Planning for convenient storage is a requirement when Wood Wise remodels a kitchen. Knowing how and what homeowners cook most often and the utensils they reach for can help our kitchen designer Kathy Walker guide them in selections and cabinet layout. Both KraftMaid and Waypoint cabinets offer lots of storage options that can help organize a kitchen easily.

This recently remodeled kitchen features many of these cool storage options. The homeowners worked with Kathy to maximize the efficiency of each cabinet and drawer. The result is a well-organized kitchen that makes every day easier for the family.

The existing staircase in this Cary home was utilitarian and plain. It provided a way to get from the first floor to the second but did not do much to inspire or add to the décor. When the homeowners came to Wood Wise for help with updating their home, it was decided the staircase needed a facelift, too.

The redesign started with replacing the old carpet with hardwood treads and risers to match the new hardwoods in the living room. Stylish black metal balusters replace the old Colonial-style wooden ones. The new handrail and newel posts are now a good-looking design in keeping with the improved updates throughout the house.

This Cary home built in the ‘90s had a kitchen that, well, looked like it was built in the ‘90s. Nice but inconvenient and unimpressive. The homeowners turned to Wood Wise for a complete update and new layout. Our designer Kathy Walker went to work. Relocating the existing powder room from next to the dining room to a more private area provides room for a long wall of cabinets and uninterrupted counter space. The curved-top peninsula looks elegant and is perfect for entertaining. Darker gray base cabinets are paired with light gray wall cabinets for a fresh “now” look. Leathered granite countertops are durable and look great. The new kitchen is convenient, filled with lots of cool storage features, and has improved the lives of the homeowners.

It’s hard to believe the drastic improvement of this Raleigh kitchen! Wood Wise was called in to transform the heart of this 1959 contemporary home. By opening up to the family room and creating a large pass-through to the dining room, much needed light now floods the kitchen. Plus now the homeowner can see who is coming and going in the driveway. The old cabinets were original to this 1959 contemporary home. The new KraftMaid cabinets with lots of cool storage options have almost magically improved the daily lives of these homeowners.  The large island is perfect for entertaining. In fact, the whole kitchen is pretty much perfect.

Wood Wise renovates all kinds of residential spaces, interior and exterior. As part of a large kitchen renovation, these homeowners wanted to update the adjoining living room. The traditional fireplace, arched windows, and carpeting had worked in the past but were not the best fit with the new look they were going for in their remodeling plans. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker suggested stone from floor to ceiling, larger windows with a transom look that reflected the interior transoms, and new hardwood floors. Each updated component helps change the look from old to new and refreshes the feel of the whole house.

These North Raleigh homeowners understand that the kitchen is truly the heart of their home. But their existing kitchen was too small and closed off from the living areas to be a real gathering place. So Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker came up with design options that explored the best way to remedy this issue. The final plan includes a kitchen that is larger and has a fresh layout. The spacious new island has seating for four. The new addition off the kitchen includes a family room, screened porch, and deck over-looking their new pool. Now the home lives better for family and is inviting for guests. A definite step up.

Since Wood Wise was doing a full renovation on their kitchen and master bathroom, these homeowners felt their hall bathroom needed an update, too. It was small so while a new layout wasn’t required, there were a couple of issues to address. The original bathroom had two entry doors, one off a guest bedroom and the other off the hallway. The existing toilet was a small corner model which was awkward. The bedroom door was closed off making room for better placement of a new comfort height toilet. The original bathtub which was in good condition remained while everything else – vanity, countertop, sink, faucets, tile, light fixtures – was replaced. See the drastic difference: Continue reading →

The right choice of railing can really make a porch or deck sing with style. With years of design and construction experience, we have found that metal is a good-looking and versatile material. It is sturdy and low-maintenance. It can be used vertically or horizontally to fit the home’s look. The horizontal railings have the added benefit of being easier to see through to a beautiful view. Here are some great porches that show just how much style the right railings can add:

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Homeowners call Wood Wise to help solve design and functional issues they have with their homes. This homeowner had three particular issues she needed addressed:

1. A screened porch that fit her unique 1926 Spanish Revival style home.
2. Privacy while sitting on the new porch in spite of having the house next door very close.
3. A new aviary built under the porch to house her large collection of parakeets, parrots, and other birds.

The Wood Wise design team developed a beautiful porch that blends beautifully with the original home architecture. The privacy issue was solved with a metal screen that has a Spanish influence pattern. The aviary was custom built to work with the needs of her particular birds and looks great, too.

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