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Removing a wall and opening up the interior always results in a dramatic change for a home. This North Hills 1960-era split-level, once suffering from a closed-off kitchen, dining room, and living room, received a 2020 full kitchen renovation which included opening up to the living room and expanding into the dining room. The “before” and “after” photos were taken from the same angle. What a difference! Hard to believe it is the same house! (It is.) The expanded kitchen now includes a large island and a banquette which comfortably seats this family of six and is ready for entertaining…

As part of a larger Wood Wise renovation, these homeowners asked Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker to update their laundry room. Kathy’s design solutions include new Waypoint cabinets with the lower ones being raised so the granite countertop continues over the washer-dryer, creating the perfect place to fold laundry. Brushed gold hardware and faucet dress up the room and contrast nicely with the “Painted Linen” finish of the cabinets and the white subway backsplash tile. The crowning touch is the colorful floral wallpaper that creates a whimsical feel to this inviting new space.  

Community involvement is important to Wood Wise which is why we financially support several worthy local non-profits.  These hard-working organizations help improve the lives of both individuals and families. We’re all for that. https://woodwisedesign.com/company/giving-back/

Ever wonder what difference removing that old spa tub in your master bathroom can make? Check this one out! In this recent Wood Wise remodel, the extra space freed up from removing the tub was used to enlarge and upgrade the shower with frameless clear glass panels, dual shower heads, and a bench with a niche. Beautiful tile now accents the vaulted ceiling. The art glass window provides security, privacy, and interest. Now, this master bathroom elevates the homeowner’s enjoyment every day.  

This home was “open” but felt awkward. The homeowner asked Wood Wise to design a more pleasing and inviting layout. The winning design widens the opening to the living room, providing space for the long island with seating for six. Glass front Shaker-style KraftMaid upper cabinets light up collections of pottery and glass. Ceramic subway tile extends the full backsplash wall to highlight the classic hood.  

This Raleigh inside-the-beltline home was comfortable inside but lacked good outdoor living options. The homeowners asked Wood Wise to design and build a porch for family living and entertaining. The new space features a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight to keep the interior of the home bright. The stone fireplace not only adds to the ambiance, it makes this space inviting in winter by providing warmth. A small deck was added for grilling convenience. With the large area for dining, this porch meets and exceeds all expectations for an ideal outdoor living area.

The 2020 Remodelers Home Tour has officially started! The area’s best remodelers have opened their remodeled homes for you to visit – virtually! Try out the neat technology that allows you to “walk” through the rooms to see the best and latest ideas in home improvement. So have fun touring, get inspired, and give us a call to get started on improving your home! Link to the Wood Wise tour home: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=uUNe7roXSN8 To visiti other homes on the tour: https://www.hbawake.com/2020entries-145636.html  

The 2020 Remodelers Virtual Home Tour launches this Saturday, September 26! The amazing Matterport technology transports you to the tour homes, allowing you to go room to room directed by your mouse. You can linger in areas or return over and over to see tags identifying selections, view the overall layout, and even measure areas of interest. Check out all the homes – and especially the Wood Wise entry. Our home features a full kitchen renovation, removal of walls to open up to the living areas, an amazing long island, an addition featuring a new laundry area and drop-off/organizational cubbies.…

Who could have predicted everyone being required to Stay Home?                    A pandemic forced us to commute via Zoom, reduce driving and cancel travel plans. To make the best of our life at home, here are some home-life thoughts: Personal: Taking Steps:  Without the gym and with snacks at home I was getting the Covid 19lbs last spring. Using an iPhone app, like Health, gives you the positive feedback of your step-count and your miles-walked, plus weekly reports and more. Most apps are free to download. Walking more, I have met some…

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. What style cabinets? What color? Stained or painted? Quartz or granite countertops? What style faucet? What faucet finish? Which tile for the backsplash? To streamline what could be a stressful process and make it enjoyable, I accompany homeowners to area showrooms, providing guidance gained from my 14 years of design experience. What selection decisions are Wood Wise remodeling clients making in 2020? Classic look: One big goal for Wood Wise homeowners is to create a classic look, spaces with selections that won’t look or feel outdated quickly. This involves choosing neutral colors for cabinet finishes, countertops, and…