Well I think my husband mainly wants to hide the chocolate stash away from me as where I would use it to store vases and everything else that you usually keep in the top of the pantry(you only get out once or twice a year). He does have a point but I am worried about boxing ourselves in - no room for growth. He is definitely not itching for his next project (we have been working weekend, after weekend on this house - decking, paving, etc) I worry about the lack of storage. Mainly because I really just like to finish a room and move on. Because I use this space every day its annoying me with how uncompleted it feels to me. I do think it needs something to finish it off and look complete. But I'm glad you like it though Madeline :) I have been researching with what people have suggested and the main trouble I foresee having is actually getting the right product delivered and available. Most don't ship to where I am (I live in a small coastal city) and its about 5hrs drive from the only Ikea in the state or I will have to wait 8 weeks for delivery from over east. So I really have to plan it right. I am reading the reviews on open shelving... well lets just say that is interesting. Thanks again!

Thank you all for your advice/feedback. We have opted to have a display cupboard built in the same colour as the other kitchen cupboard but with glass doors and half the depth. We loved the recessed/niche walls so having them built in to the hallway walls to make the kitchen/living room area appear slightly bigger plus they will look gorgeous haha! I will post pics in a couple of weeks once they have been installed.

I so agree with Alphen Construction - on first glance, it is definitely the handles that are drawing the eye to changes in height. I would definitely try Alphen Constructions' suggestion re 'blocking out the handles with tape' to see how you like the effect. Take a photo when you do it, you can then compare. I think I would remove the handle from the cupboard over the fridge and the cupboard over the stove. I wonder if a steel extractor fan that would take that cupboard to the same level as the other cupboards might be an effective trick, it would also tie in the steel of the fridge, oven and appliances. Under cabinet lighting is needed in my opinion. I do hope you will be able to enjoy your kitchen because it is lovely. I wish you all the best.

Part of the appeal of the cupbaords in your photo is that the clever cabinetmaker has used real timber, possibly a timber veneer, to grain match the doors. This means that even though are a lot of doors the timber has come from the same tree, and the grain pattern is continuous across the doors. Not all kitchen cabinetmakers have this level of craftsmanship and such a good eye for detail, and such craftsmanship comes at a price. The products that you mention are good imitations of timber grain, but like a wallpaper have a "repeat". This means that it is next to impossible to get grain matching across doors. For some people this doesn't matter, but some people find mis-matched timber grain really annoying. You need to decide what type of person you are, and decide to spend big, or look at other options... The photo is of some mismatched, timber-look doors. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls