This Traditional Kitchen Design Maximizes Storage, Prep and Social Space

Traditional kitchen design featuring oak cabinetry.

These homeowners had high expectations for their new traditional kitchen design.

Oak cabinetry and an improved seating area were on "his" wish list. Increased storage space, and a better layout for cooking and food prep topped "her" list of priorities.

Design details

Cabinetry: Shaker cabinets in Urban Effects Oak, Sand

Countertop: Caesarstone in 4255 Creme Brule (Classico collection)

Backsplash: Sarana Tile, Glass and Stone Mosaic (V10GM1V)

Flooring: Torly's EverTile, Pembroke

Storage additions included a pots-and-pans drawer and a pantry.

Traditional kitchen design featuring Caesarstone quartz countertops. 

Traditional kitchen design with Torly's EverTile flooring in Pembroke.

Traditional kitchen design with pantry storage and glass and stone mosaic tile from Sarana Tile.

Introducing Cambria's Revolutionary New Matte™ Finish

The stylish matte finish you've been waiting for has arrived! Elegant and silky smooth, Cambria Matte™ finish is available in 16 designs, offering durability, easy-care convenience and the non-absorbency of their high gloss surfaces.

"Cambria doesn't disappoint with its new colours and matte finish," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson. "The matte finish will especially appeal to people who like a more 'industrial' look, as some of the Cambria colours in a matte finish emulate concrete."

Why choose a Cambria counter top? Cambria's natural quartz surfaces are durable, stain-resistant, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making them as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

"The new colours maintain Cambria's trend of being cutting-edge and innovative when it comes to quartz counter tops and keeps them at the forefront of the industry in terms of new developments," says Janet.

Cambria Matte™ is available in five new designs...

 

...and in 11 timeless collections.

 

Give & Take: This Custom Kitchen Makes Cooking a Priority

Transitional kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

To maximize the kitchen work area, these homeowners parted with their front hall closet.

"In this home, we had the front closet removed to create a more open kitchen and eating area," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. To compensate for this, the tall pantry beside the wall ovens hides a closet bar and room for boots and shoes.

"A single sink allows for increased counter top space and a large bowl for the items they choose to hand wash."

And since the homeowners enjoy cooking, they upgraded from a standard range to a separate cook top and wall ovens.

Tall pantry hides a closet bar and a room for boots and shoes.

"Our clients selected the durable Euro Finish cabinets in the Black Magic colour, which we balanced by having a light and bright Caesarstone countertop. The textured herringbone backsplash adds a touch of subtle sophistication," adds Jackie.

Euro Finish kitchen cabinetry in Black Magic.

Caesarstone quartz countertop in Ice Snow

Check Out NKBA's Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017

This month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017. Conducted online in August/September 2016, the NKBA surveyed 562 of its members from across North America. Here's a look at the major trends that came out the survey.

1. Contemporary kitchens have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Although transitional designs remain the most popular, traditional kitchen design has dropped to the third most popular style and is expected to keep declining. 

2. White and grey painted cabinets and colour schemes will continue to dominate.

Photo courtesy of Cambria. Shown: Carrick.

Blue painted and high gloss cabinets styles, as well as blue and black colour schemes are also trending upward. 

"I'm happy to see that the light/dark and simple grey/white contrast finishes, with is a true and basic design tenant, is making its way back into the mix...and it should...for good reason," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "Countertops and cabinets are significant to change in your home so this elegant, yet simple, combination allows homeowners to protect their large renovation invest by using other inexpensive parts of their space...paint colour, backsplash, draperies...to add the fluid, fun and trendy colours for years to come."

3. Emerging trends of mixed colours, including varying countertop materials and mixed cabinet finishes.

This includes exaggerated two-toned effects, darks with lights and lights with darks. Several of those surveyed mentioned blending quartz countertops with wood.

4. The use of metal cabinetry is on the rise.

Although wood cabinets are still the top choice for most designers, metal cabinets appear to be a favourite of both younger and male designers.

5. Furniture-look pieces, rollouts, pullouts and under-cabinet lighting are popular cabinet features.

Simplicity is key, with flat-panel doors, flush inset, on the rise. Drawers are also popular. The bigger the better! On the downswing? Crown moulding and built-in desks. 

