Opening up living spaces is always a favorite and smart way for homeowners to improve their homes. This North Raleigh home went from three small closed off areas (living room, dining room, and kitchen) to one large space that is perfect for groups or family interacting with the cook. Walls were removed, new hardwood flooring installed, and lots of good lighting added (both recessed and decorative fixtures). A large tiered island keeps messy food prep out of sight while providing additional bar seating. Opening up turned this dated 1970s house into a fresh new home ready for today’s lifestyles.

Last week Las Vegas was the site of KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker flew out to see the latest remodeling ideas and products at the show – and to receive her first place award for the 2018 Best Kitchen Design for Waypoint Cabinetry. Kathy won against a field of great competitors for the coveted award. Wood Wise homeowners get to enjoy Kathy’s award-winning talent every time they spend time in their Wood Wise designed and remodeled kitchens (or any room in the house). We are delighted that Kathy is spreading her good design and taste across the Raleigh-Cary area with Wood Wise.

If you would like to set up a time to have Kathy help you with your home, call 919 783 9330 or email: info@woodwisedesign.com

Here’s Kathy with her award enjoying the moment with representatives from Waypoint Cabinetry.

This coming weekend, Feb. 15-17, the Raleigh Convention Center will be the site of the 2019 Downtown Raleigh Spring Home Show. Wood Wise will be at our beautiful booth, ready to talk with you about your plans to remodel. We will have loads of photos from recent projects that will inspire and motivate you to take the next step towards realizing your dream. Make plans now to check out the latest in home improvement ideas.  Join us by calling the office (919 783 9330) for free show tickets (for the first 20 people).  For show hours and more information, go to:

https://raleighspringshow.com/information

We hope to see you there!

When homeowners call Wood Wise to remodel their master bathrooms, the first item on the wish list: get rid of the over-sized garden tub. The second item is to have a larger shower. Once in a while, when there is room, a homeowner may want a smaller stand-alone tub for the occasional soaking experience. Here is an example of a contemporary tub, “Fiore” by Jacuzzi (no jets), that fits nicely under the window of this newly remodeled master bathroom. The tub filler and faucets are located conveniently on the side of the tub, making room for full relaxation. Marble-look porcelain tile on the wall provides a water-proof barrier for any splashes. The KraftMaid floor-to-ceiling cabinet in the corner gives easy access to towels.

These homeowners had Wood Wise design and remodel their kitchen, dining room, loft area, and outdoor living area of their beautiful North Ridge home. We were invited back to help update their master bathroom which was still sporting its original 1980 look. Working with designer Kathy Walker, the homeowners chose a fresh new look in white and gray. Selections include KraftMaid cabinet vanities topped with Cosmos quartz countertops. The light fixtures seem to float on the large mirrors and reflect the light throughout the room. The floor is a slate look tile in a herringbone pattern which complements the marble-look porcelain tile on the floor and walls of the beautiful frameless shower. It all adds up to another successful project by Wood Wise.

Homeowners who are looking to remodel their kitchens often ask us about the latest colors and door styles we are seeing. White and gray continue to be the most popular combination for kitchens with Shaker style cabinets being the top door style. We see white cabinets with gray walls or gray cabinets with white walls. Countertops and backsplashes are most often white or very light. But color is starting to make a comeback. We are beginning to see a swing towards using a contrasting cabinet color on the islands such as navy blue or dark gray.

The owners of this older inside-the-beltline home wanted to create a retro look in their newly remodeled kitchen. They chose to match the color of a much loved antique trunk. WW designer Kathy Walker was able to have KraftMaid cabinets do a custom match to the trunk to use on the Shaker style cabinets. Black countertops and hardware provide a great contrast. The result is a beautiful kitchen that is fresh and young with a nod to the past, making it a great place for this family to enjoy for a long time.

The beautiful torquoise cabinet color is a KraftMaid cabinet custom match.

The adjoining pantry provides plenty of work space and storage.

Will 2019 be the year you improve your home? Each day could feel special with a re-imagined master suite that includes a bright new bathroom and a closet with custom shelving. You and your family could be enjoying your backyard more with a well-planned outdoor living area. Your commitment to entertain more often would be easier with an improved layout in your kitchen that includes new cabinets with expanded and convenient storage and a large island. What area of your home needs to “renew?” Call Wood Wise today at (919) 783-9330 to schedule a free first visit to get started on improving your home and your life.

This reimagined master bathroom makes every day better for these homeowners.

It is natural at the end of a year to review and reflect. I personally enjoyed a particularly good year. One bit of advice I came across is to “say something uplifting to each person you speak with each day”. On good days I have remembered to do this and everyone has been nicer as a result.

Wood Wise enjoyed a great year helping clients redesign and renew their lives at home. Kathy, our talented designer, won the Waypoint Cabinetry annual Best Kitchen Award for the whole United States. She will be flown to Las Vegas to accept the award. We are appreciative for our homeowners, Morgan and Bradley Tew, for the recognition and hope they enjoy their time in their improved home.

Speaking of enjoying life at home, the temporary downturn in the stock market reminds me that if you live in the Triangle you are smart to invest in your own home – your life backdrop as well as valued real estate. The investment is sound and the enjoyment you experience after remodeling beats any uptick in the market. You truly get to experience success when your home reflects your style with new colors, cabinets and convenience features.

Best wishes for a successful new year,

Hank

We are proud to announce that Kathy Walker has done it again; she is the recipient of the nationwide Kitchen Design award issued by Waypoint Cabinets. The panel of judges based their decisions on creativity, originality, the most dramatic before and after differences, the best use of Waypoint® cabinetry, organizational pieces, glass, moldings, accents, and other architectural elements.

In this design, Kathy transformed this small, dark kitchen from the ’70s into a bright and open contemporary space. The homeowners love to entertain. Because their parties always end up in the kitchen, they requested a big modern kitchen with an island that could accommodate events. By removing walls, shifting space and adding light, Kathy designed an award-winning kitchen (and island) her clients can enjoy for many years to come.

To learn more about this prestigioius award, visit Waypoint’s awards page. If you are interested in modernizing your kitchen, contact us for a design consultation today.