In Monday’s appliance post we mentioned a few potential appliance swaps—like replacing the wall oven with a range—but that was just the start. Yesterday we also shared that we were considering a new location for the refrigerator. Now everything is decided, and we’re excited to share the plan. First, a quick update on demo and why we changed course.
This past weekend we were close to buying a slightly smaller, non-counter-depth fridge from an outlet. It was narrow enough to fit the existing opening but a bit deeper, which would have caused it to protrude into the room. At the last minute we reconsidered. Finding a fridge that fit was satisfying, but it felt like too many compromises on size and finish. We wanted fingerprint-resistant stainless, and we wanted more usable interior space.
So we revisited an idea we had been mulling over since the kitchen project began: moving the refrigerator to the opposite wall where the big pantry cabinet currently stands. Coincidentally, the pantry cabinet was the same width as the original refrigerator opening (36 inches), so if the pantry could be relocated, the fridge could move to that wall. That swap would allow a taller, wider, counter-depth fridge—the exact Frigidaire Gallery model we had been eyeing and later purchased.
Beyond the appliance benefits, the new location means the fridge will no longer be the first thing visible from the front door once we open the large kitchen/dining room doorway. Friends had suggested this move months ago as a subtle but impactful change: if the fridge could be moved to the other side, it would improve sightlines and flow.
With measurements in hand, we headed to the store and purchased our appliances at a discount, including the counter-depth model we preferred. Because we hadn’t yet confirmed that the pantry and fridge openings were truly interchangeable, we moved quickly to test the idea. After removing the side wall and cabinet above the fridge earlier in the week, we emptied and uninstalled the pantry to see how the pieces would fit.
Removing the pantry involved taking off the top and bottom trim, prying up a small granite drop spot we never loved, and unscrewing the cabinet where it was attached to the wall and adjacent cabinets. Once freed, the pantry slid out of its niche with a bit of teamwork. Pulling the pantry revealed that this area doesn’t have hardwood under the flooring—just underlayment and subfloor—so we’ll address that as part of the renovation.
With the pantry moved across the room, we unplugged and rolled the refrigerator into its new home. The pantry was re-secured to the wall and the adjacent cabinet, then restocked. Running a water line to the new fridge location is straightforward; there are simple DIY kits that make relocating the ice/water connection manageable if you’re comfortable with basic plumbing.
The visual and functional changes are already noticeable. The existing white fridge sticks out too far, but our new counter-depth model is about six inches less deep and will be shifted slightly to open up the passage behind it. The tall cabinet next to the fridge will be replaced with a standard-height base cabinet so that side of the room won’t feel heavy or overpowering.
The swap gives us about six extra inches of space between the planned peninsula corner and the former fridge location. Since the walking space was already comfortable, we’ll extend the peninsula about three inches to benefit from both a slightly wider walkway and a slightly larger peninsula. The pantry now sits flush with surrounding cabinetry and will be painted white to look lighter and more integrated.
One side of the kitchen looks rougher at the moment because of exposed paneling, but that can be fixed easily with primer and paint. Once the shallower fridge is built into its new location and moved a few inches to the right, the layout will feel balanced and more convenient: I can reach the fridge from the sink with a single pivot step, and the kitchen workflow will form a proper work triangle.
Here’s a summary of the major changes:
- Pantry and refrigerator swap positions to improve sightlines and balance.
- Cooktop and the base cabinet under it will be replaced with a range.
- Wall oven and its cabinet will be removed, with that space repurposed for a lower base cabinet to reduce visual heaviness.
- Over-the-range microwave will be relocated to a built-in position next to the pantry, integrated into cabinetry.
- An exposed vent hood will be installed where the low microwave/cabinet combo once was to meet current code and improve ventilation.
- A wall of cabinets will be converted to open shelving for an airier feel, balanced by ample concealed storage in the peninsula.
- New backsplash plans will be shared later, along with inspiration images.
- Dishwasher remains in its current location.
What we stand to gain from these changes:
- Improved kitchen work triangle and workflow.
- Cost savings by buying a single range rather than replacing both cooktop and wall oven.
- A more open, balanced kitchen with less visual bulk from tall cabinetry.
- More space between the peninsula and the perimeter for easier traffic flow.
- Additional usable counter surface after removing the wall oven cabinet.
- Balanced visual weight with a tall piece on each side of the room.
- No immediate view of the refrigerator from the front door once the dining room wall is opened up.
There’s a lot happening, but the plan is clear: get appliances delivered, build in the shallower fridge in its new spot, and install the dishwasher, microwave, and range. That will involve removing a countertop and a base cabinet to make room for the new range, but the result should be a more functional and visually pleasing kitchen. If you’ve moved cabinetry or appliances to improve a kitchen layout, we’d love to hear about your experience.