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  • November 2013 Newsletter

     

     

    Wood Wise Design & Remodeling
    22 years – over 400 projects
    919.783.9330

    Remodeling Tips

    • Granite usually comes from Italy, Brazil, and India. Level 1 granite is simply in good supply, not more attractive. Level 2 granite costs approximately 20% more than level 1. $55-$75 per sq. foot is typical for installed granite for countertops, which includes a sink cutout with polished edge.
    • Drywall is cheap. Popcorn, or textured ceilings, are often cheaper to replace with new drywall than to resurface to be smooth.
    • Removing walls, load-bearing or not, is not a big deal. It does require a letter from a structural engineer. The letter describes the proper method of supporting a removed wall and the inspector always confirms that the proper method has been employed.

    Have You Seen Our New Wheels?

    Our van is driven by head carpenter Greg Eatz and has been turning heads with its great graphics. Our project manager Ben Toney drives our silver pick-up truck with cool graphics. These vehicles not only look great, they help keep the guys’ tools organized. Wave if you see them around town!

    Hank Wall and Greg Eatz with the new Wood Wise van.

    Design Corner:

    Making the dozens of selections for your remodeling project is daunting. Even the brightest homeowners dread making a mistake. Which tile, which granite, what cabinet finish, and what finish for the faucet?

    Wood Wise provides complete support for all of your selections. Designer Kathy Walker is your ally in the various showrooms helping you coordinate everything. She helps guide you to appropriate choices that fit your look and your budget to take the stress out of the selection process. Kathy says,

    “I love it when I leave a selection meeting with a homeowner and they say, ‘That was easier than I thought it would be!’”

     Here are a few of Kathy’s recent projects:

    Call Wood Wise today to set up an appointment and let Kathy help you on your path to a beautiful remodeling project.

    Giving Back

    Giving back to our community is important to Wood Wise. We are proud to be a sponsor of Urban Ministries of Wake County’s 9th Annual Stone Soup. The proceeds of this event will enable Urban Ministries to be an advocate for and provide much needed services to people in our community affected by poverty. We invite you to join us for delicious homemade soup served in hand-crafted pottery bowls on Wednesday, November 20, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Come and nourish your body and soul by giving back to our community. We hope to see you there!

    To learn more about Urban Ministries of Wake County and Stone Soup, go to:

    http://www.urbanmin.org/

    Mark your 2014 calendar now!

    Free Kitchen Remodeling Classes

    Saturday, February 22 9:30-11a.m.

    Wednesday, February 26 6:30-8p.m.

    At our showroom:

    3121 A Glen Royal Rd.

    Raleigh NC 27617

    Choose one of our classes to hear Hank Wall, president, and Kathy Walker, designer, talk about the latest trends in kitchen design and how to avoid common remodeling mistakes. Enjoy delicious refreshments in our beautiful cabinet showroom. One lucky attendee will win lunch for two at The Cheesecake Factory. All attendees will receive 50% off custom kitchen design. Please r.s.v.p. by calling 919.783.9330 or email: [email protected]

    See more ideas at:

    www.woodwisedesign.com

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    Angies List

    		 What is Good Design?

    by Hank Wall, President of Wood Wise Design & Remodeling

    When you see good design you recognize it, even if your brain can’t define what you like. Architects and designers make spaces interesting and appealing by using these design elements:

    • • Contrast
    • • Symmetry
    • • Patterns
    • • Unusual Features

    Contrast adds interest. White cabinets look great with wood floors. Dark granite countertops call for a lighter backsplash, perhaps with some dark border. Lowered ceilings need the relief of taller ceilings. Bold wall colors need white trim throughout. Like coffee with a sweet pastry, contrast improves both.

    White CaesarStone countertops contrast with the dark cherry cabinets.

    Symmetry: Columns usually come in pairs. An area rug needs equal spacing side to side or it looks “off”. Both examples illustrate our need for symmetry, the visual balancing that designers use inside and outside our homes.

    Matching cabinets on either side of the mirror and sink contribute to a balanced look.

    Pattern: Three glass doors in wall cabinets of the same size look better than varied sizes. The three doors set up a pattern, a composition of wall cabinets.

    The glass doors add pattern and openness to this kitchen.

    Unusual feature: Visual design that surprises us may be good or bad. Good designers spice up a space with an unexpected feature, like the fork and spoon handles on the pantry door below. Keep your eyes out for good design as you attend holiday parties.

    Antique bronze pulls from Pottery Barn add a touch of whimsey to this cabinet.

    Maybe your home will be ready to host next year’s party after inspired interior renovations. I invite you to email me at [email protected] to help spice up your space with good design.

    We Won!

