Outdoor living spaces have become important rooms of a home. Most Wood Wise homeowners who build porches spend lots of time on them whether with family or guests. Stone fireplaces are a popular addition for adding warmth during the cooler seasons. They also make a great design statement by giving the porch the feeling of a mountain getaway. Here are three examples of fireplaces from recent Wood Wise porch projects:
These busy homeowners wanted a larger kitchen with an expanded family room. After working with Kathy to get the desired plan, project manager Ben took over to put the design into reality. The result is a wonderful area to prepare meals, do homework, and spend time together. The two islands give plenty of space for food prep and meals. The choice of two finishes for the KraftMaid island cabinets keeps the area light and lends a contemporary flair.
Most homeowners have a “wish list” for their homes, some with obvious solutions and others not so much. The Wood Wise team is good at bringing fresh eyes to a home to find the best way to achieve the homeowners’ goals. A good example is this grilling deck. The homeowners wanted Wood Wise to design and build the large porch that features a stone fireplace and floor. But where could they grill that was close to the kitchen and would work within the setbacks of the lot? Wood Wise designers Hank and Kathy worked together to come up with this grilling deck that fits in the confines of the lot, is easily accessed, and works great for the grill master.
We love to take photos of our projects after they are finished. Our photographer Stuart Jones does a great job of finding the right angles and close-ups to show off the freshly remodeled spaces to the max. When we finish an outdoor living space, we particularly like to take photos at twilight when the sun is down and the sky is a rich blue. This beautifully lit screened porch over-looking the pool gives a feeling of expectancy about the evening ahead.
Want to make a small change in your kitchen that will have a big impact? Upgrade your cabinet hardware. Buying a pull or knob that has a great design and fresh finish can add good style to your kitchen or bathroom. Satin nickel, chrome, stainless steel, and bronze are the most popular finishes today. Our go-to source for beautiful hardware is Ferguson’s. Check out this great Houzz article on how to choose the right pulls and knobs for your kitchen:
These homeowners enjoy having their own pool. But sitting outside enjoying the view in the summer used to involve fighting mosquitoes. Wood Wise took care of that problem by designing and building this beautiful screened porch which includes a stone floor and a beautiful stone fireplace for the cooler months. A dog door is discreetly placed to allow easy outside access for the pets. The owners have their choice of entering from the living area or master bedroom
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These North Ridge homeowners came to Wood Wise for help with their kitchen. The busy parents of two preschoolers, they needed an easy to use as well as attractive kitchen layout. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker came up with several options for them to consider. The arched opening replaces a small pass-through and provides great design appeal to both the family room and the kitchen. KraftMaid cabinets and White Delicatus granite are beautiful and easy to keep. The Wolf cooktop and the honed marble backsplash add an upscale look to this great-looking space.
By Hank Wall
Every house has some version of a master bathroom although some are dinky and some are grand. According to a recent homeowner study by Houzz, less than 50% of master bathroom renovations include a bathtub. Choosing to omit the tub sounds like a wild and crazy idea but it is neither – people want a larger shower or expanded storage and countertop space instead of a 5-times-a-year bathtub.
If you are a “tub person,” you are in the minority if you did not know. Most people shower. Few people take regular baths. Remodeling your bathroom for a tub-person may involve a redesign which:
ditches the jetted tub,
gives up the monster corner tub
Includes an elegant freestanding bathtub.
Even in upscale neighborhoods, homeowners are spending money saved from no tub on nice fixtures and frameless glass shower enclosures. Shower enclosures with metal track are usually semi-frameless, with ¼” thick tempered glass. Frameless enclosures use ⅜” thick or ½” thick glass so no metal track is required and the door can swing in or out. Pivot hinges on frameless doors rest the door in the proper position.
Definitely take a drive to Carolina Glass & Mirror (in Wake County) or any nearby showroom before you decide. A typical semi-frameless shower enclosure costs $1,200 – $2,000. The cost jumps up to $2,600+ for the same shower with thicker glass and the frameless look.
A larger shower (once the tub is gone) may not need any glass such that you just walk in. No door. Taller tiled walls are necessary (60” – 72”) to keep shower spray from escaping. Wood Wise often uses half-walls with glass above for new showers with shampoo & conditioner niches hidden from view at the upper section of the 42” wall. Matching tile or even granite may be placed on the top surface of the half-wall with either frameless or semi-frameless glass sitting on it.
Curbless showers allow wheelchair access. Newly developed shower pan systems like Schluter, make the curbless shower easier than ever. Typical curbs are 4” – 5” tall with a sloped shower floor down to a center drain. Curbless showers have a very slight slope up from a center drain.
If you are not ready for the complete bathroom renovation, new countertops ( bargain priced remnant granite) with undermount sinks and nicer faucets may be the “lite” fix – with a large framed mirror and a new vanity light fixture. Add to this some new towels and you can get a fresh look without the multi-week renovation project.
Master bathrooms are the first place we go each morning so improvements here are particularly beneficial to a positive mindset as you head into your day. Wood Wise has completed over 200 bathrooms in 25 years so please call us when you decide your next project involves a bathroom remodel.
Opening up is one of the most dramatic remodeling changes that can be made to a home. This Raleigh home suffered from small closed spaces that kept the cook isolated and discouraged entertaining. During the kitchen renovation, Wood Wise took out the wall between the kitchen and dining room along with opening a partial wall to the living room. The result is a light-filled area for easy living and entertaining. For more photos of this space, go to: https://woodwisedesign.com/kitchens-portfolio-2/
Most Wood Wise homeowners want some seating at their new kitchen islands. We have designed islands to seat as many as eight people. This recently remodeled Raleigh kitchen features a large island with seating for one. It provides a convenient place to work on an iPad, enjoy a cup of coffee, or do homework. It’s also the perfect place for mommy’s little helper to participate in food preparation.
