How much do you like the shelves? Like, truly and forever in love with 'em? Would you use them for decorative pieces and/or frequently used items?

If you really really really like the aesthetic, then totally go for it. They aren't particularly practical (dust), but in my experience, if you totally love something, you'll take joy in even the most menial tasks involved in the upkeep.

Love the walnut tie-in with the island and other shelving in the family room. Any plans for more in the laundry room? ;-)

I love the shelves and think they would look amazing in the spot you have planned!

I think they would be a great accent if for nothing else to move the stuff off the counter to keep that expanse clear.

The space does need something, and the shelves will look planned from the beginning.

ODD - I do like the look of them but not something I absolutely have to have. I agree that they are dust catchers. Mine would be for decorative purposes as I don’t need extra storage. I would move my Alexa off the counter and put her on one. Actually the laundry room will have a walnut counter! I had forgotten about that.

Jeanna - thank you!

just_janni - that’s what I keep thinking. The space needs something. Although with just bare sheetrock in this mostly white kitchen, it needs something everywhere!

No!

The space is too small, and way off to the left, when facing the wall, to look like anything other than an oversight or mistake.

Your wall "feature" is the windows.

I'm not a big open shelving fan because of the dust and grime factor, but because your window is so big, I don't think 22" shelves will look right. I think the reason why aesthetically they look nice in your inspiration pictures is because they are similar length as the windows. I would just tile the wall like your original plan.

Virgil and chocolatebunny123 - thank you. Yeah I keep thinking that 22” is too short also. Maybe what I can do to balance things out is to put art on the side wall or a tall vase or something in the corner. I wasn’t trying to add a feature but thinking I need balance.

No on the shelves in that location. Tape some cardboard up for better evaluation.

"...but thinking I need balance..."

Worrying, and giving second thoughts to things, during construction is a common condition. Trust your designer, and wait until completion to review and "judge" the aesthetic. I think you will be fine, based on what I see. :-)

lol!!!

I had originally typed up this whole "no one uses art in their kitchens, except crazies like me, maybe mount a piece with museum putty if you don't like the tiled space on its own" reply, but I was too chicken to post it. :-D

(Still not sure of the wisdom of the idea, lol....)

Why isn’t there a cabinet to the left, on the short wall, to mirror the ones to the right? That’s what is really needed. That’s what will balance, and create symmetry, around the window.

The wood does look way worse. It’s far too heavy and awkward. A matching single door white cabinet with transom, just like on the other side, with the crown integrated to all, would balance things out properly.

Sophie - a cabinet was originally drawn but as usual I second guessed it. My dream kitchen is to have no upper cabinets at all but that’s not practical for us. We are both tall and I need the storage. So with this big window I thought to eliminate the cabinet on the left to create a nice open feeling. The cabinet would be fairly small anyway. My cabinets are custom so I certainly could get another made if I chose.

CP - thanks for the mock-up. I don’t think I like them sideways like that. Thanks for the feedback on having them go the other way. I appreciate your opinion!

I'd skip the shelves and put a hanging plant in that corner.

"...a cabinet was originally drawn but as usual I second guessed it..."

I think I see the problem. Step out your in-progress construction and don't return until ready for occupancy. Watch what the Property Brothers do to their owners.

No more problems.

I'm not a fan of open shelves in the kitchen. And after seeing the mockup above, I'm definitely not a fan.

I agree with Virgil. Step away.

Have the original cabinet built and put in. The window is large enough that it will still feel open.

Oh and listen to Virgil's advice.

I think the art or plant idea will also solve the problem if you don't want another cabinets. nice space.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like the majority are saying the space may need something but dark shelves aren’t the way to go. So our plan will be to tile the space, live with it for a bit, experiment with plants, art, vase, other inexpensive options to see if that satisfies my need for balance. If not, we can get a cabinet made and installed later. With no blocking needed, one less thing for me to do!