I doubt it will lessen the value of your home.

Leave panels off to help lighten the space.

Some people like paneled appliances and some don't, so it won't affect the overall value of the house.

Having new, stainless appliances in these places will increase the value. Don't replace the panels.

What stiley said. (and, I’ve usually seen the drawers stacked. Yours flanking the sink is inspired. Although I wonder if you can have both open at the sme time, and if not, is that an issue?)

Yes, you can open both at the same time. They are on either side of the double sink

bpath, DishDrawers are available as singles or as a unitary pair that cannot be separated (same concept as a two-drawer filing cabinet). Singles are not designed/intended to be installed in a "stacked" configuration.

No, removal of the panels will not lessen the value of your home.

Removing panels will not adversely affect resale. The darkness of the kitchen might : ) so any brighteners should be considered.

New tops and splash, and a lowering of "breakfast" height seating to counter top height, would brighten immensely......but we don't know any goal beyond replace faulty appliances?

Depends what you love, or don't love about the kitchen.

I don't think it matters one way or another. What would be a negative is if you replaced your built-in panelled refrigerator with a hulking stainless steel one that stuck out from the neighboring cabinets. If you're going panelled built-in, it will look sleeker as today's built-ins don't have all that metal framing.

If you do stainless steel, a totally integrated one would look beautiful:

I happen to love panelled appliances. Even if you got a SS fridge, a panelled DW would be a fine choice.

I actually dislke pannelled appliances so no big deal. I do think the entire kitchen is a dark hole so any brightness will help. For me the black counters would be the place to spend money for replacement for a bit of relief from all the dark

Panels on fridges are best done as a single piece, so I would not use those. If the dishwasher panels are in excellent shape, you could go either way on those, but if they are worn or water marked at all, go stainless.

Are you just replacing appliances or are you prepping for selling? The end goal can make a difference.

No, you don't have to keep the dark panels. However, since you have a custom kitchen with panel-ready appliances, removing them might make the appliances look unfinished and could potentially lessen the value. It is best to consult a professional.

Replace WITH panels and paint the entire kitchen , it's a tomb!. Saves the counter top expense .

Always. I do not understand why people want to hide appliances. Kitchens have them!!!

Of course kitchens have appliances. Some like the look and others don't. I happen not to care for large hulking refrigerators that protrude out from the front of the cabinets. I also don't care for s/s dishwashers. It's just a matter of taste and the look you want.

To me, it appears to be the backsplash that's making it look very dark. The cooktop area looks like a black hole.

Regarding the refrigerator, I'm not a fan of paneled either. As others have said, though, get a fully integrated refrigerator to keep to the current "value". A counter-depth (or worse, a standard-depth) would be a downgrade. If possible, don't get a side x side as they are generally not regarded as highly due to the limitations of the freezer size, especially one that's 36"W or narrower..