Designer Solutions

Kitchen Renovation

Is your home cramped with clutter? Got a room that needs a new look? Designer Solutions can solve your decorating dilemma.

Kitchen designer Debby Saling is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and has been designing kitchens for 26 years. An independent designer for 15 years, Saling now works for D.G. Liu Contractor Inc., a home improvement firm based in Dickerson, Md.

Debby was online to take design questions and discuss her design concept for this edition of Designer Solutions .

The transcript follows below.

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washingtonpost.com:

Welcome to this Live Online edition of Designer Solutions . Many thanks to today's guest Debby Saling of D.G. Liu Contractor Inc.

Using a photo sent in by washingtonpost.com reader Teresa White of Gaithersburg, Md., Debby turned this tiny kitchen into a visual oasis .

Debby, could you briefly describe your design approach to this small space?

Debby Saling: Be glad to. Since this is a small space I wanted to open it up as much as possible and be sure the view would be pleasing. So the first step was to lower the wall in front of the sink and move the dishwasher. The rest fell into place.

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Cincinnati, Ohio: One of the hot countertop choices is granite. My question is how do you remove stains from granite without defeating the protective surface applied by the contractor who installs the countertops? Common cooking oils, etc.

Debby Saling: Honestly its almost impossible to get out cooking oil stains. Granite is a porus material like stone. If you clean the spill when it happens you can avoid a permanent stain. Try using ivory dish soap. You can get cleaners and sealers in the hardware stores. When the fabricator installs granite it is sealed. You can tell when granite needs to be resealed when water stops beading on it. The sealers are easy to apply, it wipes on like water. Just let it dry and wipe off with a clean cloth.

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Rockville, Md.: The kitchen featured here looks so much better because it's clean and uncluttered. Because of plumbing work done in my kitchen I have had to clear the room. I realize my kitchen is not such a small room when all the counters are cleared and furniture moved out. I would like to maintain that roomier look but what to do with all of the cluttering up my dining room? Where did you put the client's pots and pans? I noticed the rack was gone. Did you add any storage, or did you get a rid of stuff?

Debby Saling: Hi Rockville,

I used base cabinets with 3 drawers. The top drawer is standard size the bottom two are deep. This allows for more storage and organization. I never use a standard base cabinet with a drawer and door with a half shelf. Its waste good usable storage. Pots and pans fit great in the deep drawers, as do Tupperware, mixing bowls and casserole dishes.

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Baltimore, Md.: "Depending on a number of variables such as the designer, products and timeframe, says Saling, a condo renovation such as this can range from $50,000 to $80,000."

Ummm, please tell me this is a typo, and that you really meant $5,000 to 8,000. It's a lovely kitchen, but it's teeny! And the selected fixtures and finished aren't hugely high-end (of course, given the space, I don't know how you could even fit $80,000 worth of material in there!).

On another note ... what do you recommend as a minimum distance between an island and perimeter cabinets? We are tucking a kitchen into the corner of an existing eating area between the living area and the back entry -- house is 125 years old, so we have a rather funky space to work with. We are planning L-shape perimeter counters with an island that follows the L on the two sides, and then cuts across like a triangle (from one end of the L to the other) to allow room for traffic on the far side of the island (thus keeping people out of my work space). All of the main appliances are on the perimeter, with trash cans, storage, and a prep sink on the island. I need to make sure there's enough space to comfortably use the range, dishwasher, pull-out trash, etc., but the more space I leave between the island and perimeter cabinets, the smaller the island gets (we can't block the walkway). Will 3' be enough space between the island and perimeter cabinets? Or do I need more like 42" or 48"? We do have two people in there at the same time, but we have separate work stations (he cleans, I cook -- he gets the short leg of the L, I get the long leg), so we wouldn't ever be working back to back, or crossing paths too frequently. Thanks.

Debby Saling: No I am not kidding. $5,000 to $8,000 would be kidding. Its is a small kitchen however this one is in a condo and there a many variables to consider.

You can leave 36" between the outside cabinets and island you just need to understand that fits one cook and is tight for two. There suggested design rules to follow published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org). When it gets down to it -- its your kitchen and sometimes we have to make tradeoffs. Just be sure the refrigerator is located where everyone can get to without getting into your space.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have just moved into a very small condominium in Bethesda, from a three-level townhome. I'm just finishing up with the bathroom renovation, the condo is probably 40 years old, and the bathroom was original with the small tile on floor and most of the wall. I had drywall replaced, the vanity and toilet reconfigured (as the toilet was next to the door) and made for much awkwardness getting in and out of the room. New toilet and vanity, lighting and floors. I love it. It looks so much larger, and the flow is great! Next job is to knock down the walls from the galley-type kitchen to make for an open floor plan. I don't know if I should consider a kitchen island when this is complete, any ideas?

