Brighter and More Energetic Colours -- Marion Cuddie's Favourite 2013 Design Trend

Canadian Mint, from the 2013 Simon Chang
Oh Canada! Trend Colour Collection
(photo courtesy of beautitone.ca)

There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to add new life to an outdated space!

"I'm always excited to see the colour forecasts for the coming year as it encourages our team to explore new cabinetry, counter and accessory combinations in our renovations," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. "This year we are seeing a celebration of brighter and more enthusiastic shades for those who like to layer on colour, and neturals that have less muddy tones for the more subdued types."

Last fall, the Beauti-Tone paint division of Home Hardware Stores Ltd. launched its 2013 Simon Chang Oh Canada! Trend Colour Collection and its a colourful tribute to Canada.

The paint collection, which was developed in coordination with designer Simon Chang, includes all the hot colour trends for 2013: corals, teals, raspberries, yellows and browns. The six Oh Canada! colour palettes have charming, easy-to-remember names -- Northern Reflection, Savoir Flair, Beauti and the East, Wheat Till You Try It, Culture Club and Pacific Overture -- and each features two of the hottest trend colours paired with five additional shades that work well together.

Lemon Sorbet: Benjamin Moore's 2013 Colour of the Year
(photo courtesy of benjaminmoore.com)

Benjamin Moore's colour experts have declared Lemon Sorbet their Colour of the Year. The tangy, fresh yellow evokes a mood of optimism for the year ahead. Their carefully curated collection mixes softer hues such as pale blue Sweet Innocence and minty Antiquan Sky with punchier brighter colours like Pink Raspberry, Blue Ice and Dakota Woods Green.

From Sico's 2013 Switching Off colour collection
(photo courtesy of sico.ca)

AkzoNobel (Sico Paint), has named three frontrunners in their 2013 colour themes: Collective Passion, Switching Off and Visual Solace. Their 2013 colour palette balances bright and joyful colours combined with more peaceful, subdued tones. Collective Passion, for example, has a more spontaneous feel and showcases the use of colour on colour, such as Fresco Beige orange with Blackcurrant Tea pink or Effluvium royal blue with Emerald Necklace green. Switching Off, on the other hand, reflects our occasional desire to slow down, clear our minds and create space for new thoughts: it is highlighted by Singing the Blues, Satie White and Arctic Seal. Visual Solace is inspired by gardens in bloom and is infused with floral pink, mauve, dusky violet, bronze and delicate neutrals such as Restrained Brown, A Simpler Time and Rice Flour. 

Looking for the perfect colour palette for your new kitchen or bath design? Feel free to explore your colour options with your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer.

Check out this Master Suite Makeover in Progress

Last November, we posted pictures of our client's tired and out-of-date master suite that was long overdue for a makeover.

As you may recall, their original bathroom featured a tiny 30x30-inch closed-in box-style shower; a huge vanity with only one sink; tired wallpaper; carpeting on the stairs into the bath; and an outdated Jacuzzi-style tub that was lacking in the energy-efficiency department.

Since the team at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre has undertaken this master suite renovation, no dream has been overlooked. Monarch designers have worked closely with the homeowners to ensure the end result is a master bathroom with an open, airy feel ... one with carefully thought-out features and a design they'll love for years to come. 
  

With only a few small design elements to be decided, we'll be posting the stunning "after" pictures of this incredible new space soon. In the meantime, here are a few more pictures of this renovation in progress.
 

Master suite renovation in progress. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

Master suite renovation in progress. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

Their new bath design includes:

• a 4x4-foot glass shower enclosure with custom bench and GROHE flow-wise fixtures, including a rain shower head and hand-held shower;
• mosaic tile and marble shower thresholds;
• a luxury MAAX soaker tub;
• an updated vanity which will include two sinks and functional storage;
• more energy efficient and stylish lighting fixtures.

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.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre would like to wish you a Merry Christmas.

To your family from ours, the warmest of wishes this Christmas. May you have a safe and warm holiday full of wonderful memories.

 

 

And all the best in 2013!

 

Tips and Tricks for a Stress Free Holiday

Are you getting overwhelmed with Christmas just around the corner? Here are some tips to finish off the rest of your holiday preparations.

 

1. Think Small for your decor, if you haven't decorated yet, think on the smaller scale, perhaps purchase a small potted evergreen, adding a warm and live touch to your holiday decor.

 

2. Finish your gift wrapping, and while finishing off wrapping your gifts for all of your loved ones, leave off the bows and ribbons. Opting out of these items allows gifts to be more easily stacked, and makes for less stress in transport.

 

3. Keep some universal gifts on hand. Be it a bottle of sparkling wine, or a box of lovely chocolates, having some small holiday tokens on hand will be a wonderful gesture to those unexpected holiday guests.

 

4. Make space in advance. Take this weekend to clear out your front hall closet. Not only will you feel as though you have tackled a major organization project in your home. but you will also now have room to house all of the coats that your Christmas guests bring. If you don't have time to do a full overhaul, remember a bed is always a great spot to leave your guests items in a crunch.

 

5. Tackle your to-do's with friends. Be it wrapping your last gifts, or baking some last minute goodies, a few friends, a bottle of wine, and some laughter makes these holiday tasks all that much more enjoyable.

 

 

~Wishing you the very best this holiday Season.