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Designing a beautiful and functional kitchen island requires experience and a working knowledge of materials and possibilities. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker, with over 17 years of experience, brings both to her designs. She works closely with our homeowners to determine personal preferences while offering creative solutions. Islands can be a contrasting color to the perimeter cabinets, have bar or table height seating, end panel bookcases or panels, furniture detailing, include a sink – or not, and much more. Here are some examples of the many islands Wood Wise has designed and built.

Beverage bars have become increasingly popular for our home renovations. Having a designated area for all kinds of beverages can make entertaining guests or family gatherings more fun. Separating food (usually on the kitchen island) from the drinks helps with traffic, too.

Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker works with our clients to create cool bars that usually include an undercounter beverage refrigerator and cabinets for liquor, glasses, and accessories. It’s a great opportunity to make a design statement with a special tile or fun color.

Whether creating a special place for adult drinks or including kids’ favorites, a beverage bar can be a smart addition to your kitchen or family room.

Making the master bathroom feel special and dressier is the goal of many of Wood Wise’s homeowners. One way to ramp up the style is by floating the light fixtures on a large plate glass mirror. The light from the scones is increased by the multiplication effect of the mirror.

It takes experience and finesse to get these installed accurately. Wood Wise brings plenty of both with our project manager Ben and designer Kathy. With their direction, bathrooms can be given a luxurious look with top-notch craftsmanship.

In the midst of a Wood Wise full kitchen remodel, these homeowners decided to move forward with a full master bathroom remodel. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker created three design options that improved the layout. The homeowners chose the design that removes the tub, replacing it with a door to their beautiful backyard, allowing in lots of natural light. The new enlarged shower features large Carrera marble-inspired tile that runs to the ceiling.

With an 8’x4’ island, plenty of perimeter countertop workspace, and lots of storage this kitchen is a cook’s dream. The new layout swapped the breakfast area and the kitchen to gain better functionality and improve traffic flow. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets hide the kids’ drop zone and pantry storage.

The solution to more storage is often smarter storage. When the homeowner wanted more storage in this full kitchen renovation, careful attention was given during the design to not only increase the amount of storage space but create better organization. KraftMaid cabinets provide functional storage for mixers, spices, cutlery, flatware, cookware – and so much more. The large pantry has a stylish barn door that opens to reveal custom shelving for efficient organization.

It takes an experienced design-build remodeling team to give a traditional styled kitchen a stylish up-to-the-minute fresh look. Good design and good craftsmanship are essential for an inspiring finished project.

This full kitchen renovation included a new layout that opened the kitchen to the family room by removing the pass-through bar. The large KraftMaid light gray island features a farmhouse sink with gold faucet and cabinet hardware. The perimeter KraftMaid Cornell in soft “Dove White” cabinets extend to the ceiling. The KraftMaid hood and the Thermador six-burner range make an impressive sightline. This remodeled kitchen is functional, easy to live in, and beautiful: all qualities of a kitchen renovation done well.

Wet bars are popular in kitchen and first floor renovations. Having a separate station for beverages helps with kitchen traffic flow and keeps drinks close at hand. Another take on this is the bourbon bar which has become more popular to include.

This Wood Wise whole house renovation is almost finished! Located in trendy downtown Cary, this small 1960’s ranch received the full Cinderella experience, being transformed from outdated to all new. The total makeover includes a new layout with a designated master suite, larger kitchen and family room, 2^nd bedroom, and hall bathroom. The new large porch and deck along with a 12’ x 33’ addition across the back provides room for the new laundry, half bath, mudroom, walk-in pantry, and office. Every inch of this home has been touched for the better.

Here are some photos our project manager Ben took of the house as it approaches the finish line:

We are still celebrating our big wins at the 2023 Remodeling Awards!

Check out these three winning beauties:

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