I also encountered this theory while designing our new kitchen but I doubt it's value for home kitchens regarding the refrigerator. In our current (old) kitchen we have moved the refrigerator to a different room next to the kitchen with a door in between. I don't notice much of a difference in efficiency or annoyance. Most of the time you gather all cold ingredients before cooking anyways so there is not much back and forth during cooking.
The stove and sink distance is more important I think, as well of a place to hang towels close to the sink so you can quickly wash after touching meat or sticky stuff. Our current towel rack is off to the far end of the kitchen and causes a lot of walking around.
One thing I also keep in mind, but this is more cabinet placement, is the orchestration when setting the table or other interruptions during the cooking (eg: kids washing their hands). Ideally you don't want your spouse/kids to have to pass you when you are standing in front of a hot stove or cutting with a sharp knife. So move the plates, cutlery and stuff to the edges of the kitchen (and also take into account the dishwasher and place to store dirty dishes).
The stove and sink distance is more important I think, as well of a place to hang towels close to the sink so you can quickly wash after touching meat or sticky stuff. Our current towel rack is off to the far end of the kitchen and causes a lot of walking around.
One thing I also keep in mind, but this is more cabinet placement, is the orchestration when setting the table or other interruptions during the cooking (eg: kids washing their hands). Ideally you don't want your spouse/kids to have to pass you when you are standing in front of a hot stove or cutting with a sharp knife. So move the plates, cutlery and stuff to the edges of the kitchen (and also take into account the dishwasher and place to store dirty dishes).