Agree...the refrigerator is in a pretty awkward spot and will interfere with passage through the doorways. It also looks kind of lonely way over there in the corner. (; How about placing the refrigerator on the wall that is across from the sink wall, where you currently have the open shelving? To make use of the corner space where the refrigerator currently is, you could continue some of the lower cabinets and the countertop in that corner. Could even include open shelving if you want to repeat that element.

Thanks Carole. I agree, it looks lonely. But as long as it can pass the inspection, I dont mind lonely!

Your suggestion is actually where the fridge is now. And currently the range is in the corner which is the worst place it could be. If I left the fridge across from the sink, and moved the range to where I am suggesting, then it all gets bunched up too close and feels really cramped.

Agree with @Carole - the fridge across from the sink wall would be an improvement. The corner where the fridge is now could be used for pantry space instead.

I don't know anything about passing inspection, but have you looked at counter-depth fridges? That would give you more options to place it in the room. I think you've designed a really pretty space!

Thanks stiley and thanks Mama Goose and thanks for your thoughtful ideas. The fridge is actually new and its the third fridge I've had in three years (long story) so I dont want to change it. The area behind where you indicated with the red circle is actually the main passage way through the house so I couldn't recess the fridge there.

Yes, the fridge is a biy awkward but its a massive improvement on my current 1950s layout. As long as there is no reason for building codes to prohibit this then I think this is the way to go.

Research told me that as long as the longest edge of the triangle is no more than 9' then that's fine. My longest edge is about 8'.. The other consideration would be to have a landing space no more than 48" in front of the fridge and that works here too. I'm not sure if theres any other consideration I am missing, though.

I do fix and flip professionally and I have never seen an inspector care where the refrigerator goes. When you pull a permit, you have a plan of the kitchen that gets approved. Opening of refrigerator doors is not a code item in any municipality I have worked in. Then we you get final field inspection, the refrigerator is typically not even installed yet. So if you want to keep REF there and want to make sure you pass final, just don't install it yet. But they probably would not care anyway.

Thanks a lot Leonard. The GC would have pulled the permit, but I think he doing things I am not always aware of. (edit - Not saying he's doing anything wrong. But has a different way of working than i am used to. It's been a bit of a tricky situation dealing with him.) Thanks again for your tips.