Search This Blog

July 26, 2013

Relax in Style: 5 Stunning Cottage Country Kitchen and Bath Designs by Monarch

Cottage kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre 
Cottage kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre
Cottage kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre
Cottage bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre > 
Cottage bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

July 25, 2013

One Design Trend You May Not Have Seen Coming

Brushed Bronze handshower
by Moen
Brass. It’s showing up in an increasing number of design showrooms and making its way back into your home!

Never completely gone, brass designs have had a rougher, more patinated feel to it in the past few years. For 2013, however, interior designers are embracing the shine. From gleaming chandeliers that incorporate a mixture of metals and hang above your dining tables, to brushed bronze hardware for your kitchen and bath cabinetry, there’s no denying it: brass is back and here to stay.

Icon by Moen
Brushed Bronze
“I love the fact that most of the new finishes are polish-free,” says Monarch design Marion Cuddie. “If you are a traditionalist at heart, brass is a great way to honour the past with all the style and convenience of today.”

Brass Ring Knob
by Berenson
Savvy kitchen and bath manufacturers are fully aware of the stigma attached to the word “brass” and have found ways to ease consumers into including brass décor into their homes.

Ever fearful of furnishing their homes with the shiny polished brass that decorated their parents’ homes, consumers are now purchasing items with such descriptions as “antique bronze” and “brushed bronze.”

What’s old is new again! For more ideas on including brass into your kitchen or bath décor, drop by the Monarch showroom and speak with one of our designers.

July 19, 2013

What Do You Wash in Your Kitchen Sink?

Large basin sinks have been popping up in kitchen showrooms for years and have been slowly winning over consumers for their practicality and simple beauty.

Large basin sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre



“Ten years ago, most homeowners sought out double sinks when renovating their kitchens,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “In recent months, however, we have started to see a shift from the double sink to the larger basin sink.”

Apron-front sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Apron-front sink from Kindred KCFS33B
Why the change in attitude? For many, it comes down to evaluating what they actually use their kitchen for. With energy-efficient dishwashers in over 60% of homes in Canada, the kitchen sink is rarely used to wash plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery anymore.

“Those items get rinsed quickly and placed in the dishwasher,” explains Amanda. “What’s left are large pots and pans, cookie sheets and casserole dishes…items that don’t fit in a dishwasher and are difficult to wash in the standard double sink. Large basin sinks are also deeper than traditional sinks and make a great place to hide your dishes when company drops by unexpectedly!”

July 11, 2013

A Message from Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Regarding the Recent Flooding in the GTA

To our fellow residents in and around the Toronto area that incurred damages in their homes on Monday as a result of the torrential downpour, please know that we here at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre fully empathize with you.

We understand all too well how devastating flooding can be and the destruction that remains after the flood waters have receded. While it is regrettable that our homes were damaged, we are thankful there was no loss of life and together we can rebuild our homes.


Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre has over 32 years of renovation experience. We carry quality cabinetry to satisfy any of your rebuilding needs, and have professional designers and installation technicians on staff that will work with you to restore your homes.


If we can be of any assistance, we are always here for you. Let us help you to rebuild your home and together we will not be beaten come hell OR high water.


Neil Samson
President
Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Tips from CAA insurance on making a efficient insurance claim:
  • Contact your insurance company immediately
  • Have your policy number ready
  • Document and take photos of the water damage
  • Ask your agent questions about your home insurance coverage and deductible.
Tips from the Canadian Red Cross for getting rid of water yourself and beginning basic flood recovery:
  • Slowly use pumps and pails to remove standing water.
  • Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the remaining water.
  • Dress appropriately and keep children and animals away from the flooded area.
  • Don't use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until an electrician has ensured they are safe.
  • Clean washable items (such as clothes) immediately to prevent mould.
  • Documents, books or photos should be air-dried.
  • Throw out any medicine, cosmetics or toiletries that have come in contact with flood water.
  • Soaked furniture should be professionally cleaned.
To download the Canadian Red Cross Guide to Flood Recovery, click here.

July 10, 2013

The Second Annual Whitby Ribfest -- July 12th to 14th


What are you doing this weekend?

The Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise will be hosting the Second Annual Whitby Ribfest at Victoria Fields. Last year, Whitby’s inaugural ribfest welcomed over 40,000 guests and helped the Rotary Club volunteers raise funds to provide support to both local community projects and international initiatives.


When
Friday, July 12th:  12pm to 11pm
Saturday, July 13th:  11am to 11pm
Sunday, July 14th:  11am to 8pm

Where
Victoria Fields, 345 Watson St. West, Whitby
Click here for direction and parking information.

photo courtesy of whitbyribfest.com
Enjoy carnival rides and games, live entertainment all weekend long, marketplace vendors, nine award-winning ribbers, a rib-eating contest and much more! Click here for a complete schedule of events or visit www.whitbyribfest.com.

July 9, 2013

Why Spending Money on a High-Efficiency Toilet Makes Sense

If you’re renovating your bathroom, you may be looking at replacing your current toilet. While choosing the right style is important to the overall look of your new bath design, you’ll want to consider its level of water efficiency, as well.

As the main source of water use in the home, toilets account for close to 30 percent of your home's indoor water consumption. If you own an older, inefficient toilet (manufactured prior to 1994), it may use as much as 6 gallons of water per flush – a huge source of wasted water (and money) in your home.

Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance.

To illustrate the difference this new technology makes to your home, Master plumber Ed Del Grande and HGTV's Nicole Facciuto compare new high-efficiency toilets to the traditional 3.5-gpf models in this video:



Here are a few suggestions of the high-efficiency toilets available for your home:




If you're considering a bath renovation, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can help. Drop by our showroom today or call us at 905-686-2001 and speak with one of our designers. 

July 4, 2013

Celebrate Summer with Delicious Recipes from Everyday Food

No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, you probably have better things to do in the summer months than stay inside and prepare meals.

Here are a few fast and easy recipes from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food.