what is that little counter in the corner across from the refrig?

It’s a standup pantry

None of those things relate to making or eating food, so I'd try to find a place out of the kitchen and dining room. For example, in the entry way, home office, mud room, laundry room or even a corner of a hallway.

I am putting one in our master bedroom closet. I wanted it to be someplace I saw several times a day, but not in an area of the house guests typically use...pantry, mud room, etc. Our master closet had the most excess space, so that’s where it is going. I’m excited not to have all that stuff in my kitchen anymore.

There's some good ideas in this Houzz artticle https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-common-causes-of-clutter-and-their-cures-stsetivw-vs~118100693

Ty. Should have mentioned it us a 1910 solid brick craftsman style home. Unrenovated until now. So no mud room, no master closet, no home office, definitely no laundry room (w/d in unfinished basement), and no entryway. :(. Goodness I long for a new house. There is some room in the bedroom though- good idea to look for a nook elsewhere. Thx! Article link was helpful.

Is there enough room to put a small desk along the wall where the staircase is by the wide kitchen opening? Seems there's enough room to walk around it. That way it's convenient to the front door and the kitchen without being in the kitchen.

Ah. Hadn’t considered it. I’ll look. Thx!

The first one is so cool. And hubby can build it!