

Luxurious AND Practical -- Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Makes an Impression in Port Perry

What does your dream kitchen look like?

For many, it's the perfect combination of luxury and comfort paired with practicality and having "a place for everything and everything in its place."

Here are some pictures that illustrate how Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designers helped a client in Port Perry achieve their dream...

Happy Halloween! Looking for Scary Kitchen Renovation Stories? You Won't Find Any at Monarch.

www.homestars.com

A review from Laura in Uxbridge, posted March 11, 2011, on HomeStars:

Finally moved into my dream home, and had quite a bit of renovations to do to bring it up to date. I used Monarch Kitchen and Bath for my kitchen and 3 bathrooms. From the start, I felt good about my decisions. I knew exactly what I wanted and they had all the products and the skill. Their staff is fully knowledgeable and they covered all the details, so I didn't have to worry about a thing. They even come back later to give you a complimentary "tune-up". They made sure I was completely satisfied, and now I get tons of compliments on my kitchen and bathrooms and I recommend them to everyone!! Thanks Monarch!

The Waterstone Collection™ by Cambria -- now at Monarch

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Pickering showroom to view The Waterstone Collection™ -- the latest collection of countertop colours and styles from Cambria.

Visit cambriacanada.com to view The Waterstone Collection™ swatches in detail.

"Influenced by the natural movement of water over stone, these trendsetting looks capture the unpredictability of flowing water. The range of neutral and vibrant tones are reminiscent of granite and marble, yet offer the benefits of Cambria, such as strength greater than granite or marble and its maintenance-free, non-porous surface."     cambriacanada.com

Each new colour is named after locations in Wales and England.

For example, Buckingham™--named after the home of the British monarchy--was chosen because the colour is rich and versatile with spots of brown, gold and gray.

Torquay™ on the other hand, has a posh, continental feel similar to the town it was named after and its pure milky colour is complemented by swirls of gray and tan.

To view the entire collection, visit Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today.

Reflex: Moen's Newest Pull Down Faucet

courtesy of www.moen.com

"With Reflex, Moen has created the best, most user-friendly pulldown faucet experience.

Driven by input from actual users, Moen focused on improving the way the pulldown system functions overall, not just individual features. The result was the Reflex pulldown system — a comprehensive collection of improvements and enhancements that work together to naturally respond to the way you work, and the way you want your faucet to work."

                                                                                    — moen.com

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.

Giving Back to the Community with Habitat for Humanity

A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for many years, the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre team is always left more inspired than ever when they come into the office--as they did last week--for a presentation.

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. 

How can you help? 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.



"I feel Habitat for Humanity is such an important entity to have in the community because they help families achieve goals that they would otherwise not be able to achieve on their own," says Amanda Willson-Suppa of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre. "Each family who is granted a Habitat for Humanity home not only pays a mortgage on the home that is structured to their income, but they also help build their own home, giving them a sense of accomplishment and ownership. If you are contemplating a renovation and are updating items in your home that are still perfectly functional...think about donating them to Habitat for Humanity."

Praise for the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Team

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, our goal isn't to meet our clients' expectations, it's to exceed them.

Recently, we received a kind note from our clients John and Martha. We'd like to thank them both for taking the time to write.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your entire team for the wonderful job that you did on our kitchen renovation. It was truly a pleasure from beginning to end working with your staff. We greatly appreciate the detailed planning you went through to convert our outdated kitchen room into a beautiful modern and functional kitchen. To say we are pleased with the finished product would be an understatement. With that in mind, we would highly recommend Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre to anyone.

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.

Lighting Your Outdoor Living Space

Last post, we talked about bringing your kitchen and living space outdoors for the warmer months. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining, you'll need the right lighting for when the party runs late into the night. Not only does a properly lit patio and walkway help set the mood...it helps you get safely from A to B.

For some inspiration on where to start, check out these two videos.

The Warm Weather Has Arrived: Have You Taken Your Kitchen Outdoors?

Earlier this year, we blogged about the three must-haves Canadians need to include in their outdoor living space if they want to take advantage of the cooler spring and fall weather. They are: a patio heater, an outdoor fireplace and a fully covered patio.

