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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.  

Special thought was given to guests in this hall bathroom makeover. During a first-floor renovation, this homeowner wanted to change the look of this bathroom from traditional to more contemporary. The tub surround now has large vertical tile with Asian-themed decorative tile as the central feature. The new KraftMaid vanity with the simple Shaker-style doors is topped with granite with lots of movement and a rectangle sink. The contemporary style transformation continues with the frameless glass shower doors and lack of molding around the transom window, giving it a cleaner look. The result is a spa-like experience for any guest…

Making the most of existing space has always been a goal in the Wood Wise design process. These homeowners had ample square footage in their home but it was chopped up into small rooms with poor traffic flow. The new design opens up the dining room at the front of the house to the kitchen in the back, making the most of their golf course views. The new traffic pattern from the family room to the garage goes through the kitchen but bypasses the busy kitchen workspace. Floor to ceiling pantry cabinets double the amount of storage from the old…

A popular kitchen cabinet configuration in the ’70s was to hang cabinets over a peninsula, interrupting the sight-line. This, along with other bothersome issues, was addressed during a much-needed Raleigh kitchen remodel.  WW designer Kathy Walker redesigned the layout to give a long sight-line from one side of the house to the other. The new design makes the kitchen feel and look larger. KraftMaid cabinets provide increased storage. Castors make the island “mobile.”  

Homeowners planning to remodel their home value a friend’s or co-worker’s referral to a good company.  Knowing someone who has had a successful experience working with an experienced remodeler instills confidence that the next project will also be done well. Our past clients have been quick to recommend us to their friends, family, and co-workers along with writing great reviews. Wood Wise is pleased that many of our new clients come to us this way. Don’t know any of our past clients? On our free first visit to your home, we provide a six page list of over 35 past…

A fun mixture of materials sets this kitchen apart. White Shaker-style KraftMaid cabinets are a clean and simple backdrop for the white granite countertops and subway tile backsplash. The hood, made of reclaimed wood, combines with the metal pendants to add an industrial look. The result is smooth and sophisticated.    

This new outdoor living space is the place to be. The homeowners, who love to entertain around their pool, now have a beautiful screened porch and inviting wide deck to enjoy and share with family and friends. The steps across the entire length of the deck make for easy access and provide additional informal seating for swimmers.

Creating a great outdoor living space can have a big impact on how you enjoy your home. How great it will be depends largely on thoughtful planning. Along with many other things, careful design considers privacy and accenting the best views. Sometimes it means minimizing or screening a less desirable view. Here are some examples of screening for privacy or blocking views:

A beautiful new sunroom has replaced a rarely used deck in this North Raleigh home. This room for all seasons features a gas fireplace faced with stone and large windows to enjoy the view. The use of natural elements extends to the ceiling with stained wood beadboard and tile flooring. There’s plenty of light even on rainy days with both recessed lights and the fanlight. A mini-split heating and cooling system keep the room comfortable throughout the year.