Yes, I was planning on completely enclosing it. My plan was to bolt the back and sides to the frame, and then having some type of door or something for the front. Maybe a sheet of mylar or the like? Even though I was originally opposed to it... The overall dimensions are 18.5" x 49" x 7' (LxWxH), and all of the shelves are adjustable and can be cut in half if I need to. I am completely new to this, but will be trying to work on the best options throughout the summer. The light fixtures I plan on using are (2) sets of dual 48" T8, 6500K lights - 4 bulbs per shelf... Depending on what I end up needing to put in there, I might have to use 2' lights on some shelves. I don't know! It's all about planning! I was also thinking of painting all of the wood shelves white as well.

Google "hutch top" and see if anything turns up that looks like what you're after. You might be able find something that would be similar to your current cabinets but I don't know if you'll be able to find something to match exactly (if that's important to you). If you don't care about the pieces matching exactly, try checking your local Craigslist as well.

Raised bottom has advantages. Full shelf surface on carpet will rock regardless wherther floor is level. Full shelf on floor invites moisture retention resulting in mold. Raised shelf alow's a toe kick which looks good. Raised shelf alow's sides to be trimmed (scribed like cabinets) in the event things aren't square and plumb. In place of scribed,1x2s can be attached to sides then shimmed. And raised shelf simply looks better.

You can get thin molding at Lowes/Home Depot. cut and nail/glue inside shelves to hold plates up. be sure and test to see how close to the back to put it. or you can find plate stands to use.