Plenty of people prefer to perch in the kitchen for any number of things -- to read the paper, to keep the cook company, to gobble down a hurried meal -- that they wouldn't necessarily do in a formal dining room. That's why every modern kitchen island includes a breakfast bar with a few stools. Seems a function worth keeping, although you could do a rolling cart, group of houseplants, or single armchair instead...

Agree that once the fridge is moved, I'd get a pantry cabinet for that space -- if you can't match the current cabinets, you can just use a white shaker cabinet and let it blend into the wall.

How about a Parson desk? Great spot for lap top.

I'd keep a small table and a couple of chairs in that spot. I bet you'll use it a lot to check email while waiting for the pasta water to boil, sip a second cup of coffee before clearing out the breakfast mess, etc. And as acm says, friends and family can keep the cook company. If you really don't want a table, how about a small sofa? Create an intimate conversation corner?

A breakfast nook or kitchen table area besides being a great place for a quick snack or cup of coffee is also good for people with children as a place to keep an eye on them while they are coloring pictures, playing with play-doh, etc. Also feeding babies in their high chair is not always the cleanest and might best be done in the kitchen instead of a carpeted dining room.

It also adds a prep place where you can sit down if you are doing something that doesn't require standing or takes awhile like peeling enough apples to bake pies or other things where you just want to take a load off your feet.

Now as for what you put next to the fridge, a pantry is one option. You could also set up a coffee/tea bar similar to these photos.

Agree with adding cabinets to the left of the fridge. As far as the windows go, if the front door is just to the left, why not make that space sort of an entryway and add either a chest/buffet, table or even a bench with storage there?

If it has been mentioned and it's not to late, try for a counter depth refrigerator. Will make all the difference!

Congratulations are your first home!

Yes, cabinetry to the left of the fridge creating a built in appearance will finish the space. A tall pantry would work nicely.

What about adding a built-in window seat under the windows? You can add color with a cushion and pillows. It would be a perfect spot for a cup of coffee.

Something like a fresh vibrant dwarf orange or avocado tree could be alot of fun and really add some color, life and dimension to the space while giving your kitchen a fresh feel. Congrats on the home and good luck!

How cute. That weird empty space is called an "eat in kitchen". Welcome to your new home!!!

Congratulations on your new home.
I'd move the fridge and then leave the space open for a month or two .... See what type of space you need the most.
More counter space for unloading groceries?
A place to sit down and take off boots? And A cubby for jackets , coats and umbrellas ?
A cleaning and broom closet ?
More pantry space ?
Or a small desk and collection area for mail, keys and calendars !
Have fun !