On Jun 26, 4:35�pm, Goomba > wrote:
> 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?

Your cabinets can easily be refinished, it would be a sin to destroy
perfectly good all real wood custom built cabinetry... the crap they
produce these days can't compare. And there are all sorts of internal
organizers for cabinets these days to make them more accomodating (you
can install them yourself). And, btw, just when you build custom
cabinets to enclose an old fridge, that's when that fridge will die.
A fridge needs a certain amount of clearance to operate properly too.
There are many ways to give a kitchen a face lift without gutting and
starting over; new counters, new sink, new flooring, new wall and
ceiling treatments, and especially new lighting, and maybe a new
window.