Agree with Stacey, cookbooks and baskets. I wouldn't cover them. Very nice kitchen. What color is the granite please?

Cookbooks are online : ) and in easy reach of an ipad unless yours are in really great condition and not tattered. Basket it all would be my advice.

Whatever is done, doing the same on both sides would be attractive.

If you have cookbooks,

2 top shelves cookbooks then

2 bottom shelves baskets

or all matching baskets which can be pulled out & put on counter then put back.

or get 2 doors

All I see is a place for dust and dirt to collect I would close them and use for actual storage. What was the plan for them when the kitchen was designed?

Love the look of open storage in a kitchen, hate the upkeep...dust,dirt, and if you have a pet, fur. I have had open storage in a kitchen but would never do it again. I would add doors on both sides.

Pretty kitchen. I'd have to close them. Anything that low is an invitation to dogs and dirt.