What Are YOU Willing to Do to Save the Planet?

More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011. 

Were you one of them?

An incredible example of how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause, Earth Hour 2011 ushered in a new era where participants went beyond an hour to commit to lasting action for our planet.

In support of Earth Hour, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre will be upping the ante and holding an EARTH WEEKEND at their head office in Pickering. 

At 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30th, Monarch will turn off their lights until 9 a.m on Monday, April 2nd. Only essential lighting will be turned on during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Saturday, March 31st.

Earth Hour begins at 8:30 p.m. on March 31st.

You CAN make a difference.

To learn more, visit www.earthhour.org.

Don't Just Take a Bath, Unwind with the Aerofeel® Air Massage System from Maax

If you're considering a bath redesign, you're going to want to watch this...

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Drop by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's Pickering showroom today to learn how you can incorporate spa-inspired relaxation into your new bath design.

An Extravagant Island for an Incredible Whitby Kitchen Design

Whitby Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Whitby Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Whitby Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Using Texture: Marion's Favourite 2012 Kitchen Design Trend

"Along with bold colours and bright patterns, we are also seeing some very interesting and unusual textures being use in residential design," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie.

Monarch uses river rock in this residential bath design.

Thought of in both tactile and visual terms, texture can be used to add warmth or interest to a room and often becomes the focal point of your space.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"We've incorporated chiseled stone in back splashes, smooth river rock on shower floors and as wall detail," explains Marion. "We will soon be completing an installation that uses a barn beam from the client's family farm as the cap to a half wall dividing the kitchen from the great room."

Have you considered incorporating texture into your new kitchen or bath design? Drop by our Pickering showroom or call 905-686-2001 to book a consultation with one of our designers.

GROHE: Because Some Like It Hot!

Say goodbye to the kitchen kettle and hello to boiling hot water directly from your kitchen tap. The innovative GROHE Red® boiler system keeps four litres of boiling water ready for immediate use at all times.

The Hands-Free Recycling Centre -- Another 2012 Kitchen Design Trend Worth Raving About

Hands-free Recycling Centre

According to Monarch designer Kevin Samson, one of the hottest kitchen design trends for 2012 is an electronic device that allows homeowners to enjoy "hands-free" opening and closing of their recycling centre.

All it takes is a simple touch of the cupboard door to trigger the electronic opening system. Touch the door again and the door closes. If your hands are solied, a touch of the knee or slight hip check will activate the system. Messy hands no longer mean messy cupboards.

"I'm like most guys...I love gadgets and toys and I feel this one is a real winner," says Kevin. "It's practical, but it's also a great way to impress my family and friends — like having a magic show in the kitchen!"

To learn more, contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our Pickering showroom.

A Spa-Inspired Pickering Bath Design by Monarch

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Pickering Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The Sensational Simplicity of Shaker Doors: Melissa's Favourite Design Trend for 2012

Simple, functional and well-made, the Shaker door has been a kitchen design staple for decades.

Consisting of a frame overlaid on a simple panel of wood, the Shaker door design originated with the Shakers, a utopian Christian sect which settled in the Northeastern U.S. in the 18th century.

Admired for their simplicity, innovative use of dovetail joints, quality and functionality, Shaker designs continue to provide inspiration for today's furniture and interior designers.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer Melissa Foley appreciates the versatility and timeless beauty of the Shaker door design and what it offers her clients.

"With such a wide selection of finishes to choose from, the Shaker door's elegant and durable design allows you to create both a modern and a traditional look, all with the same door style," says Melissa.

"Years from now, if you decide to change the look of your kitchen, you can re-stain the cabinets — or leave them as is — and transform your space by changing the cabinet hardware, flooring, back splash and counter top."

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Shaker doors -- Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre