don't remember where you live - I'd guess NE? cold weather in winter? are the upper cabs deep enough for a few baskets/bins to store things like hats, scarves, gloves during the warmer months?

do you wear shoes inside? if not maybe a shelf under the seat part to put shoes out of the way?

Nope, Texas. We have cold weather, but not much. The two doors under the seat are for shoes - somewhere to stash them out of sight.

Here are some thoughts on how those cabinets could be quite useful.

I have cabinets above my hooks, and I use the as an "outbox" of sorts...a place to put the things I will take with me when I leave...or to put things that I need to give to someone else.
It would also be a good place for water bottles, bike helmets, sports gear...whatever fits your lifestyle and enters the house with you at the kitchen door.
Also, I like to put my purse down right away but don't like it hanging in plain sight, so I would tuck it in the closed cabinet.
Good luck!

Great idea! I've always wanted a place to put stuff that needs to go to the thrift store, or to someone else. And a handy place for water bottles too. Thanks!

How high are your cabinets above your hooks?

I have a similar set-up in my kitchen---a 12" space between the side of my fridge and my back sliding door. This is what I considered putting there to hold gardening tools and jackets. I ended up putting a shelf for cookbooks that holds a basket of handtools.

I had thought of doing something like that too dian, but couldn't find any ready-built that were the right width. That one is really pretty too.

I think I will make the cabinets higher, and put a mirror above the hooks. There's a mirror in the garage but it's tiny and just enough to see if my hair is messed up before I get in the car. Besides, it's a nice look.

"I've always wanted a place to put stuff that needs to go to the thrift store, or to someone else. And a handy place for water bottles to"

yes, that IS a very good idea! along with the other one posted - with the 'hall tree' piece (love that piece!) - and hooks for a jacket, dog leash, sun hat (needed in TX!) etc.

yrs ago (when married - I left it with the X) we had a hall tree with a full mirror on it, a small seat and a taller section on the right of it that had a marble top on it (very small maybe 6 x6) to set things with a small drawer under it (the X used it for his keys, change, watch) and under that an area for umbrellas (had a brass 'dish' set in it). It also had 2 hooks down the other side of it.

for my new place I found a small mirror with a few hooks along the bottom edge of it. It might be 12 x 18 in. I picked it up for about 5.00 to put in the space between the back door and the laundry room door (when open). a hook for the leash, one for a sweater/jacket and one for a hat (maybe). Somewhere in that 'exit' room I'll have to figure a place to put 'outgoing' things. Stuff going to my sister's, to be returned etc. - that's a great idea. Sure beats a plastic bag (or 2) on the floor next to the door like I do now.

to add - how about a ledge/shelf (with a socket there somewhere) to recharge your phone, small hook for keys etc with larger hooks below it for the jacket, hat stuff.

The keys and phone charging station is going to be next to the fridge, shown in the 2nd drawing. I like the idea of a little raised area next to the seat, but I don't think there's room.

How much head room do I need from the top of the seat cushion to the bottom of the top cabinet?