Debby Saling: Hi Bethesda,

Everything depends on the size of the space you have to work with. I love islands and try to use it in all my designs. You can have an island designed to function in may ways such as a work area, buffet area and table space.

If an island does not work for your space you can always try using a peninsula.

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Washington, D.C.: I live in a Capitol Hill row house and am going to take a portion of my kitchen, which is approx. 14x14 to create a powder room. Any thoughts on this idea?

Debby Saling: Be careful and check DC codes. I believe DC does not allow bathrooms in the kitchen. Be sure you lay it out right. You can use a small toilet and there are many small sink selections to choose from including corner toilets and corner sinks.

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Washington, D.C.: I've got an old kitchen (circa 1929) and have a decent but not extravagant budget with which to renovate. I talked to a fancy and wonderful kitchen designer, whose services I think are frankly out of my reach. Any suggestions for how to go about modestly re-hauling a kitchen without having to do everything myself? Thanks.

Debby Saling: Shop around for other kitchen dealers or remodeling contractors. Just be sure when you meet with someone that they hear what you are saying and you feel confident you will get what you want. Remodeling a kitchen is very personal. You can find someone who can satisfy your needs, just remember to lowest price is not always the best price. Take your time. As Syms dress store stays "an educated consumer is the best consumer.

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Takoma Park, Md.: Re: granite sealing

There's a great deal of talk about granite sealant that needs to be applied only once. Seems like the most common thing you hear is that it needs to be redone every six months or so (or, when it stops beading, as you suggested).

Thoughts?

Debby Saling: Trust the beading test. How long a sealer lasts depends on many different variables such as how you clean the surface and how often. Hope that helps.

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Washington, D.C.: I live in a condo (built 1910) that luckily has a large kitchen. I don't have a lot of money, but want to upgrade it. It was last touched in the 1970s, I think. Do I have choices other than the usual maple cabinets, granite counters, and stainless appliances? Thanks for any advice you have.

Debby Saling: There are tons of options out there. You don't have to always replace your cabinets, sometimes a good paint job goes a long way. A great look is to remove all the wall cabinets and just put shelves up. An inexpensive countertop surface which I have used many times for clients on a tight budget is solid maple butcher block. Its very affordable and comes in different lengths. I have even dropped in a sink in butcher block. It is so affordable you won't feel guilty if you have to replace it 5 or 10 years down the road. As far as appliances there is always white, black or beige. Remember Black shows everything.

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Takoma Park, Md.: What is your opinion about flooring: manufactured laminate or "real" boards? Durability, appearance, cost, and DIY-ness.

Debby Saling: I dislike the laminate "floating floors". When damaged you cannot refinish, nor have I ever heard of a board being replaced with a good result. I don't suggest it. Real wood will last a lifetime.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Debby,

Here are a couple of questions that I think most people want answers to:

-How can you open up a kitchen to the rest of the house while still having enough storage for dishes, utensils, food, and appliances? My wife and I want to knock down some walls to open our L-shaped 8x10 kitchen to the dinning room and family room but need enough cabinet storage for all the stuff.

What are some of your ideas for getting the most functionality out of a small kitchen? Get bigger cabinets? Create storage behind the kick plates of cabinets? Get smaller appliances?

Debby Saling: Silver Spring,

Drawers - Drawers - Drawers are the answer. Specifically the 3 drawer bases. Dishes fit great in the drawers. Drawers organize everything. If you need a pantry use pull outs not the fancy expensive swing out storage units They are a waste of space and money. The tall pantry storage cabinets need not be only for food. Its great for pots and pans and anything you can think of including small kitchen appliances. Remember to keep the pantry next to the refrigerator. You have much better counter space if all your tall units are together.

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Washington, D.C.: In a small apartment, does it make more sense to open up a kitchen and make it seem bigger, or close it off to make the rest of the place seem bigger (and not have the kitchen spill into "common" areas)?

Debby Saling: By closing off the kitchen you will make the place seem smaller. I would never suggest closing it off.

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Waldorf, Md.: I'd like to see pictures of (very) small full-bath remodels. Any suggestions of Web sites?

Debby Saling: My suggestion is go to the nearest book store. Be sure to have lots of time, there are so many books to go thru. I sometimes go to Borders and sit in their Design section. They have a lot to look at. And not just Bathrooms. Webs sites are usually about a particular situation and don't have a lot in one site. Books are the answer.

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Maryland: Why, oh why, can't builders design outdoor exhaust vents above kitchen stoves. My stove doesn't face an outside wall. What can I do?

