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Whether entertaining friends or living everyday life with family, the kitchen island has become a central player in our lives. A large island is most often requested by our homeowners when renovating their kitchen. Beyond that, the choices vary and depend on individual homeowner preferences. Here are just some of the ways to customize an island: Include a cooktop, sink, or leave surface open. Seating or not. if yes: how many at the end of the island or side how high: bar stool or standard chair Cabinet door design/color to match or contrast with perimeter. Countertop to match or contrast…

These homeowners asked Wood Wise to design a sitting room as part of their new master suite addition.  They wanted a comfortable yet modern feel to the room. Light hardwood floors, plenty of windows, and a vaulted ceiling with well-spaced recessed lights give the space a bright clean look. The raised fireplace with surrounding built-ins continues the contemporary style.

While remodeling the kitchen, these homeowners chose to update their master bathroom. Wood Wise design Kathy Walker guided them through the process, from offering several design options to helping with the final selections. The winning design includes removing the old tub, adding a new window for more light, enlarging the shower and adding a frameless glass door. The marble-look porcelain tile is elegant yet sturdy. This North Raleigh master bathroom was desperately in need of refreshing. If your master bathroom is crying out for help, contact us today to discuss your design options.

Gray and white kitchens have been the most popular choice of our homeowners’ Raleigh kitchen remodels for several years. But this kitchen, featuring wood-stained cabinets, offers a distinctive changeup. The KraftMaid Lyndale cabinets in “Honey Spice” warm up the space and are a good contrast to the light granite countertops, white subway backsplash tile, and light hardwood floors. The white enamel farmhouse sink adds to the more casual feel. The straight lines of the cabinet hardware echo the refrigerator handle and with the angled ceiling, give a contemporary flair to the space. If you or anyone you know is interested…

Home remodeling has never been an easy line of work. Making homes better involves demolition, dust, and disruption – often while families are living in the home. For the past two years, all aspects of remodeling have been further challenged, with supply chain issues, materials shortages, and long delays on windows and cabinets. Prior to the pandemic, cabinet deliveries arrived like clockwork four weeks after the order was placed. Delivery times are currently 16 to 18 weeks out. Delays during construction are painful for homeowners living in a work zone, and difficult for professional remodeling contractors eager to “get ‘er…

October 2-3 are the dates for this year’s Remodelers Home Tour. There will be five beautiful homes open for in-person visits and even more homes to be toured virtually. Either way you do it, plan on taking the tour! Remodeling is hotter than ever and there’s lots to see in the area’s most recently improved homes by the top remodeling companies. Wood Wise is celebrating because we have two gorgeous homes that will be on tour. And we are double celebrating because one of our project photos made the cover of the tour magazine! Here’s a peek:

Although this house appears to be set in the mountains, it is actually in the heart of Raleigh. It now has a screened porch perfectly suited to the woodland setting. The gable portion of the roof allows for the vaulted ceiling over the sitting area. The shed roof gives a gentle slope over the dining area. The tongue-in-groove clear pine ceiling adds to the rustic warmth. From quiet nights watching TV to dining and entertaining guests, this outdoor living space has the feel of a vacation getaway.

The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance provides compassion, support, and resources for individuals with DS and their families. Wood Wise’s good friend, client, and marketing specialist, Jeff Lineberry of Lineberry Marketing Consultants, is currently serving on the NCDSA board so this cause is near to our hearts. Wood Wise is happy to help sponsor the 2021 Buddy Walk to bring awareness to the great work that is being done and still needs to be done for our DS friends and their families. Click here to see how you can help: https://www.ds-stride.org/trianglebuddywalk  

A new family room addition made room for a kitchen expansion. Now a large island is the center of action. Finished on one end with bookshelves, there is also room on the island for a sink and seating for the family. The KraftMaid Shaker-style cabinets are white on the perimeter and gray on the island. Plenty of recessed lights keep the interior kitchen bright. Freshly finished hardwood floors provide the perfect contrast to the painted finishes.    

A well-designed fireplace can take a porch to the next level. Location, material, and design determine the impact on the room. Stone is the favorite material choice for Wood Wise homeowners. Hearths are optional: the look is usually more contemporary without one. The TV is often placed above the firebox, taking advantage of the central location. The fireplace is the focal point that gives warmth during the colder months while providing beauty year round.