Could the fridge fit where the pantry is?

I wish, but it is the heat/air return on the bottom portion. So the bottom 3 feet is only 10 inches deep. The only place that the microwave will fit is where the plates are currently.

I personally like the look of the pantry on the right side next to the wall. The two appliances side by side don’t bother me but if you don’t like it then I’d put a panel on the dishwasher.
I’d rather have the microwave on the little island, but that’s just because ours gets used a lot and it seems more convenient there.
It’ll be a cute kitchen when complete. Ai changed the pantry to make it deeper so ignore that.

Whoops, wrong pic….

Lose the white/bulky hood : ) for a sleeker wood stain

even if it's just one stack of fairly wide drawers thats what I would place for the small island. I think the rounded shelves on the ends will become wasted space, as opposed to what the drawers can hold. Then I'd skip all the open shelving in your perimeter corner. use a cabinet w doors / dont extend down to corner/ instead , place a small microwave [or fabulous Breville combo toaster oven-mwave unit] right on the counter in the corner. It'll be fine. Pantry Left or Right of fridge is fine either way.

A sleek hood would be a stainless one and honestly one pannelled appliance is not IMO worth any extra money. I have no issue seeing appliances they are what every kitchen has. I agree those shelves on the island just a place to add clutter . Drawers are the best ever and having them anywhere is a bonus . A MW on the counter is IMO sensible , when it dies get another it will always fit. The island squared off with drawrr is the best. A to scale floor plan would be helpful since it is impossible to judge the walkways in the sketch . I like L shaped kitchens but the iland has to be functional and allow good walk space around it or it becomes barrier when wanting to access the pantry.

I never like a fridge butted into a corner. Depending on how deep your handles are, you need some reasonable spacing to open greater than 90. You'll want to be able to get the drawers out for cleaning, etc.

I also agree, I would do the panel ready DW in that scenario.

Micro in the island - it's a convenience appliances, putting it someone inconvenient defeats the purpose.

It's going to be cute!

My only comment is that I hate my microwave under the counter on my island! Since I’m tall I have to get on my knees to clean it. i would much prefer having it on my counter or at eye level. And I would lose those curved shelves on the island.

If you have the counter space, I would place the microwave on a counter. That’s the easiest place to clean it and to replace it. Looking to the future, vacation renters are notoriously messy, and you as the landlord will be responsible for having it cleaned. My second choice would be to place it in the island. I think the placement of the pantry depends on which direction your refrigerator door swings. When I unload and put away a week’s worth of groceries, I like to have my pantry and fridge open at the same time.

I would put the pantry on the right, to ensure that the fridge door can open all the way.

I don't have a problem with two appliances next to each other - one paneled appliance would look more off to me.

I agree with herbflavor about the corner shelves- especially since that's your prime prep space. If there is actually room for the island at all (we don't know what your aisle widths are), I agree that a permanent island should have drawers. If there isn't really room for it, perhaps a moveable cart would serve you better.

My preference is for a MW on the counter or in the pantry. The pantry really isn't that far away from the rest of the kitchen, and is convenient to the fridge.

Speaking of the corner - how are you handling the cabinetry in the corner? I highly recommend an easy-reach upper. For the base, depending on how much room you have before you hit the sink and the range, having a dead corner with drawers on each side might be the most efficient use of the space. I would make the sink cabinet no larger than 30".

Could you give us an overhead view of the kitchen, showing ALL dimensions?

following along

Not a pro but i like the microwave a bit out of the way as my family members tend to stand in front of it and wait while using it 😅 for a recent build we put it in the pantry a bit tucked back from the action and it’s worked well

I’d put the microwave in the pantry and revert to a more traditionally shaped island with all drawers. Maybe one narrow cupboard for cutting boards.

That pantry looks very narrow--how wide is it? Can you find a spot for it elsewhere?

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC, I believe OP said the pantry is in front of a heating/cooling duct.