I would like to add that, while I don’t see a need for actual drawers, matching roll-outs and other functional aids in the base cabinets would be a great help. Without those, things are going to get stacked and jumbled, which makes for inconvenience and mess. People are more likely to keep things neat (important in an open space) if it’s quick and easy to put things away. Having to juggle past stacks of pans and things to get things out or put them away if access is fast.

Don’t think you’ll have a problem with open shelving in your market. You might consider some closed storage mixed in for those items that look unsightly out in the open.

We’ll have to see what everyone thinks of open shelving. I think this is where some of the urban feel comes in where people don’t mind having things exposed a bit more, especially if it makes things more accessible while cooking.

I love the inspirational photos! I particularly like the ones with a furniture feel that have closed drawers. I dont like the open drawers, as kitchens can be messy and I would not like cleaning a kitchen like that. Perhaps its just the way I cook.
I also really like the idea of using a green sheet product instead of a veneer. I love the look of clear finished mdf and I imagine a similar effect could be obtained with wheat board or some other similar product.