I did some tweaking of your design to show you other options - e.g., moving the DW. It turns out the sink is almost centered on the island when you put enough prep workspace on the side opposite the DW - so if you don't like that, then consider eliminating the seat on the end and moving everything over. That would also give you even more prep space - although I think you have enough now (approx 45"). Regarding the pantry, I presented 4 options - they each have pluses and minuses (I think I like Option #1 using Zelmar's pantry the best). I switched the pantry and the refrigerator b/c the island was a "barrier island' b/w the Prep Zone on the island and the Refrigerator. By moving the refrigerator, the island is no longer a "barrier" to the refrigerator. Ideally, the island would not be a barrier to either the refrigerator or the pantry, but if has to be one, generally it's better to have the refrigerator in the more accessible location (i.e, not "barriered") In addition, you now have separate floor space for the Prep Zone, Cooking Zone, and Cleanup Zone and someone working at the cooktop won't run the risk of backing in to an open DW door (and stumbling) while holding a pot of boiling water (or other hot pot/pan). On the cooktop wall, I tried to make it symmetrical since it appears that's what you want (or at least your KD wants!) Note the 12" cabinet b/w the 24" Easy Reach and the 48" cabinet on the cooktop run. I think a 36"x24" Easy Reach would probably be better, but if you cannot get it or prefer the 12" cabinet, I suggest using a pullout cabinet instead of a standard cabinet. Here's a link to one of Rev-A-Shelf's versions (others make them as well): Cabinet Pullout Hood Organizer with Wood Adjustable Shelves Wall Accessories (12" Wide) Some options for the cabinets flanking the cooktop: * Two 24" cabinets on left + hood + two 24" cabinets on right (both with12" doors) + 12" cabinet + 24" easy Reach with 12" cabinet door * 18" cabinet + 30" + hood + 30" + 30" (18+12) + 24" Easy Reach w/12" door * 12" cabinet + 36" + hood + 36" + 24" + 24" Easy Reach w/12" door Before I discuss the pantry options, here's the layout: Zone map: So, about those Pantry Options (see picture below)... Option 1 (in the main layout). Either the 30" standard pullout your KD is probably planning from the looks of it or a cabinet w/drawers on the bottom and shelves above. Zelmar has such a pantry (so do at least two other GWer, but I can't remember which ones right now!) Unfortunately, Zelmar's pictures are no longer available, but I had saved one for future inspiration - I've posted it at the end. [Zelmar, if you're reading this - I hope it's OK with you! Let me...

I'm having a hard time reading your plan, which is possibly why you aren't getting more responses. I also don't know which rooms are adjacent to the kitchen and that would be helpful. From the opening on the left end of the mantle wall looks like it would look into the other room through the wide (dashed line) doorway, not at either fridge location, so I guess I'm confused. I see one small sink- at the bottom of the plan where the counter curves, and there doesn't seem to be room for a dishwasher and UC fridge there, so I'm not sure where you're talking about. Also, you are the best judge about that being enough to handle your needs. It won't be great, I don't think, to handle the needs of meals eaten at the island seating. One thing: I have had dishwashers in 2 different locations before and it was a dismal failure. In the house we're building, they'll flank the main sink. It seems that things need to go to the 'other' dishwasher (no matter which you're closest to) to fit in properly or make a full load, then when they're clean, they're in the more inconvenient location. If you're trying to find something, it could be put away or in 1 of 2 dishwashers...Usually the 2nd one in which you look. And maybe still dirty, because that 2nd one is only partly filled...from a few days ago...and no one has remembered to run it and now the dishes are smelly and gross, maybe even starting to grow mold. Mostly, it's easier for 1 person to load the dishwashers from one spot, rather than go across the kitchen to try to fit things properly in both. Maybe take a copy of your plan and make brighter notations with a marker about where appliances are and which rooms are accessed from which doorways...Then post it with the others.

I am the original poster- don't know what happened, but my original garden web account seems to have gotten mixed in with my houzz account. Anyway... not trying to troll or anything here. This is really a fascinating thread, and definitely highlights the challenges of designing for a smaller space when every inch counts! I think the most compelling argument here is focused on what is needed for today vs. what MAY be needed of tomorrow. So, it's not really about functionality but risk and probability. It's too bad we don't have a nice little financial equation that will help us determine the "net present value" of the choices. I really just hate wasting money, and want to do every bit of planning possible to avoid the potential of having to rip something out in the future because it was a poor decision. I think my primary problem is that I really want a 30' x 40' kitchen with high end appliances and all of the bling I could possibly imagine. But, that is not my reality. And, it's really hard to figure out what is most important and how to choose when I can only afford about 35% of what I want. It's really hard on these forums to communicate a budget - I have no issue moving my fridge and range to opposite ends of the universe, but there is a cost involved in that, and I really need to be careful how I allocate my budget. So, I have chosen to leave my electrical and plumbing pieces where they are - and stay within the current footprint. I have to say - it can be pretty intimidating posting and asking for help when you are one of the "I have a small kitchen" folks. I really have no idea what I will end up with. But, I do know that I will post my updates as they occur as I want to ensure future "small galley kitchen" searches have something to reference! Thank you so very much to all of the wonderful comments and advice I have received. Funkycamper, benjesbride - you guys have been providing feedback and valuable input for the past 6 months as I have persevered to navigate the very rough waters of kitchen design. The end is so very near and this is the most stressful process I have EVER experienced!

Thanks everyone. @zinnia - DH agrees with you...he hates the fridge being so close to the dining area and is working hard to have me agree to have it on the opposite wall. My issue is that it seems cluttered right next to the range. I wish I could make a combo work for the island, but the dining nook area ceiling is not the same height as the kitchen. There is a beam (structural) that separates the space. To the left of the sink is the trash pull out, we still need to work on the corner and bank of cabinets next to this. @wilson863 - those photos are beautiful. I love both of those kitchens! Sadly, structure won't allow us to move the bump and there is a structural beam between the dining nook and kitchen that would restrict us from carrying the island into that space. @mama goose_gw zn6OH - you are exactly right! We have been discussing squaring off the island but the layouts I posted shows a rectangle island. The dimensions I provided does not line up. Good catch! I'll post dimensions this evening with the layouts. @cpartist & @Kristin S - thank you! We have thought about making seating just on one side though that would eliminate a spot for one of us...probably me since I'm the one cooking mostly. I'm playing with the shape of the island on CAD and seeing if we can figure out a way to make it more practical without creating a pinch point with the dining. Typically, it's just us, so either we are sitting at the island or we are sitting at the table, not both. Seats would be pushed in and we are thinking of backless stools because of this. There are occasion when we have another family with us on vacation, but mostly just the four of us.