6. Quartz countertops are the favourite, with granite continuing its trend downward.

Photo courtest of Cambria. Shown: Swanbridge

 

7. Induction cooktops, convection ovens and microwave drawers are trending higher.

 

8. Kitchen technology is on the rise.

A whopping 31 per cent of NKBA professionals included wiring and pathways for future tech integration in their kitchen designs. Docking stations and appliances connected to the internet are also on the rise.

9. Barn doors and pocket doors are becoming a popular choice in the kitchen.

 

10. Accessible and universal design features continue to be popular.

Why Young House Love DIYers Chose Custom Cabinetry and Cambria Countertops for Their White Kitchen Reno

Photo credit: Young House Love, used with permission

As kitchen and bath designers, Monarch's team is constantly monitoring trends and we draw inspiration from a variety of sources. 

Last October, when popular Young House Love DIY bloggers Sherry and John posted pictures of their latest kitchen renovation, Monarch designer Jackie Schagen was eager to see what they'd done. 

As a long-time Young House Love blog follower, Jackie wasn't surprised that Sherry and John had chosen to go with a white kitchen (their first two kitchens were also white); what she did find interesting was their departure from installing an Ikea kitchen.

For their kitchen renovation, Sherry and John chose white custom cabinetry from a local US manufacturer citing solid craftsmanship, colour consistency, and a variety of upgrade options as their reasons.

As Sherry notes in her kitchen-reveal blog post, using Ikea cabinetry "takes some ingenuity" to pull off some of the finishing touches and ensure everything looks well-balanced. 

For their kitchen counters, they went with quartz from Cambria, a name Monarch blog followers no doubt recognize. Cambria's durable, stain-resistant quartz countertops are nonporous and have been deemed as being as safe as stainless steel in commercial food preparation kitchens.
 
"Despite their love for Ikea cabinetry and saving money at every turn, in their third home renovation these seasoned DIYers decided to go with quality custom cabinetry and Cambria countertops," notes Jackie. A decision the design team at Monarch can totally get behind.

Related posts:

7 More Reasons to Love Cambria Countertops

Common-Sense Tips for Keeping Your Custom Cabinetry Beautiful

This White Kitchen Adds Warmth with Texture and Style

What's On Your Laundry Room Wish List?

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

As  more and more laundry rooms make their way out of the basement and onto the main and upper floors, it's becoming clear that homeowners want their laundry room's decor to flow seamlessly with the overall design of the house. Finally, a room that was once ignored is now getting some long overdue TLC.

What's on your laundry room wish list?

Below are the the top five requests Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designer Marion Cuddie gets from her clients.

1. Hanging racks for drying
Not every item you wash can be placed in the dryer. That's where hanging racks come in handy. The size of the rack will depend on the space available and the amount of washing you do each week.

2. Storage bins, drawers and cubbies
Storage bins and drawers help keep the counter clear for folding. Cubbies are ideal for placing items you want to keep close-at-hand but out of the way.

3. Landing space for laundry baskets
Are you constantly tripping over laundry baskets? You're not alone. Even if you're updating the look of your laundry room, there's a good chance your available floor space is limited.  Having room to move around and place your baskets is a priority for may homeowners.

Bryan and Sarah Baeulmer's laundry room

4. Ergonomic folding space
While washer and dryer pedestals provide additional storage, they don't allow any room above the appliances to fold the clothes comfortably. Many homeowners are choosing to forgo the pedestals so they can install a counter above the washer and dryer for quick-and-easy folding. This is a great option if your space is limited and you don't have room to install additional counter tops.

5. Low-maintenance counter tops and durable cabinetry
If you've got room to spare, quartz counter tops are non-porous and make a stunning statement in a utilitarian space. Euro-finish cabinetry (pictured below) is a stylish choice that offers both durable and affordable.

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

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Is it time to renovate your laundry room? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

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.

7 More Reasons to Love Cambria Countertops

Why choose a Cambria countertop? Cambria's natural quartz surfaces are durable, stain-resistant, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making them as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom to view samples of Cambria's newest additions to their Coastal, Desert and Marble collections.

Swanbridge
Complex and flowing, Swanbridge is an elegant study of intriguing blends with a pillowy marble foundation, medium-tone gray veins, dabs of creamy white accents, and pinpoint charcoal speckles scattered throughout.

