Happy Canada Day from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Canada Day long weekend!

Monarch proudly supports our country and buys Canadian whenever possible. All the cabinetry manufacturers Monarch uses, for instance, are Canadian companies. If you're planning a renovation in the coming months, we hope you consider buying Canadian, too.

Our showroom hours over the next few days are as follows:

Thursday, June 30th – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, July 1st – Closed
Saturday, July 2nd – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 3rd - Closed
Monday, July 4th - 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

If you're not heading up to a cottage this weekend, feel free to drop by – our designers would be happy to discuss your upcoming renovation plans and answer any questions you may have. And if you are spending time at your cottage, keep in mind that Monarch does cottage country renovations, too!

The Affordable Elegance of High-Density Fibreboard (HDF) for Your New Kitchen Design

This week, we're examining the advantages of choosing cabinetry made of high-density fibreboard (HDF). Unlike the natural wood species we've discussed in recent weeks, HDF is an engineered wood product made from broken-down wood residuals, wax and resin. More dense than particleboard and plywood, HDF is a strong choice for homeowners wanting durable, long-wearing cabinetry without the price tag of solid wood.

HDF panels and cabinet doors are made from an HDF base and finished with an opaque colour or glaze. Since HDF must be painted, the choices of opaque colours and glazes are the same as for hardwood. Fortunately for homeowners, HDF is more affordable. However, unlike wood which has knots and rings, HDF lacks the natural look of wood, with no underlying grain. While this may be considered a disadvantage to some, HDF is often the perfect choice for more contemporary kitchen designs.

High-Density Fibreboard (HDF):

• flat, smooth surface makes it easy to clean
• wide choice of finishes and door styles
• resists humidity
• doesn't fade easily
• can easily be painted or varnished

If you're ready to make your kitchen design dreams a reality, call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001, or drop by our kitchen and bath showroom and chat with a member of our design team. 

Big Style on a Tight Budget: A 1950s Kitchen Transformed

Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"These first-time Toronto home buyers wanted to transform a 1950s kitchen nightmare into a contemporary entertainer's dream," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson.

Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Kitchen Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

"By mixing colours on a simple door style, we were able to achieve big style on a tight budget.

"We focused on a functional design that leaves lots of room for multiple cooks," says Janet. 

The entry level quartz counter tops and over-sized porcelain floor tiles are the 'jewelry' of the design, adding just the right amount of bling to pull the entire design together.

Is your home ready for a makeover?

Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom for some design inspiration and chat with a member of our design team.

From our talented kitchen and bath designers, to our experienced, factory-trained installation technicians, Monarch will ensure your entire renovation runs smoothly from start to finish!

Contact us today at 905-686-2001.

Choosing Cherry for Your Kitchen Cabinetry

A few weeks ago, we began our blog series on the different wood types available to choose from when redesigning your kitchen or bathroom. This week, we examine the distinctive characteristics of cherry.

Often associated with use in more traditional settings, cherry can be paired with modern finishes for a more contemporary look and feel. “There’s a richness and depth that you can only get with cherry," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "The variation in colour and grain gives a very elemental look that can only come from a truly natural material.”

Cherry:

• brings a sense of warmth to any space
• smooth, fine-grained appearance with uniform texture and random markings
• character comes from mineral streaking, fine pinholes and pitch pockets
• ranges from tan blonde to deep brown and darkens naturally as it ages
• hard enough to withstand everyday life

Are you ready to make your kitchen and bath renovation dreams a reality? Call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre at 905-686-2001, or drop by our kitchen and bath showroom and chat with a member of our design team. 

Photo courtesy of Cuisines Laurier.

What's on Your New Bath Design Wish List?

For these Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre clients, updating their over 20-year-old four-piece en suite bath provided the perfect opportunity to check some items off their wish list.

According to designer Kevin Samson, the couple had a number of the most common complaints about their current space:

• the shower was too small
• there wasn't enough storage space
• the sinks were crowded together
  
  

Kevin addressed the need for additional storage and elbow room by replacing the single two-sink vanity with individual vanities on opposite sides of the shower.

By relocating the shower to the opposite side of the room, he was able to create a shower almost double in size, and include a large tiled bench.

A custom glass door system complemented the look and allows more natural light into the shower.

Do you have an outdated en suite in need of a makeover? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom for some design inspiration and knowledgeable advice from a member of our experienced design team.