My ceiling are 11' & I use the cabinets on the far side of the fireplace as pantry space & microwave shelf/extra drawers/ductwork are on the other. Maybe someday they'll get painted & the cornice put on. For perspective, the area is 18' long.

I have nine foot ceilings in my butler's pantry and I put floor to ceiling cabinets in. The cabinets are a grayish paint and the counters are white marble. The top cabinets sit on the counter so they go floor to ceiling. The very top cabinets are a bit hard to reach so I use them for storage of china and things I use only a few times a year. Hope it helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Floor to ceiling cabinets

Wow...your butler's pantry looks great willowdecor. My pantry is so small I am still trying to figure out the best use of it.

I love the floor to ceiling cabinets and agree the top part is best for seldom used items, but is better use of space than an open area IMHO.

Thanks for the pic antiquesilver - is that a fireplace in your kitchen? Or is that an eat-in dining area?
willowdecor - you are my idol! LOVE everything you do :) I know I probably will not be able to use the top too often, but I am more of an aesthetic person. I will post pics when it is done!

Briannej, it's a greatroom with the kitchen at one end and the living area at the other. Because it was originally 2 rooms, there are 2 fireplaces.

Williams Sonoma sells a lightweight ladder by Lieffert(sp?)that makes it a breeze to access the top shelves. Don't forget to post pictures when you get your cabinets in.

Willowdecor:

I LOVE your pantry/study! We are building next Spring. My pantry is roughly 13 x 8 (also includes 2 upright freezers) so you are a great inspiration to me :)

Do you think I could do something like what you have in this space? To the south will be a greenhouse attached to the deck.

Your blog is fun :)