Debby Saling: Sometimes the joists in the ceiling are going the wrong way. If you have a soffit above the cabinets you could run the duct thru there or if its open above you could cover the soffit with moldings and or a soffit. Builders always start cabinet layouts with the sink under the window which is the outside wall. Notice I said cabinet layout and not design. Builders don't design a kitchen they lay them out.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you provide a cost break down of the $50-80,000 condo kitchen? I would love to re-do my kitchen and have started thinking of budget. Any ideas on how to guess-timate how much things might cost?

Debby Saling: I hate giving numbers out. There truly is no way to find out until you price your kitchen out. Every kitchen is different. You may just need to bite the bullet and pay for a professional design and estimate. Its the only way to find out your costs. The longer you wait the more its going to cost. Shop around, remember "you get what you pay for."

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D.C.: Any tips on dealing with textured walls that don't involve sanding? It's an old building so we don't want to deal with the lead paint measures we'd need to take. And we have limited time (two weeks until we move in). Are there any special primers that can be used to cover over a previous owner's poor design choice?

Debby Saling: I know Lead is a problem in DC. You should talk to a professional painter.

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Fairfax, Va.: I have to replace the light on our kitchen ceiling. The existing one is a fluorescent monstrosity. It's shade/cover broke and is no longer manufactured.

What kind of overhead lighting did you use in the kitchen shown in the link? I hate fluorescent, but realize I need a lot of light in there.

Debby Saling: I use recessed lights and I always use dimmers. Recessed should be used to light up the room, I place them in the walk ways. I use under-cabinet low voltage under all cabinets. This is your tacks lighting and is the most important when working in a kitchen.

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Alexandria, Va.: What do you think about buying cabinets from a place like Ikea or Home Depot, versus custom-made?

Debby Saling: Ikea is a do it your selfer. You have to put them together your self. They have a very short life span, about 5 years. I would never recommend them. Home Depo has some nice cabinets including stock and semi-custom. Just be careful of the cabinet layout and check everything at home before you buy them. They also sometimes take longer to get the cabinets in because they wait for truck load orders to accumulate. A small dealer can get them faster and most likely give you a better layout for the same price.

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Hanging rack: I have a 10-foot ceiling in my kitchen, and would love to do a hanging rack for pots, wicker baskets, a braid of garlic, etc. Are these passe now, or do they still work. Any suggestions on material? (Kitchen is mostly wood, with off-white counter and appliances, and gets lots of southern sun.)

Debby Saling: Hang pot racks like anything else is a personal preference. If you love and want one than do it. I like the metal ones myself.

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Alexandria, Va.: My husband and I would like to install a microwave above our stove top, and have some conflicting information. What is the distance needed from the top of the stove to the bottom of the microwave? And do we need to have cabinets above the microwave for it to attach to?

Thanks!

Debby Saling: You can the the information right from the source and do what any good kitchen designer would do. Go to the appliance web site find your microwave hood and click on installation specs. Its important to follow the manufacturers installation instructions so you do not void the warranty. For the most part I put micro-hoods about 18 to 20 inches from the cooking surface. Don't go to high you don't want to spill hot things when removing from the oven. You don't necessarily have to have a cabinet above the micro hood, sometimes a panel with work fine. Again check the install instructions.

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Virginia: Debby,

How does one become an interior decorator? Does it require a formal course? Four-year college? Or just taste and rich friends?

Debby Saling: I am not an interior decorator. I am a Certified Kitchen Designer and there is a big difference. You can call your self anything you want so long as the state you live in does not have a title act. But trust me if you don't have good taste or know what you are doing you go nowhere fast. I am a big believer in education and continuing education. I have been doing kitchens bathrooms and bedrooms and libraries for 26 years and I still take classes all the time.

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Washington, D.C.: $50,000 to $80,000! Are there more economical ways to re-do a kitchen? For instance, why granite? I've been house-hunting and all these places trumpet their granite countertops and quite frankly, I don't understand the big deal. Especially if it's so porous when not sealed. There's a place I'm interested in buying with a tiny kitchen and a need for renovation, but I'm sure not going to do it if it costs that much.

Debby Saling: Hey Washington,

If your looking for a detached home yes you may be able to do the kitchen for less. Condo's are more expensive to renovate because of time restraints, noise restraints and everything has to go up and down a elevator and fit into one. Also when removing walls you are dealing with concrete and plaster with a wire mesh and the floors and ceilings are concrete. There are many options of materials out there. I have get clients who dislike granite also. Silestone is another surface.

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washingtonpost.com:

Our time is up for today. Thanks again to Debby Saling for being our resident expert for this edition of Designer Solutions .

And if you have a decorating dilemma and need some help, submit your room along with room dimensions to be considered for a future installment to DesignerSolutions@washingtonpost.com.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.