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

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.

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!”

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.