Carrick
Presenting a modern spin on smooth concrete, Carrick flourishes swirling shades of gray and soft charcoal specks to create an intriguing pattern in this stylish and contemporary composition.

Weybourne
Soft and airy, Weybourne is a timeless blend of classic pillowy marble tones grounded with subtle gray veins for added character and intrigue.

Helmsley
Offering a generous measure of sophistication, Helmsley is a stunning merger of rich coppers, golds, and tans pirouetting among pewter veins and ebony confetti.

Harlech
Rich and aristocratic, Harlech is an elegant union of noble coppers, golds, and tans infused around and within boldly dramatic gray-sparkled veins of black, gray, and white.

Princetown
Calling to mind the ceremony and splendor of life at court, Princetown cloaks itself in regal shades of deep purple and gold that swirl behind dramatic black and white veins.

Hadley
Modern and sophisticated, Hadley is a solid blue as crisp, clean, and classy as the spotless uniforms of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy.

All pictures and product descriptions courtesy of Cambria Canada.

5 More Kitchen Design Trends for 2016

In the last blog post, we reviewed the results of the 2016 Design Trends Survey from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Here are the second five of 10 top design trends to consider when planning your new kitchen design.

Quartz and Granite Countertops

Wood Flooring

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pull-Outs, Tilt-Outs and Tilt-Ins for Storage

Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

 

Gray/White/Off-White Cabinets

Kitchen Design with Gray Cabinetry by Manchester UK Kitchen Designers & Remodelers Tom Howley Kitchens

Transitional Style, with Contemporary Emerging

Contemporary Kitchen by Oakville Photographers Arnal Photography

Cambria Adds Two New Countertop Designs to Their Oceanic Collection

OAKMOOR™

Oakmoor™ by Cambria

Earthy and organic, Oakmoor™ captures muted tones of cream, tan, and caramel drifting alongside linear waves of graduated grays reminiscent of stately wood aged to perfection.

Oakmoor™ by Cambria

ROXWELL™ 

Roxwell™ by Cambria

Complex and flowing, Roxwell™ presents elegant serpentine swaths of gray dappled with white, black, and charcoal flecks, and a hint of sparkle to create the fascinating effect of a wave-kissed sandy beach.

Roxwell™ by Cambria

Why choose a Cambria countertop? Cambria's natural quartz surfaces are durable, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making them as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom to view samples of Cambria's newest additions.

Related posts

Introducing Ridgeline -- Cambria's Newest Countertop Edge

Cambria Adds Two New Countertop Designs to Their Marble Collection

Cambria Does it Again with 13 Innovative New Countertop Designs

Introducing Ridgeline - Cambria's Newest Countertop Edge

Cambria's Ridgeline Edge shown in Ellesmere

Often referred to as a double pencil edge, Cambria's new Ridgeline Edge has a simple yet bold profile with a 1/8" radius.

A double-pencil edge is frequently chosen because of its smooth, comfortable feel. It can be used in relaxed atmospheres where people lean against the edge of the counter or sit at a breakfast bar.

The Ridgeline Edge is available in depths of 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm.

Why Choose Cambria?

Cambria's natural quartz surfaces are durable, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making them as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

Caesarstone Reveals 8 Fresh New Designs for 2015

Caesarstone 4001 Fresh Concrete

Why choose Caesarstone?
Caesarstone surfaces consist of up to 93 per cent quartz, one of nature's strongest minerals. They retain the cool tactile qualities of natural stone, while offering design freedom with almost unlimited application possibilities. Caesarstone quartz surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches and cracks and are also highly heat-resistant. Enjoy the enduring beauty of quartz, an ideal choice for kitchen countertops, backsplashes and bathroom vanities.

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today to view samples of Caesarstone's stunning new designs.

Caesarstone 4003 Sleek Concrete

Caesarstone 5130 Cosmopolitan White

Caesarstone 4004 Raw Concrete

Caesarstone 5111 Statuario Nuvo

Caesarstone 5133 Symphony Grey

Caesarstone 5212 Taj Royal

Caesarstone 5134 Urban Safari

All photos courtesy of caesarstone.ca