    Wood Wise received a national design award for an outdoor project we designed for our North Ridge clients. The award was given by Professional Remodeler magazine in the Outdoor Living category. This particular project has already received recognition by the Remodelers Council STAR awards, winning Best Outdoor Living and is featured in our banner at the top of this newsletter. Congratulations to George and Susan Miller who enjoy entertaining on their award-winning porch!

    To see more Wood Wise designed outdoor living spaces, go to: https://woodwisedesign.com/outdoor-living-portfolio/

  • Helping Others

    What a great evening we had at Urban Ministries’ Stone Soup! It was a treat to try soups made by chefs from across the Triangle and see the beautiful handmade bowls – all for a worthy cause. Wood Wise was happy to be a sponsor of this special event.

    Hank and Peter Morris Stone Soup 2013
    Hank Wall, left, president of Wood Wise, and Peter Morris, Executive Director of Urban Ministries of Wake County, celebrate the wonderful evening.

     

  • A Place for Everything

    Few things seem to contribute to a well-running household like an organized entry and laundry room. This homeowner decided to incorporate handy solutions for shoes, backpacks, coats, and more during a recent kitchen renovation. Wood Wise provided shelving and cabinets to make an attractive and easy to use area.

    wwd_barlow-12

  • Entertaining in Style

    Having a beautiful and convenient space to entertain friends and family was a motivating factor for this recent Wood Wise client. In addition to a beautifully updated kitchen this beverage bar was added. KraftMaid cherry cabinets with a honey-spice finish topped with Delicatus gold granite provide warmth. The custom made mirror and beverage refrigerator complete the great look.

    bland-12

  • Giving Back

    Wood Wise is proud to be a sponsor of Urban Ministries of Wake County’s 9th Annual Stone Soup. The proceeds of this event will provide much needed services to people in our community affected by poverty. We invite you to come and join us as we enjoy delicious homemade soup served in hand-crafted pottery bowls on Wednesday, November 20, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Feed your body and soul by giving back to our community. Mark your calendars now. We hope to see you there!

    To learn more about Urban Ministries of Wake County and Stone Soup, go to:

    http://www.urbanmin.org

  • Our Designer Helps Your Vision Come To Life

    As designer for Wood Wise, Kathy Walker helps our clients through the selection process including cabinets, countertops, tile, paint colors, etc. She says, “I like that I guide the homeowner through decisions…I don’t make decisions for them, I just help them make the right decision that will reflect their home, taste and personality.” Our homeowners enjoy the results of her expert guidance.

    hemingway-7a

     

  • Cinderella Kitchen

    When it is hard to imagine your tired old kitchen looking any other way, Wood Wise is the one to turn to for fresh ideas. That’s just what these homeowners did and with the help of Kathy, our designer, the transformation is stunning.

    Bayer Before Kitchen
    BEFORE
    IMG_0968
    AFTER

  • National Award

    Wood Wise is happy to announce national recognition for an outdoor project we designed and built for our clients. The Bronze award was given by Professional Remodeler magazine in the Outdoor Living category. This particular project has already received recognition by the Remodelers Council STAR awards, winning Best Outdoor Living. Congratulations to our homeowners who enjoy living on their award-winning porch!

    Miller Ridge Rd 104

     

     

  • SHOWER GLASS (OR NOT)

    There are many options when designing a new shower for your bathroom renovation. In our recent newsletter Kathy Walker, our designer, explained some of the latest options:

     Frameless: This refers to any shower enclosure that doesn’t have metal adhered to the edge of the glass. Frameless showers are virtually metal-free except for the  handle, hinges, and possibly clips on the glass panels. Glass-to-glass is used at the intersection of the glass panels to eliminate the metal corners. Heavier glass is used in frameless, usually 1/2”thick.

     Semi-frameless: The one defining factor of the semi-frameless is that the glass door does not have a metal frame. Metal is used on the header and the fixed glass frames have slim metal channels at the intersections.

     Walk-in: This refers to showers that have no shower door at all. A 5 foot tile wall with no glass is typical. Shower glass above 42” half-walls to a height of 80” to 90” is also typical. By eliminating the door, cleaning and maintenance are reduced.

     Glass selections: Glass comes in an array of patterns and textures including frosted. The most popular choice is clear glass which visually opens up the bathroom and highlights the shower wall tile design.


  • Delightful

    These homeowners wanted to enjoy their beautiful shaded yard more. They turned to Wood Wise for the design and construction. A master bedroom addition included a deck and steps leading down to the patio. A grilling and dining deck was added with easy access to the kitchen. Maintaining a light, neutral color scheme was deliberate to let nature and potted plants be the focus. The stone terrace and water feature complete the serene setting.

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