Before enlisting a contractor, consider what the space will be used for. Is it primarily a functional room, or will it be used to impress and entertain friends? If the kitchen is too small to meet current needs, consider moving a wall and reclaiming space from a closet or little-used room, creating a combination kitchen/den space. A new cooking island with bar stools along one side will invite the family into the room, so the cook won’t be isolated. Satisfy an avid baker with multiple ovens and new stone countertops. Add a stylish new bar to reinvent the kitchen as an entertainment space.