How about moving a fridge to where a pantry is per you idea, then make the rest of the right hand side cabinet a full height cabinet all the way in, and move oven and microwave to this right hand side wall. You should have a bit more storage space. For a sink, you can opt for one big single bowl either a 500 or a 700. I have had one 700 bowl for a few weeks and really like its functionality over two bowls sink of similar footprint. Keeping breaky area is nice, perhaps free up the space below like in the above comment is a good compromise for visual aspect. you could also opt for a glass top to make it a bit less intrusive.

Hmmm, I initially had same idea as bigreader about fridge placement where microwave shelves are, but I doubt there's ample width for a fridge there. Then there's issue with fridge door opening into same area as that door that we are wondering about. What size is your fridge? It sounds like you are considering placing the fridge on the carpeting with the back in the dining/living space. Is that correct? It's generally not a good idea to place a fridge on carpet in case of leakage and subsequent damage to the carpet. Do you own the apartment/unit? If so, this may give you more options. If you were able to remove the bench/cabinet to the right of your stove and the overhead cabinets there, that could be enough space for a fridge. But you would lose food preparation and storage space. As has been suggested, the wall opposite the stove could accomodate more overhead cupboards. It would be helpful to know what that door is for, the size of your fridge, and if you are able to do renovation to the apartment.

oklouise. Thanks so much for that drawing. It's similar to what we were thinking but leave the fridge where it is with some cabinets overhead, and put a small pantry by the wall oven/microwave. My husband is not keen on extending the wall if it's not totally necessary - the house is quite small and dark. We recently removed a wall between the kitchen and living room to open it up, which has made such a difference. He doesn't want to "compartmentalize" (sp) again. The 2700mm island gets some counter space closer to the fridge too. We were thinking of putting 50cm cabinetry under that window so as to allow max light in. Thanks also for the tip on putting the cooktop close to opening doors, we never would have thought of that. Any thoughts on putting the gas cooktop in the island? It's been suggested but I'm not sure. I'll get some measurements of the whole area this afternoon.

The fridge space looks quite wide; perhaps wide enough for a French door fridge. I have one of these in my small kitchen / dining space which is in constant use with kids coming & going or sitting at the table in front of the fridge. It was the best decision we made after having a traditional single door fridge previously. the doors are 1/2 the width of a standard door therefore don't take up so much space when open & the kids are standing in front with both doors wide open contemplating their choices! If you went for a single door fridge; go for the hinge on the left for the best liveable option available given the limited space, unfortunately this still will block the laundry door.