How deep are the existing uppers? You could remove one of the doors and do a slide-in wine bottle storage. There are some nice 15" wide wine refrigerators that can also be used for water or soda. You would then have nice storage opportunity in the rest of the base cabinet.....also because of the water from washer hookup have a small bar sink.

They're about 17" deep, so definitely deep enough for that - it's a good idea.

I am a little concerned about that much weight in those cabinets, but could add some screws to the back to bolster the stability.

I've kind of resisted the idea of a bar sink because we had one before and never used it. Like, in 15 years, used it maybe 1-2 times, so I hate to reduce the counter space with it. (But I also hate to waste the fact that there's access right there.)

I would take down the upper cabinets and do shelving, or go with glass fronts, to store glasses and other bar ware show off some pretty liquor bottles. Then put a wine frdige on the bottom with a counter/cabinet for storage of wine. A small sink would be useful for a quick rinse of glasses or washing your hands after squeezing those limes for your margaritas.

How tall is the ceiling in the former laundry room? I think the door frame should be raised so this area won’t look like you took the closet doors off. I realize this isn’t your style, but see how the ceiling s visable from the other room.

I think you're absolutely right about raising the door frame because that is exactly what it looks like - as if we took the doors off. (I had noticed that myself.) We're having a lot of work done in this place, and doing that needs to be added to the list. Thanks!