I'd go to the ceiling with everything. Is it possible to have two sets of cabinets instead of an open area above the cabinets?

If you don't NEED the storage (those big hard-to-get-to fridge cabs are nice for bulk cat food and paper towels), but want display, that night work. It's hard to picture though. It does sound like that chicken needs to be somewhere fairly prominent!

I think I need a sketch...it does sound odd. Doesn't mean it's bad, but it's odd...

Ooh, I like the upper open space with the smaller cabs. I'm hoping to do something with open space to display my grandmother's blue and white polka-dot china tea set (also looking to aquire a few missing/broken pieces if anyone knows where I can look for antique china) since I'm short and getting to those refrigerator cabs is a PITA anyway. If you have other storage for your paper towels/bulky (but light) items), go for the display. I don't see why a kitchen with decent storage already has to have all cabinets and no frills.

That does look good. And with glass on the other side, it oughta look balanced. Go for it!

Thanks for your feedback...it's a little scary to finalize details that I will then live with for 15 or 20 years.

One good thing about open storage that high up is that no one can see if it's a little dusty, hee hee.

Hey sarschlos, have you tried www.replacements.com for your grandmother's tea set? They're pricey, but have an amazing selection of stuff. I love polka dots!

Here is a link that might be useful: Replacements website

Wow, thanks! I'll check them out. My mom's cat broke the sugar bowl (sniff).

I'm assuming you're going to have a refrigerator opening that is at least 72" high (6') (before upper cabinet & open area). Most 36" CD refrigerators are around 72" tall.

If so, and you don't need the additional storage (which is probably not easily accessed anyway), I'd go with the display area. It gives it a nice touch.

I think it looks great too! We're having an open storage area made over the OTR Microwave (It'll only be about 6 inches deep, as it will have a false back to hide venting), I wonder if it's too late to ask my carpenter to build an arch- I really like how that adds a certain je ne sais quoi?

I like the design. It adds elegance, and staggering cabinet heights is actually a very appealing design touch.

BTW, the "lip" is called a valance.

Well, here's what it would like if you had 84" pantries & fridge cab with a 9' ceiling.

I say go for it! I think that looks beautiful! I'm doing the same thing above our large tv cabinet and in the breakfast room in a built in cabinet above a fireplace. Wish I'd have thought to do it over the fridge, too! Good job!

We went all the way up with a cabinet and 9 foot ceilings but the stuff on that top shelf is hard to access, although GREAT storage for things that I only drag out on Christmas or BIG parties.

{{!gwi}}

I love the drawing. I guess it depends on if you have something you want to display up there. Open shelf, often means DUST though. I know that I am constantly dusting the open shelves in our kitchen where we have cookbooks.

Here is a thought - do you want a TV in the kitchen, because when I first saw your drawing, it screamed flat screen TV at me! Seriously. Well, assuming its location is good for viewing from somewhere.