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September 30, 2016

5 Reasons We Use Schluter Products for Kitchen & Bath Renovations

Seeing the ceramic or porcelain tile installed in your new kitchen or bath design is an exciting part of the renovation process. Tile puts the finishing touch on a room's design and ties in all of the design elements you've spent months choosing with care.

To ensure your tile work stays beautiful for years to come, Monarch uses a variety of tried and trusted products from Schluter Systems.

Schluter®-DITRA and DITRA-XL is the new standard to prevent cracked tile and grout
You can't turn on HGTV without seeing DITRA's eye-catching orange waterproof layer being used on many of the home renovation shows. In addition to being a waterproofing layer, DITRA works to prevent large-scale tiles -- 12" x 24" for example -- from moving and cracking. Monarch uses DITRA on almost every tile project.  

Keep it linear and unique with Schluter®-KERDI-LINE
This low-profile linear floor drain creates a barrier-free, open-concept space and is specifically designed for bonded waterproofing assemblies. 
 
Schluter®-JOLLY profile pieces stay watertight and prevent tile edges from chipping
This finishing and edge-protection profile is designed for the outside corners of tiled surfaces on walls. It's ideal for creating decorative transitions on walls and using as trim for the top edge of a tile wall, back splash and bathtub surround.



Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN provides a large contact area for a secure connection
The KERDI-DRAIN allows us to use popular square tiles on the base of your shower without having any tiny chips and pieces around the drain.


Schluter®-KERDI and KERDI-DS waterproofing membranes provide peace-of-mind 
We use various pieces from the KERDI line to customize your shower into unique and different shapes. These pliable, bonded waterproof membranes and vapour retarders have limited crack-bridging capabilities and ensure your shower or bath surround is well-protected against mould and mildew.

To learn more about how Monarch uses Schluter products in our clients' home renovations, drop by our showroom or call us at 905-686-2001.

September 22, 2016

Two New Ways to Relax in Style from BainUltra

As the pioneer and inventor of the air-jet bath, BainUltra knows a thing or two about how to relax in style. Recently, they introduced two new products to their innovation collection: Nokori Oval and Essencia Design.

Nokori Oval from BainUltra

Nokori Oval

Understated and refined, the Nokori Oval's clean lines offer contemporary elegance that blend seamlessly with a variety of decor. Its spacious interior seats two comfortably and offers all the therapeutic benefits of Hydro-thermo massage®, relaxing the body and mind, stimulating blood flow and eliminating toxins.

Essencia Design from BainUltra


Essencia Design

Introducing the latest creation in the Essencia collection: the Essencia Design. Its clean, smooth lines and unique oval form are sure to sweep you off your feet!

Both the Nokori Oval and Essencia Design offer BainUltra's trusted therapies.

From BainUltra.com:

"Geysair technology is also available for this collection. Geysair further enhances the benefits of Hydro-thermo massage while providing a feeling of uniform heat, improving lymphatic drainage, and maintaining water temperature for a longer period. You can also benefit from chromatherapy, and Thermotherapy® with the Essencia Design and Nokori Oval. Reconnect with your vital energy and savor pure relaxation thanks to the beneficial effect of color vibrations on the senses."

To learn more about incorporating one of BainUltra's luxurious baths into your new bath design, contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

September 16, 2016

How to Avoid the Back-to-School Lunch Bag Blues

For kids, back to school means reuniting with school friends, a new year of classes and getting used to making time for homework again. 

For parents, it means 10 months of packing lunches they hope their children will actually eat. 

"The excitement of a new lunch bag and fancy new containers wanes after the first few weeks," says Cate, mom to three school-age children. "Over time, the foods they loved in September start coming back uneaten and you're forced to use your imagination and stay up-to-speed with what their classmates are bringing for lunch."

To think packing lunches is only about the food would be misleading. As with any social gathering, a school lunch period is full of dos and don'ts. What foods should you avoid packing in your child's lunch box? 

"Sandwiches with ingredients that make the bread soggy like chicken or tuna salad...but most importantly, you should completely avoid foods with a strong odour," says Cate. "Kids don't want to draw attention to themselves in a negative way, so last night's leftovers, even boiled or devilled eggs, may not always be a great choice."

Get creative in terms of flavour, visual variety and texture.





For the elementary school set, sectioned containers that mix fruits and vegetables with fun foods.

 

Turn last night's dinner into a lunch they'll love.

Photos courtesy of Today's Parent and Ziploc.

September 7, 2016

7 New Products We Love for Your Kitchen & Bath

PAREO - the telescoping island hood from faberonline.com

Wide-plank flooring from hullforest.com, available in sizes up to 12 inches wide.

This connected wall oven from jennair.com will soon be able to communicate with Nest and allow the thermostat to lower room temperature when the oven is in use.

This handle-free wine storage cabinet from liebherr-appliances.com opens with a tap and features beechwood telescoping shelves, a LCD control screen and storage for up to 18 bottles.

The Signature Series from ronbow.com are a contemporary style of bathroom cabinets, sinks and vanities.

The SuperSteam+ Combination Steam and Convection Oven from sharpusa.com allows steam cooking up to 485℉, maximizing moisture.

The Next gas range from tecnogasuperiore.us caters to serious cooks and includes a tri-fuel range offering gas, induction and electric griddle cooking.

Photos courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com