We're re-doing the kitchen.
My husband is concerned with framing in the refrigerator with cabinet
panels, where now it just sits under those standard (under-utilized)
narrow cabinets hung over the space.
I'm seeking input from folks who have done this. Do you like or dislike
it for any particular reason? Will it feel too closed in?

We're also shopping for "cabinet depth" appliances. Any opinions on
them? I'm undecided how much space I would lose in actual use?

The storage space and special features in new cabinets are such fun to
pick out! Our old cabinets were stick built on site and are incredibly
sturdy and strong solid (SOLID!) wood everywhere. I hate to tear them
down, but they truly have too much wasted space as well as being way too
dated looking. I wish I had the patience and vision to re-use some of
the old and mix in some of the new and have it come out as it needs to.
I'm going to ask our local Habitat for Humanity resale shop if they have
a market for them, assuming we can get them out easily? The doors alone,
being solid wood should have some chance of re-use somehow, right?