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January 30, 2013

Keeping it Clean with Kohler -- Introducing the Sensate Touchless Faucet

Speed through prep, cooking and cleanup without spreading germs -- or the mess -- throughout the kitchen with the Sensate touchless faucet from Kohler.

Simply wave your hand, or even a pan or kitchen utensil, to turn the Sensate faucet on or off. With a state-of-the-art sensor in tune with your every move, Sensate is precision-designed to provide reliable operation every time. 

January 25, 2013

Stunning White Kitchen Features Cambria Countertop

As we mentioned in our last post, many Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre clients use Cambria countertops in their new kitchen designs. Here's a beautiful white kitchen where a Cambria countertop fits in perfectly.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

January 23, 2013

Cambria Plays Host to Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre visit Cambria's Toronto showroom.

Last week, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designers drove into Toronto for a memorable evening at Cambria's downtown showroom. Cambria's hospitality was outstanding and Monarch designers left inspired and impressed by what they saw.

Monarch designers use Cambria surfaces in many of their kitchen designs. Cambria surfaces are durable, stronger than granite and non-porous (NSF 51 Certified), making it as safe as stainless steel for food preparation.

What were our designers most fascinated to learn?

"Cambria has the most high-end tools for creating the newest trends and designs," says designer Sarah Holmstrom. "And they always start from a base of pure white quartz and add pigments to achieve the desired colour."

Monarch designers were also impressed with the variety of surfaces on display. "Not only did they have large slabs to see, they also had tile and design concepts, as well as shelving and fireplace mantles and different ways to use them," adds Sarah.
  
To read more about matching your paint colour with your Cambria surface, click here. For more Cambria design inspiration, visit cambriastyle.com.

January 18, 2013

Social Design: Melissa Foley's Favourite 2013 Design Trend

Pop-up Power Bar
The word "social" means so much more than it did 10 years ago.

In 2013, we can be social with the people around us but we can also communicate to people and companies worldwide thanks to the ever-increasing number of social media networks.

How does our desire to stay connected affect what we're looking for in a kitchen design? "At one time, a desk in a kitchen was a highlight and we were including them into almost every design," says Monarch designer Melissa Foley. "But as our devices have decreased in size...with the introduction of smaller laptops and tablets..the need for a dedicated desk has gone by the wayside.
LCD iPad Mount Holder
"Instead of a designated desk area, people are opting for communication stations, a place where they are able to charge their devices, or to sit, have a coffee and read the news on their device."

Richelieu Hardware, one of Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's trusted partners, is just one of many kitchen suppliers who provide design solutions for the needs of today's consumer. Pop-up power bars, a common item in many office designs, are now being integrated into kitchen designs, as well. Tablet mounting brackets have also become popular.


"The open nature of a social design also encompasses the layout of the kitchen, so that there are sight lines, not only to the members of the family sharing the space, but to Smart TVs, too," adds Melissa. "There they can access the Internet, pulling up that fabulous recipe to cook for dinner!"

Speaking of fabulous recipes, don't forget to follow our blog -- we regularly post easy-to-follow recipe videos you'll be sure to enjoy.

January 11, 2013

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.

January 7, 2013

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.

January 3, 2013

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.