Thanks for the responses. I should preface this by saying it's an open concept kitchen. If looking at the bird's eye view diagram, the dining area is to the left, and the living area is below. No walls around. Current status:

I understand the dilemma! However, could we zoom out for a moment? Could you explain what is to the left of the Pantry and Refrigerator? Is that a wall there or an open space? It makes a big difference. Could you post the larger plan? Or a picture of the space?

Good thought Geiger, to the left of the edge of both kitchen designs about 2 feet over is a sliding door to go out on the back deck, and on that wall are the light switches for the outside lighting. It is an open concept with kitchen, dining and living surrounding the island.

Here's an image before it was gutted and opened by the engineers & contractors.

I would only suggest placing the fridge on the outside so if you ever buy a larger fridge it will be easier to fit in. Have a cabinet panel put to the left of the fridge for finishing the look.

If you are not ever planning to change the size of the fridge, go with the pantry on the outside. Sound reasonable? Have the cabinet installers pull out the cabinets above the fridge so they will be easier to access.

I personally would prefer the pantry to the left of the fridge. It looks better to me and seems more convenient in relation to the sink and stove.

Agree with Presidio -- I think you go into the fridge a lot more often, so I'd want it closer to the heart of the kitchen. (Not worried about doors opening!)

Left -- with the refrigerator closer to the sink.

If you don't put a wall between the refrigerator and sink, you can use magnets to create a family message board on right side of the fridge.

Note: You need some room around your refrigerator for air to circulate to have it work efficiently so that is a good reason to a few inches between the refrigerator and the overhead cabinet and to leave the side next to the sink open.

I agree that the pantry looks better to the left of the fridge. I do have a question about your design. Is there some reason you're not putting a corner cabinet to the right of the window? The reason I ask is that I have a cabinet just like the one in your design to the right of the window and the cabinet being butted up against the wall makes it really difficult to reach. I also think that aesthetically, having a cabinet that faces more forward on that side of the sink helps balance the cabinet to the upper left.

@katinparadise Unfortunately from what we are told it is a blind corner, and there isn't enough space to accommodate a corner cabinet.

I have the same problem with mine Kaleb. The builder put in a big window, which is nice, but it makes it impossible to add a corner cabinet. Good luck with your project!

Thank you for all the great feedback! I am leaning towards the pantry on the left. I feel like it bookends the kitchen, and allows the fridge to be closer to the sink. The one concern I have is 3 pieces of stainless steel being next to eachother with these 3, but maybe not as big of an issue as I am making it in my head?

The pantry on the left would be my choice as well.

Would you consider not using all three stainless pieces? I agree that the three in a row is perhaps not ideal.