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Remodeling a new kitchen requires lots of decisions, with cabinets being one of the biggest. Wood Wise is a dealer for KraftMaid and Waypoint cabinets, both semi-custom solid wood lines that offer many styles and finishes. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker starts the selections process with our clients in our own beautiful cabinet showroom. There are many door styles and finish samples to touch and see, as well as many ways to arrange them.

Here are three examples of how one option, open shelving, can add character to a new kitchen:

During this season of counting our blessings, we are grateful for all our clients, friends, and trade partners who contribute to our success.  Levi Walker, son of WW designer Kathy Walker and star of the 2017 Wood Wise Thanksgiving card, is helping us wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

The backsplash in a kitchen can be a beautiful focal point. Making a statement in the backsplash tile over the cooktop can add pizzazz. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker understands the importance of making this decision and has years of experience to know what works and what doesn’t. She accompanies and advises all our clients in the selection process for their kitchen remodels, including tile. Here are several Wood Wise kitchens with backsplashes that add the perfect style statement. All tile is from Byrd Tile and is installed by our master tiler, Raul Banegas.

When redesigning a master bathroom, we are most often asked to remove the tub. In this North Raleigh home, we were asked to replace the old tub with a new soaking tub along with enlarging the shower. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker presented the homeowners with several options to accomplish their goals. The final plan gives them everything they asked for and more: a beautiful, updated luxurious spa-like space with abundant storage.

Barn doors are all the rage now and for a good reason. If made with reclaimed wood, they have an instant feel of nostalgia. They bring the past into the here and now with great style. The hardware to hold the doors adds an industrial look which is also popular. Barn doors appeal both aesthetically and to our sense of history and return to simpler times.

Wood Wise has installed barn doors using reclaimed wood in several remodeling projects . Here are a couple that really transformed their spaces:

Master bathrooms are personal spaces. We prepare for our days and nights in them. How this space looks and functions can influence our attitudes. That’s why Wood Wise takes the time to carefully design and build master bathrooms that will improve our homeowners’ lives. Here’s an example of a tired bathroom becoming the perfect place to kick off the day.

Thanks to all who came out to the Downtown Home Show this past weekend. We saw old friends and made lots of new ones. It was great to see past clients whose project photos are the ones we display to inspire others. Plus it was wonderful to see current clients who are experiencing remodeling in their homes by Wood Wise right now. We loved hearing all the great comments and feedback on the company. And thank you to all the homeowners who are thinking about a project who stopped by our booth. We look forward to you calling or emailing to set up your free first visit.

Make plans now to come downtown to the 2017 Raleigh Fall Home Show! You will see lots of great ideas for your home including a large Kohler display of the latest in plumbing fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom. The Tiny Home Village will feature the latest trends in small space living. HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins will be the celebrity speakers. We will also be there with the Wood Wise display full of photos of our latest projects. We look forward to seeing you!

One of the great joys for us is to see one of our remodeling projects finished and being enjoyed by the homeowners. Yesterday we saw this freshly renovated Cary kitchen that went from crowded to convenient. The new island is fabulous, featuring a farm table on one side for dining and excellent storage on the other. The homeowners are now enjoying daily life more – preparing meals and cleaning up is so much easier – and having friends over often.

Does September get you thinking about autumn, the holidays, and cooler temps? Wise homeowners take care of their homes as seasons change. The items you address now can make your life more comfortable later.

Here are some ways to get your home ready for winter:

• Check gutters & downspouts: Standing water in debris-filled gutters can affect roofs and siding, causing rot and leaks. Clean them yourself if you can do so safely or call Triangle Exterior Solutions (252 885 2575) for help.

• Replace furnace filters: Clean filters can help your heating system run more efficiently and make the air you breathe cleaner, too.

• Inspect your chimney: A clean chimney makes those fireside chats safe by reducing chances of soot build-up from catching fire and spreading to other parts of your home.

• Carbon monoxide detector: Before you have that first fire in the fireplace, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and has fresh batteries.

• Check for leaks around doors and windows: Keep your family more comfortable by eliminating drafts. Seal up leaks or replace old doors and windows as needed. Call Wood Wise for referrals.

• Declutter: Ok, this doesn’t really help to make your home warmer or drier but it will definitely help you enjoy your life more and get your home ready for holiday entertaining. Clean out that closet, junk drawer, or garage. Clear off that bookcase or shelf and put back only select items for a fresher look. Throw out old magazines and clear off the front of your refrigerator. Less clutter is pleasing to the eye and spirit.