Remodeling a kitchen requires a lot of effort (and cash). Avoid making costly mistakes with these expert tips for every aspect of your design — from islands to floor plans and everything in between. 1. Plan the space. Even in big kitchens, you’ll want to create a compact step-saving work core. You don’t want to walk a mile to make a meal, or even worse, generate dead space within the room. Pick areas that will work hard during meal prep, dining and family time. A breakfast nook, for example, is the perfect way to add style without sacrificing too many steps. 2. Measure! Kitchen aisles need to be wide enough to accommodate all that goes on in a kitchen. Clearance helps multiple cooks navigate the space and maneuver around each other. When designing your new kitchen, make sure all aisles — such as those between islands, walls and appliances — …