Kitchen Design Question for a Flip

[Kathryn Bowden]

Keep in mind, this is a $150,000 home after fix-up, and is a complete remodel.  I am trying to decide if it would be worth making one design change.  This is an open room kitchen, a U shape.  The fridge on the right, is awfully close to the corner there.  When the old cabinets and countertop were still there it was especially evident.  It was a deep awkward kind of tight corner.  It can work that way, but you have to put diagonal shelves or a diagonal cupboard back in there.  I was thinking of taking out the closet that is on the end of where the fridge is.  I would then move the fridge down, which would also add some more counter space and cabinets.  We would lose the closet, however.  It would definitely make for a nicer looking kitchen layout.  Another possibility might be to shorten the closet to bring the fridge only a little ways further down, turn the closet toward the kitchen and make it a pantry.  The downside is the extra labor (our's), and some extra expense in cabinetry/countertop, possibly pantry door, and moving fridge electric down a bit.  Hopefully the photos give the gist of the fridge/closet situation.  The new stove will be in the middle, not so far to the right where the old one is sitting temporarily now.  Thanks for any advice.  It would be a no-brainer in a higher-end house, just not sure if it's worth it here.