Author: w00dWisE12

Sunrooms are a popular choice for area homeowners to enjoy their backyards year-round. These Raleigh homeowners had that goal in mind when they contacted Wood Wise to convert a seldom-used patio into this beautiful heated and cooled space. After living in New Mexico and loving that region’s distinctive look, they wanted the new room to have a Southwest influence. The kiva fireplace instantly gives off that Pueblo vibe. Additional touches such as the wood shakes on the wall, ceiling beams, and distressed tile floors add to the adobe style.

As part of a larger remodeling project involving a significant outdoor living space, some impactful changes were also made to the kitchen. Perimeter cabinets remained but were painted a clean white. The old angled style tiered island was replaced with an updated one-level island. The new island features a cast iron farm sink, quartz countertop, and seating for four. The existing pantry was moved to open up the space to the family room. Strategic changes in this kitchen have resulted in a total new look.

This Raleigh home originally had a tiered deck with a hot tub. It was large but lived small with chopped up seating areas. It was also rarely used for lack of protection from the hot sun. They wanted something better but couldn’t figure out what to do.

Wood Wise designed a porch that fits smoothly with the converging roof lines and placement of the two second-story windows. The floor is beautiful pressure-treated tongue & groove pine and the ceiling is painted ply-bead. Velux skylights keep the area light and bright. The stone fireplace is the focal point – along with the wonderful views of the backyard.

The result is a better outdoor living space that provides plenty of room for gatherings and is protected from the elements. It has become the main living area for this family, which is exactly what they wanted.

When Hank Wall started Wood Wise in 1990, he was wearing a tool belt, picking up materials, and actively building the projects he designed. Thirty-two years later, he is letting his trusted staff take over the construction end of things while he focuses on designing projects and running the business.

So it was a rare sight to see Hank up on a ladder at a client’s house. So rare that one of our subcontractors took this photo as everyone stood around and marveled. He was measuring the roof pitch for accuracy in his design drawings. Two steps up on the ladder was as far as he needed to be.

Hank may not spend much time working on the construction sites, but you can be assured that his extensive remodeling knowledge and wisdom influence the building of every Wood Wise project. From design conception to finished renovation, top quality and excellence are the hallmarks of a Wood Wise remodel.

This brick ranch received a full Wood Wise renovation for the kitchen and laundry rooms along with replacing the old deck with a sunroom. This large remodel called for a new layout and plenty of clever design.

One part of the project involved removing the existing breakfast room bay window. New glass doors now open to a light-filled room with large windows and skylights. The ceiling is stained beadboard with porcelain tile on the floor. The new room makes the most of the beautiful wooded views behind the home.

Adding a fully vented hood over a cooktop transforms the kitchen in both form and function. Prior to this full renovation, this kitchen had the standard microwave with ductless venting over the cooktop. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker worked with the homeowners to design the new layout which includes KraftMaid cabinets with a KraftMaid rustic alder hood, to match the new island. The contrast of the wood against the warm white perimeter cabinets creates a beautiful focal point for the kitchen. Full ventilation of the hood to the outside makes cooking cleaner and leaves fewer lingering odors. The LED hood lights are easily adjustable to fit any task.

The desire to exercise conveniently at home was the driving force behind this new home gym. A windowless portion of the basement was changed into a bright space with plenty of recessed lighting and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. LVT sturdy flooring and the latest exercise equipment make it the perfect place to work out. Clever storage choices keep necessary items tidy between sessions.

A first floor Wood Wise renovation of this 1970’s home included a full master bathroom makeover. The original bathroom was typical of the era: so small it could barely fit one person. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker expanded it by taking over the adjoining closet. A new larger closet was carved out of space from the garage.

The new bathroom is now spacious and roomy enough for both homeowners to use at the same time. The curbless shower, with both directional and rain showerheads, is part of the “wet room” that also sports a soaking tub. The extra-long double-vanity features KraftMaid cabinets topped with quartz countertops. This striking bathroom is now the perfect place to start and end the day.

We continue to be amazed at the radical transformations as the result of removing walls. Separated small spaces worked for yesterday’s style of living but not for today’s families.

By removing the wall and opening up this kitchen to the adjoining dining room, enough room was gained to extend the kitchen and have a large island with seating for four. KraftMaid “Lyndale” cabinets, in a custom paint match to Benjamin Moore’s “York Gray,” double the amount of previous storage. The floor-to-ceiling pantry features adjustable roll-out shelving for easy access. The 3 x 12 wavy tile backsplash runs from the quartz countertops to the ceiling for easy cleanup.

The unfinished space over the garage is now this family’s new homeschool room. Choosing to teach their three children at home, these homeowners wanted a space that would encourage learning, organization, and creativity. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker worked closely with the homeowner for every detail. As the Wood Wise cabinet specialist, she designed built-in desks with recessed task lighting for each student (and the teacher!). A community activity table was included along with a comfortable reading area. The walls are covered with shiplap, embracing and accentuating the angles of the ceiling.

Learning is made easy in this practical and beautiful room.