There isn’t really another space for a pantry, so I’d definitely do the closet under the stairs.

Lots of people have pantries in the basement or garage, I'd say you're good ;^) mine is in the utility room about as far as yours, it's only a problem with baking supplies, I try to keep frequently used ones in a drawer in the kitchen.

As long as I have spices and cooking oils near the stove, I am a happy Camper. It sort of bugs me that the island doesn't completely hide the view of the stove. I wish I could move it to the left a little but I have to make sure the dishwasher door can open. It will be on the left I think. I need a place for the microwave. I was hoping for a counter top one that could be hidden in an appliance garage or with a trim kit to make it look built in. What do y'all think?

Consider a drawer microwave installed in the island. Appliance garages take up precious counter space.

They are a bit pricey, but counter space is pretty vital real estate. Maybe we can stick one in that odd corner cabinet.

It’s fine. It’s a good place to use for a pantry.

IMO the pantry in a perfect world is inthe kitchen but there are many reasons that does not always happen What I find worse is your lack of counter space I think a U shaped kitchen would be better use of the space and since you do not have seating at the island the ushape makes even more sense. I have a pantry in my basement that I use for all the bulk stuff I buy when on sale and also a freezer there. But I have a pullout pantry to hold the things I use often and also an under the counter pullout for all my oils and vinegars.

I think it is perfectly fine. I had a pantry further away than that and absolutely loved it. Great for oversized pots and even cereal.

We have two pantries. One is in the kitchen, a tall cabinet with slider drawers, to hold opened food (flour, sugar, cereals, spices, onions, potatoes, etc). The second is in the pass through between the kitchen and garage, and it holds unopened containers, canned foods, and small appliances that are rarely used. It’s a few steps away from the kitchen, but it’s not an issue.

Laurie...I prefer a countertop microwave rather than a built-in location. A microwave lasts a long time, but when it dies, I don’t want to have to search for one that fits a built-in slot.
Another good reason for a countertop microwave is that you can put in/take out hot things at waist level: taking something hot from a higher microwave can be a bit risky if it is heavy or large....no spilling at counter level.

I think the pantry placement is fine however, looking at the presented layout, I would seriously reconsider rethinking your island plan. I understand this is probably the initial plan given by the architect, but a good kitchen designer can help you maximize the work flow & quality of storage in your space.

I would suggest an island with drawers on the work side. If you intend to have bar stools on the other side, it’s okay, but I prefer to eat sitting at a breakfast table with my feet on the ground. When the kids were still at home, our family dining was done at the breakfast table. When someone (or 3) is sitting at the bar, will you have enough space to move around the occupied stool?

The island will have drawers on the kitchen side and stools on the living room side. A door leading to the screened side porch is right off the kitchen so we decided to do the L shape with an island. We are getting excited!

You can put the microwave on a shelf. The trim kits can expand slightly to get the look of a built in. I think your panty location is fine. Put a good two-level lazy Susan in the corner cabinet and it will give you a lot of easy storage.

Crisp Architects · More Info

I read that ice, water, stone, fire and it makes sense. The only reason we were changing the fridge is because a column to hold up a beam will be there and might make opening the door a challenge. If we can fit it there to open properly, then we will keep it there and use a trim kit to “build in” a counter top microwave. I’ll add pictures to show a similar column supporting a beam and where the builder drew a circle to show the challenge of a refrigerator there. I think it can be done if properly thought ought. After reading that link, I hope it can. Pictures to follow. ( I hope!)

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Laville plans.jpeg

Don’t know if those posted properly, but the blue box drawn on the plan is the column that can be seen in the first image.

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