I’m not a lover of glass fronted units as l feel you have to have something showy to display.

l presume you have sufficient storage elsewhere in the kitchen?

If l had to choose out of the 2 options l would go with the first option. l think having different size wall units on one side looks unbalanced and the shelf seems pointless.

Fortunately there will be loads of storage elsewhere in the kitchen . I guess the shelf does look a little pointless in isolation but I felt it might soften that big block of 5 units in a row but as you said , you have to think about what you can put in glass fronted cabinets although the fluted glass means the contents won’t be quite as exposed . Having never had wall cabinets in previous kitchens , I was keen to incorporate some but maybe I don’t need so many.

As the Aga isn’t moveable you need to work with asymmetry to achieve a visual balance.

Questions & suggestions

1] Is the sink also stuck in that location?

If so, why not have shelves instead of a cupboard over the sink – eg for pretty china that needs to be handwashed with glass fronted shelves on either side and far side of aga

2] do you items to display, jugs, antique glassware etc?

Then try clear glass instead of fluted

3] if you have enough storage elsewhere then why not treat this just as a cooking items needed next to aga area, ie only store such things as as herbs and spices, utensils on the wall . Or even some of your prettier pans, they can look remarkably decorative set out as ‘batterie de cuisine’

4] and on the display point have open wall on the sink side - for a shelf with some plants next to the window, a plate rack, food – themed prints etc. Then wall cupboard on the other, shorter side so there is a visual balance

Marie

Howdens main job is to sell you as many cabinets as they can squeeze into your room. I'd also opt for no wall units and see how you get on. You can always add them later if you need more storage, but sounds like you don't need it. It'll be much nicer above sink not to have units there. Do you need that unit above the AGA? That's making it feel heavier too I think - if that was just the pipe going up and out of the wall, it would open up the space a little more. I don't think you have enough space, but if you could squeeze in a counter-top unit to the right of the AGA that could be an alternative, with a long shelf above the sink instead of wall units there? I think you'd miss the worktop space though.

I agree - in a kitchen this size (with sufficient storage elsewhere) it would look fabulous, and luxurious, to ditch the wall units altogether.

I also agree that if you have and need the units then the first picture looks nice.

I think though you could also compromise and have two slim height, wider floating (as in not attached to either side of the wall) wall units with nothing above the aga at all. And it feel more spacious and airy. Also shelves under each one would work. Can't find a pic to say what I mean at the minute but they would feel less cluttered but not leave the wall bare.

I'm in total agreement with all the great advice and have some boring practical stuff to add. The unit over the sink is way too low, I've got a higher cabinet over mine and I still bump my forehead washing up. Underside of cabinets by the hob get dirty. Tops of cabinets get dirty. I love my wall cabinets, couldn't do without them but if I had room it'd just be a combo of base units and floor to ceiling units.

I think the shelf off to one side like that looks unbalanced. Can you have a shelf on another wall? With glass units showing through various colours and a shelf, you’re going to find it hard to keep it looking tidy and styled.

Thanks everyone - a couple of things I should have added - the Aga generates a lot of grease, even though it is externally vented so I reckon I'd be forever cleaning any expansive open shelving . I'd have loved all open shelving otherwise. Also because of the depth of the Aga, the base units have had to be moved forwards by about 12cm so that they're flush with the front of the Aga so we've got an extra depth to the worktop. That means there's less chance of banging our heads on the wall units ! The sink does have to go where it is unfortunately so no scope to move that .

Pet peeve of mine is having wall units that do not go to ceiling height. Loss of potential storage and hiding place for dust and grime. I know the reeded glass is very current but wonder, like others, about keeping them clean. Can you move the sink to under the window by putting in a corner and small unit there? I cannot see where your fridge is in this layout.

Meant to say the symmetrical design is better.

I think I am allergic to wall units. I have always replaced them with a shelf or two. They are looking quite old fashioned now especially when packed in a tight run. I feel claustrophobic with them over my head when prepping.