@nicolenovember288 thanks so much! We will not have a backsplash prior to doing this as one reason we would like open shelving is to do a larger/more statement backsplash after removing those uppers. This photo just demonstrates the layout of our kitchen cabinets and is not our kitchen. The thing I'm most curious about is what you identified - if the left cabinet is likely attached to the oven cabinet - is that pretty standard? If so, have you ever removed it like I want to and what does that damage look like?

Do the exercise of removing all the cabinet doors in your existing kitchen for at least a month, then you will have experience with open shelving.

Depending on the cabinet construction it definitely could be attached, or (preferably, in this case) just attached to the wall. If the cabinets are attached it's likely just a few screws, you'd just need to patch and paint the holes (or replace the panel which will be next to impossible), though your results may vary. Are your cabinets going to be painted or stained? If painted, would they be prefinished or painted in place after installation? If they're painted in place you'd open up another can of worms with an unfinished spot.

Could you ask the contractor who's building your house, or the cabinet supplier?

@nicolenovember288 thanks so so much! Some great questions to bring to our contractor!! They are prefinished. You've been so helpful!

@Mark Bischak, Architect Thanks for your concern Mark :) We actually do have that on all of our existing uppers right now in our home. We are confident that we will love open shelving despite the challenges and cons. My question was pertaining to the actual removal of existing cabinets that may be connected, but thanks!

I don’t understand why, if your kitchen isn’t built yet you don’t just tell the builder not to install the upper cabinets? Why are they going to install cabinets that someone then comes right after them & takes them down. That’s the height of stupidity and waste of money & time not to mention environmentally wasteful.

Right on Pam!! How can that be an "upgrade"!?!?! I can see the plus of removing those cabinets but putting shelves, not so much. The added head room feels advantageous but open shelves, near a stove top, the smart organizational thing is to have spices/cook books. Those are not things that look good on an open shelf. Possibly you are thinking just one , two for accent decor items....but then again how can that be an UPGRADE? And while they are at it that elevation bank should reach the ceiling, just sayin.

"I don’t understand why, if your kitchen isn’t built yet you don’t just tell the builder not to install the upper cabinets?"

"How can that be an "upgrade"!?!?!"

Outside of the contract, needs to be processed as a change the same as an add on. That is the way tract home builders/developers work. If it is not spelled out 100% on documents to the foreman it will not happen (still may not, lol). Just the way the process works. You can tell him not to install them. Okay his change order fee and pay for the cabinets.

Just don’t install those cabinets is the simple answer and IMO open shelving should have a good support and I usually build that in before drywall. FYI worst place for open shelving .