A Family Farm Home Transformed: Monarch Updates the Space and Keeps the Home’s Character Intact

“The arrival of twins this year meant our clients’ busy farmhouse required a major transformation,” explains Monarch designer Sarah Holmstrom. “Their living space needed to accommodate a home office space, an expanding household, and stay true to the overall character of the home that had been in the family for generations.”

Farmhouse Transformed: Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

This new open concept design created five beautiful spaces that flow into each other seamlessly:

• a large working kitchen with island to serve the day to day family needs;
• convenient, but hidden office storage space;
• a large welcoming dining area to entertain family and friends;
• a central living area that adds a relaxed comfort to the space and keeps mom and the family connected;
• the added convenience of a powder room at the back entrance.

Cleverly incorporating the required support post into a creative divider resulted in a second island that acts as a hutch for the dining room. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.

“By removing all of the main walls within the renovation space, we created an open area to work within,” says Sarah. “The relocation of the powder room created more area for the kitchen. The new larger kitchen area and island eliminated the need for an everyday dining table while creating added living space.”

Cleverly incorporating the required support post into a creative divider resulted in a second island that acts as a hutch for the dining room and an office space with file drawers in the kitchen. “This acts as a soft division between the work and entertaining areas of the great room,” says Sarah.

To maintain the “farmhouse feel,’ the muted white and cream tone cabinetry has a distressed look, and the main island’s wiped green textured finish provides a rustic accent. The cabinetry’s multi-levels and depths provide visual contrast, and the use of a tile that imitates weathered hardwood provides a durable, easy care floor while adding to the inviting warmth of the room.

The farmhouse feel remains thanks to muted white and cream tone cabinetry with a distressed look. The main island’s wiped green textured finish provides a rustic accent. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath 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.