Merit Kitchens Cabinetry is celebrating half a century of high-quality craftsmanship in 2021. And in a time like no other, Merit has chosen a particularly apt theme for this year’s new creations: Strength & Beauty.
In celebration of 50 years, Merit invited Lynda Reeves, founder of House & Home magazine and one of Canada’s top interior designers, to select an exclusive colour collection for its anniversary.
“This exclusive collection of paint colours was inspired by the moody tones of our Pacific West Coast,” says Reeves.
The coastal connection doesn’t end at the collection’s name. Several finishes pull from shoreline inspiration, including Pacific Slate, Old Stone and Blue Haze.
“The fact that Lynda Reeves used the Pacific West Coast for her colour inspiration felt quite special to all of us at Merit,” says Merit’s owner, Frank Siekmann. “Lynda gave her time and some serious thought, taking the invitation to curate our colour collection to heart.”
Looking back and moving forward
For a special anniversary release, Merit also created a new door style that reflects both its history and the latest in design trends with the Westcoast Five-O door.
The door’s plank, or v-groove, design captures a modern style currently making big waves in the European market while also paying homage to Merit’s roots. “This one is a modern take on the 1970’s country kitchen, it takes us back to our beginnings,” notes Merit’s description of the West Coast Five-O. “And we didn’t have a door in that exact style, so it seemed right for the occasion all around.”
Some things never change
Not only is Merit beckoning back to its origins in design, the team behind the cabinetry is also proud to still be “making them like they used to.”
Founded in 1971 by skilled craftsmen in Vancouver, B.C., Merit started as a cabinetry provider to Western Canada with high-quality made to order cabinets, also known as semi-custom in the industry. “Now, we have grown into a world-class supplier of the same fine cabinetry products, and the best part is that we still maintain the time-honoured tradition of hand-finishing,” says Siekmann. “We love that we still do that.”
Keeping things close to home
Merit’s manufacturing plant is located in Surrey, B.C., employing more than 100 people. Products continue to be made from raw materials sourced nearby. From regional beginnings, Merit now has dealers all over North America and Japan, with plans for more growth over the next five years.
When the COVID pandemic hit last year, Merit moved quickly to ensure its staff could safely continue their work. “Our entire plant family rallied around and made everything happen,” says Siekmann. “I was ordering face masks the day after the government started speaking to social distancing suggestions, and our HR manager was creating signs to be posted everywhere.”
Merit also invested in daily COVID screening in the past. To date, it’s had just one positive case over 12 months — proof that the proper precautions have worked wonders for its dedicated team.
Merit’s full 50th Anniversary colour collection and Westcoast Five-O door style can be viewed online at meritdesigncalgary.com or in person at the Merit Kitchens Design Centre in Calgary. In-home design consultations are also available by request. Everyone is encouraged to book ahead to ensure social distancing, and to make sure you get the attention your home investment deserves.
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