Sorry your first photo didn't attach so I have no idea what you are asking.

Is there a "free" wall for a pocket door?

Is it just that you want the jamb to look thicker?

For some reason the image doesn't show until I click on it.

It's a nice thought, that is a level of detail usually only a professional will catch.

Carrying a wide, inset arch over to the Pantry door to match the hall opening, would depend on:

- what is the design language of all the other doors/openings in the house, or at least ones visible from the Kitchen: are they all arched? Are all the openings 'thick?' How about the window in/near the Kitchen?

- Do you want the Pantry door to be pronounced, or fade into the background? Is the hallway arch meant to call attention to, or set an heirarchy to openings?

- If symmetry is your only reason, that is not a strong design point here. Even though I predict your cabinetry surrounding the stove will be symmetrical, the ref negates that symmetry.

(not a pro) Is your "thick" entry into the hallway cased? (eg has trim around it, not just drywall) To help you search for examples, try searching on cased opening or hidden pantry. I think the cased opening is what you're looking for, but there are also some interesting ideas where the pantry looks like another cabinet.

Cased opening:

Hidden pantry:

You have to click on the 1st picture - I don't know why.

Yes, in essence a 'thicker' or deeper doorjam.

No, no room for a pocket door.

Thought of this for 2 reasons:

A) it would be symmetry specifically on the kitchen wall with pantry door on one side of cooktop and hallway door on other side (also a fridge in there).

B) the other entry ways into the public space (2nd hallway into master suite, front door entry and kitchen window) are also 'thickened' up. However the back door (not shown) onto the patio is not.

I've seen the hidden pantry door option as a cabinet door(s) in many model homes and know they are popular. But they don't click with me personally. I don't want to hide or disguise the pantry entry - just let it be what it is. And it seems like a lot of hardwood and potential flexing depending on how it latches. There will be plenty of natural light in the pantry which might shine thru the edges of a hidden pantry door made up as a cabinet door - whereas most cabinet doors have well, 'darkness' behind them.

Thanks for the feedback. I might kick the idea around w/ builder and their in-house designer about possible 'deepening' how the pantry door (w/ frosted glass might be mounted. But ultimately I think it will be just fine w/ a normal standard jam the door is mounted in.

thx again

Don't emphasize the pantry door -- the pantry is for storage not for guests to explore.

What do your kitchen cabinet doors look like? Create a similar pair of doors to fit the pantry opening and that open outward so the pantry opening appears to be more "cabinet" than entry door -- which it sort of is.