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September 30, 2011

Visualizing Your Kitchen or Bath Design Using 20-20 Design Software

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when renovating and designing a kitchen or bathroom is visualizing the way their new living space will look when the job is done. Although floor plans are helpful for measuring out what goes where, there's nothing quite like 3D imagery to help you get a true feel for how the room will look once the renovation has been completed.

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, we use 20-20 Design software to guide our clients through the design process, showing them their ideas as both a floor plan and with elevation views with 2D and 3D shapes.


"I've found the 20-20 Design program to be incredibly beneficial," says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt. "Not only can my clients see the layout we are proposing to them, but they can literally stand in their new space...and this is very helpful since most clients come to us because they are unable to visualize how their new space will look and feel."

This industry-leading software allows Monarch to design, plan and visualize kitchens and baths using thousands of products from manufacturer catalogs and realistic 3D renderings. Created specifically for the kitchen and bath industry, this dynamic program ensures that all designs follow the industry-standard design guidelines set out by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. In fact, when Monarch designer Melissa Foley submitted her design to the NKBA Kitchen Design Competition earlier this year, she submitted 3D renderings created with 20-20 Design software.

"With a wide range of appliances, furnishings, plumbing items, and finishes, our clients can get a true concept of their space," adds Sarah.

If the inability to visualize your new kitchen or bathroom is keeping you from making your renovation dreams a reality, Monarch's team of designers can help. Drop by our Pickering showroom or call us at 905-686-2001.


September 29, 2011

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.

September 23, 2011

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


September 20, 2011

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.


September 15, 2011

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."

September 12, 2011

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.

September 7, 2011

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.



September 1, 2011

Behind the Walls: How Qualified Contractors like Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Can Save Your Life

Planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel can be an exciting time for homeowners. Your new design usually means new cabinetry, appliances, furniture, lighting and more...a fresh new look for a tired old space.

A qualified kitchen and bath design team--while focused on providing you with what you're looking for aesthetically--will also be thinking ahead to what issues might arise once tear down begins.

At the top of their list of concerns? Electrical.

"During tear down, improperly installed electrical wiring is often the best concealed--and most dangerous--issue we have to address," says Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre president Neil Samson.

Here are some examples of what Monarch's team runs into on a daily basis:



Illegal electrical joints hidden behind drywall.
And to compound the problem even further, there is a joining of aluminum and copper wiring: this is not only illegal but it also a major fire hazard. There is a very strict protocol when joining copper to aluminum.




 

In this Pickering home, we found seven electrical infractions which are against the Ontario Building Code. The exhaust hood fan in this home was connected to a 4" plastic dryer hose. Not only is this a fire waiting to happen but it's also illegal.

"Sadly, these are not isolated incidents," admits Neil. "Our team uncovers these problems quite regularly. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of the potential safety hazards that might be lurking behind your walls."



"If you have any aluminum wiring in your home, we recommend you have a qualified and licensed electrician check all of the connections in your electrical panel on a yearly basis," advises Neil. "The screw-down connections on aluminum wiring can loosen; and for that reason, aluminum wiring is no longer approved for use in Canada."
When it comes to working with electrical, only a licensed electrician will do. "Don't hire a handyman to do an electrician's job," says Neil. "As the old saying goes: Jack of all trades, master of none. Insist that the electrician obtain a permit, and make sure that you receive a copy of the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection certificate. You will probably need it when you renew your home insurance."