Now that the warm summer weather has arrived--and appears to be sticking around!--you're probably trying to find ways to spend more time cooking, eating and entertaining outside. And, why not? We only get a few months of beautiful warm weather a year. Let's enjoy it while we can!

Picture courtesy of outdoorkitchens.info

Nothing makes dining and entertaining outside easier than a fully equipped kitchen just steps from the house...and more and more homeowners are looking for the same quality of furnishings and appliances they are accustomed to having indoors. Thankfully, the days when eating outside meant a picnic table, a few lawn chairs and a charcoal grill are gone. In addition to a gas grill, today's outdoor kitchens often include a sink, refrigerator, wet bar, fireplace and even a pizza oven.

The barbecue still plays a central role in our outdoor cooking spaces, and most high-end grills come equipped with side burners, a warming shelf, a motorized rotisserie, a smoker box and ceramic briquettes to ensure even heat distribution. But be warned, whether you choose a free-standing unit or have one built-in, quality comes at a price and you can spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on the barbecue of your dreams.

Outdoor kitchens can be built onto existing patios, decks and pool areas and often tap into the house's gas, electrical and plumbing lines. As with any home design project, the key to getting what you want is in the planning. From the outset, it's important to know what you want and how much you have to spend. Falling in love and splurging on a $10,000 gas grill is fine...but only if you still have room in your budget for the other key features you may want to include, such as:

• lighting for key activity areas and on pathways

• a new deck or outdoor floor surface

• a countertop for food prep

• appliances such as a fridge and/or pizza oven

• a pergola or awning

• chairs, tables, decor items

• an updated landscape plan

Next up: Lighting your outdoor living space.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre...SNAP'd!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's 30th anniversary celebration last month continues to make headlines in Durham Region.

A photographer from SNAP Pickering was on hand as Mayor Dave Ryan presented Monarch with an award of achievement and a representative from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade congratulated them on their continuing success.

For more pictures of the event, visit the SNAP Pickering website.

Another Spectacular Monarch Kitchen Design Transformation

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designer Sarah Overholt recently completed a stunning kitchen transformation. Her mission? To update the overall look and feel of her clients' kitchen, making it both functional for everyday life and perfect for entertaining.

With almost every kitchen renovation, there are barriers to overcome when combining a client's wants and needs with what can realistically be accomplished in the space available.

This kitchen was no exception.


"One of the biggest barriers in designing this kitchen was the sheer size of the island," explains Sarah. "Creating an open concept was also a challenge. We accomplished this by using a hutch cabinet to marry the kitchen and dining room together."

"One of my client's top priorities was having the cooktop placed in a very central spot in the space," says Sarah. "The colour scheme was important to them, as well; they had a two-tone look that they wanted to achieve."

"As big entertainers, they wanted to make sure that the island in their kitchen could accommodate the large parties they have...and more than anything, they were looking for a major 'wow' factor."
  
The kitchen's main highlight? "It is impossible to pick just one thing to love about this kitchen," says Sarah. "The cooktop is definitely a major highlight of the space...with the free-hanging hood over a corner cooktop area."

"But the raised seating portion on the island is stunning, too--it's solid heart-cut maple and provides a nice change of texture for such an expansive island. The sink area that was framed like a furniture piece, the custom hutch...there are so many little details that pulled this spectacular kitchen together."

Monarch's Showroom Makeover is Complete!

Visitors to Monarch's 30th Anniversary Celebration were blown away by our newest kitchen showroom.

Why not drop by soon and see it for yourself? Pictures just don't do it justice!

Cabinetry: White framed maple cabinetry by Cuisines Laurier

Countertops: Granite by Interstone Granite & Marble

Backsplash: Glass and stainless steel mosaic tiles from Saltillo

Hood Fan: Vent-A-Hood

Coffee Maker: Miele espresso and cappuccino maker

Oven: Miele wall oven

Range: KitchenAid Slide-in

Fridge: GE Monogram wine fridge

Sink: Kindred

Faucet: GROHE

Chairs: Chair Source

Door handles: Select Hardware

Pendant lights: Osso City Lighting, Oshawa