cosmo, you can't do a stainless grill? We have the compressor showing and then a cab on top of our fridge. It's only a 24" so clearly much smaller than yours, but I like the way the exposed grill looks.

But that may not be an option with your model??

Eliz

How about doing one piece that is 16" and covers the grille and the 8" space above the grille. You can hinge it at the top so it opens upward. Use that space for storage of platters and other seldom used items.

We have a 48" GE Monogram but did not use panels. We have the 8" area above the grille as storage. Our grille is 11" high.

Here is a picture:

I too have the 48 inch Monogram(in a box in my garage).
My design is for the fridge to be unpanelled. The design calls for 2 12x24 inch cabinets above the area of the compressor. These cabinets are tip up. Maybe you could do 2 or 3 tip up cabinets and that would allow for some variety.

My fridge is unpaneled as well - the compressor is 8.5" and the cabinets above are 12".

I know you were looking for paneled examples, but I wanted to show you what I did - it's three small cabinets and might be enough of a visual break between one long 8"x48" panel and three small cubbies above it.

Note: Mine look like they open up, but they actually don't. Aesthetically we thought it looked better this way, but functionally, because I'm short, tip ups that high are difficult for me to use. I can get them open but I can't reach them easily to shut them when they're in the open position. The doors actually open left-right/right-left like normal doors; the pulls are just mounted horizontally for the "look".

{{!gwi}}

I just had to compliment mom2reese on her island light fixture. I love it.

My short little cab space was left open on purpose for display. I understand you not wanting to leave the top available for kitties...mine would definately get up there from the counter which is why I encased it, but still have some open space by not using any door. The cats can't get up there, but you still get the display area. It's full debth so you can put trays etc behind the pretty items.

{{!gwi}}

I have the 48" GE Monogram also. Second photo down shows the fridge. Open shelf is 12".

Here is a link that might be useful: My Kitchen