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May 31, 2011

Monarch Kitchen's Showroom Makeover: Countertop Installed!

Monarch's framed white kitchen display
in their Durham Region showroom
Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's Pickering showroom makeover is almost finished. If you haven't been into our showroom lately, why not drop by and take a look?

Interstone Marble and Granite has just installed the stunning granite countertops and--after the painting is done this weekend--the white framed kitchen showroom will be complete.

And just in time--Monarch's 30th anniversary celebration is just over a week away. We hope you'll stop by on Saturday, June 11th between 9am and 5pm for some refreshments, live musical entertainment, wine tasting and lots of great product giveaways.




Granite countertop by Interstone Marble & Granite

May 27, 2011

Achieving Balance Through Rituals: The Secret to this Durham Kitchen Design Firm's Success

While perusing BainUltra's website recently, Monarch designer Marion Cuddie discovered some thought-provoking information on wellness and how best to achieve balance in our lives. One item she found particularly relevant involves rituals--their goals and effects.


Rituals can be defined as organized ceremonies that involve predetermined actions, the manipulation of objects, or interior practices designed to effect certain results. During rituals, participants direct their energy toward a defined goal.

"This got me thinking about Monarch's commitment to our weekly production/design meeting," says Marion. "Although we all feed off one another in the creation of the perfect solution to the design challenges we are given--and have an open and ongoing communication with our crews and management--we really do benefit from the set and structured meeting each Wednesday."

And while BainUltra is undoubtedly referring to how the predictable, structured nature of rituals can be used to benefit one's physical and mental well-being, Marion believes Monarch's weekly meetings--their ritual--has played an integral part in Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's success.

"Through our weekly meetings, we have an opportunity to collectively celebrate our successes and manage the challenges of our business," adds Marion. "We are able to stay on track, all of us with the common goal of creating an organization that services our clients in their homes with professionalism, sensitivity and creativity."

May 18, 2011

The White Kitchen Cabinetry Has Been Installed as Monarch's Pickering Showroom Takes Shape

Looking at pictures of beautifully designed kitchens online and in magazines is a great way to get ideas, discover the latest trends and figure out what you like--and what you don't. But when it comes to getting truly inspired, there's nothing quite like standing in a kitchen and imagining how the cabinets, countertop, sink etc. would look in your home.

whiteAt Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we've witnessed some of our clients' biggest "a-ha" moments while standing in one of our showroom kitchens...one of the many reasons why we take such pride in getting our model kitchens "just right." 

Monarch's latest showroom update--a framed white kitchen--is almost complete. The Cuisines Laurier cabinetry is now in place and the granite countertop from Interstone Marble and Granite will soon be installed. We invite you to stop by and view it for yourself.
white

May 16, 2011

Monarch Puts the Finishing Touches on John & Cindy's "Whole-Home" Transformation

If you've been following our blog over the past few months, you'll know that Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre has been working diligently on updating the look of John and Cindy's almost 100-year old home located in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

Monarch also managed the construction of the exterior of John and Cindy's home.

In the picture above, you can see that the exterior of their house is almost complete. "We had to remove the main floor exterior wall to reconfigure for the new location of the windows and doors," says Monarch president Neil Samson. "Brick was an option for reconstruction, however, stucco was used and is a future consideration for the second storey. Once we put flashing at the top, install the lights and repair the deck, then the outside will be finished."

white
Monarch installed a white kitchen in John and Cindy's Toronto home.

"The stunning white kitchen cabinetry has been installed and we are waiting for the solid surface countertop. Once the countertop is added, we will install all the appliances and backsplash tiles," says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt. "Note, the floor is covered with a protective recyclable cardboard surface. Once all the trades are finished, the floor will be buffed and one more coat of finish will be applied."

The solid oak staircase awaits its final coat.

"The same attention to detail will apply to the custom solid oak staircase," adds Neil. "After the trades are finished, the protective covers will be removed from the stairs and a final coat of finish will applied to both the stairs and the banister."

May 12, 2011

Monarch's Showroom Makeover: A Framed White Kitchen

The cabinets from Cuisine Laurier have arrived at our Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Pickering showroom and our framed white kitchen will soon be on display.

Drop by within the next few weeks to view our renovation in progress, or watch for upcoming Monarch blog posts to see how this stunning display is transformed into a dream kitchen you'll be anxious to recreate in your own home.

If you've been considering a kitchen renovation and would like to see what a finished framed white kitchen looks like now, visit Cuisine Laurier's photo gallery by clicking here.

Next up in the renovation process: A countertop from Interstone Marble and Granite.
The cabinets from Cuisine Laurier have arrived!

May 6, 2011

This Mother's Day, Instead of a Kitchen-Makeover...try a Kitchen "Take Over"

What does your mom really want this Mother's Day? If she's like most run-off-her-feet moms, she probably wants a day to relax and not worry about what culinary delight she has to whip up for dinner.

This year, tell your mom that her kitchen is off limits and treat her to a meal made lovingly by you! These Everyday Food recipes are easy to prepare--she doesn't have to know that--and delicious!

(And remember, if you're planning on using her kitchen to prepare one of these dishes...clean up afterwards!)