Can't tell from your photo how this really looks. Too close.

But seems the depth of the fridge cabinet can't be changed. If you mean just the top that won't change the main shape.

Maybe you are just nervous about the new kitchen?

IDK, I think when the refrigerator is tucked in there and the doors are on and finished, it will look fine. You have limited space and i think the pantry is the issue.

I think you are over thinking it. Should be fine. I assume that a counter depth fridge will be going in. Make sure you have under counter lighting.

No, don't change top of fridge, you will then make it useful.

The pantry could have been a little narrower, but too late for that.

Let's pretend it's not too late to make the pantry less deep.

Besides the $, the other issue would be that it would make sense for the counter to cover the front ledge of the pantry if I made it less deep but that would require us putting everything on hold ( to make new cabinets etc.). Could I do it without covering the front ledge with the same counter?

I wouldnt spend the time or money changing that area out. As is, you have a nice sized pantry which is probably what you need since you put it there. It seems that area will make a fine prep zone or coffee area. Your stove is there, where is the sink? Also is that a peninsula? I would keep it as is. Its not terrible at all.

I think we all second guess ourselves, but sometimes if you just step back as it all comes together you end up loving your new kitchen. Dont get into the mindset that theres something wrong and you are going to obsess over it for the rest of your life lol Its going to be wonderful when the pieces all come together., the crown moulding really finishes it off nicely. Imagine when the doors are on!

If this is a different layout than you had previously, it's not surprising that seeing that big mass makes you second-guess. But it's likely that you'll quickly get used to it and it won't seem odd.

When we installed our new 4x10 island, which replaced a 4x5 island, I had such a reaction: "it 'blocks' the fridge," "it goes out to the walk aisle," "did I make this too long?" Now I don't even notice. It quickly became a non-issue. But it was different, so it was initially a bit startling.

You are all so nice. I probablly won't sleep tonight!

Do not switch the depth of the fridge cabinet or the pantry. The fridge cabinet will be inaccessible if you make it shallower. To far back to reach over the fridge. Yes, you have a sight block when you walk in right next to the fridge, but the solution would be to move the fridge to a different area, which is probably not doable right now.

Your door opens into the room toward the fridge anyway, which will make that spot less noticeable. From what I'm seeing your kitchen looks great!

This looks absolutely fine and I promise that you’ll get used to it in no time once everything is in. We had a similar set up in our last house, though I think that the housing for our fridge might have been even deeper (hard to tell from these photos). We got a large, really nice (1/2 inch thick) piece of corkboard from Amazon and cut it to fit the space. Having it there gave the spot some warmth and was super handy for organzing kids’ school stuff, calendars, etc.

Just a suggestion to utilize the space over the fridge. Have the cabinet company put a small section of dividers in so you can store trays, large plates etc. that won't fit into the drawers.

similar to this

Can you show the corner better? Is that a microwave shelf next to a diagonal corner upper cabinet? Will the door open once you put a microwave on that shelf?

Good question! ill check it out! 😊

I have something similar in my renovated galley style kitchen. I have a wall that buts up to my fridge that you see when entering my kitchen. I think it looks fine. You are second guessing the newness of your kitchen. Your kitchen looks good to me. When you get your cabinet doors installed, it will look great!!! Please post pictures when your kitchen is completed.

It looks good, you’ll be happy with that pantry space for sure! Relax!

Thanks for all your feedback! i calmed down last night and feel great today with the progress. now that the pantry cupboard is in i see that i was worrying for nothing!

Wow looks great! enjoy!

Tammy: your kitchen looks wonderful!! I am glad you are calmed down. I think just about everyone goes through some anxiety with a renovation.

May be best to post new dilemma separately. I think you’ll get more responses.