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.

I'm also late back to this plan party.. :-) looks so much better Beck B, I'm so glad you went with the idea of having a direct entrance into the working parts of the home.. laundry butlers pantry etc.. it makes for a much easier life! And I see you have utilized that whole living spaces area much better now, better thoroughfare, flow and more pantry space! Its a much better design I would still consider a concealed sliding doors at the end of your kitchen. Also having another look at your kitchen, and your sink seems in an awkward spot, not sure it that is just temporary, but have you considered moving the cleaning section of your kitchen (sink/dishwasher) along the wall? to the right if you clean left to right or vice versa. If it eating outdoors is something you do often, this will be much more convenient and also keep the dishes away from the 'lounge/dining' part of the room. All the best with the build, make sure you post some pics when its done!!

640-500 is not big enough for any worthwhile fridge and i think the space will be better used with access from the hallway. A Frig alcove at least 750 -800 wide will allow for some variation in frig size (with necessary breathing space all around) as well as being suitable for most standard flat pac "over the fridge" cabinets...my daughter is very happy with her DIY Kaboodle kitchen although she chose a different brand counter because the timber bench top in a different brand was much cheaper..The best finish will be determined by careful selection of sizes to avoid any little gaps and very careful assembly to ensure everything is perfectly straight (buy a spirit level)...and, do you need or want such a big stove? a built in cooktop and oven and/or a cook top with built in wall oven and microwave might be worth considering: Think about how you will use the space eg the counter in the corner under 13 would be great for using a food processor or mixer but i would like the space to be about 1200 wide with overhead cabinets or open shelves, what would you store in a pantry? Shallow pantrys are great if you want to store lots of cans and packets but if you use mostly fresh foods then consider a bigger fridge space. Do you make lots of coffee and tea, cook mostly stir fry and grills but not much baking, then a good cooktop and microwave/grill and modest under bench oven might suit better and those necessary corner cabinets in your kitchen are the best place for electric frypans and rarely used appliances and the coffee maker should sit on the counter and kettle next to the sink, ready for a cuppa

Jason: Thanks for the sketches and the the suggestions of storage cabinetry that I can put next to the fridge. Sirius: We do have a large piece of land, and our designer with lots of experience has said this would be a design that's appropriate but we have asked about the size of the house. We have put everything on 2 stories, and have not dug a basement like many places these days. So we are mindful of the space and effective use of it. I do appreciate your markup on island bench cabinet orientation and helped me understand cabinet orientation. 10anp: I do like a big bench which can be used for practical purposes (cleaning up ), but can also seat a number of people on 2 sides when entertaining, and allow deeper undercabinet storage as you said: 600mm both with still 300 overhang. I may even offset the living room side cabinet so that can have 300mm overhang for potential sitting space as well ( guess I lose the convenience of have a cabinet door facing that way that is easier to store things with the overhang). I like Sirius challenging of putting the cooktop on the island: but that is such a radical change for me: I'll think about it! Thanks all for the help - Im happy the changes have come so far! MB