Good space for a safe, a vacuum cleaner or a collection of old vinyl records, dvds, etc. if you add a door. Could also be used for two or three plastic storage bins with lids that contain out of season pillows and blanket throws.

Usually when you get side panels you automatically have space on the sides. If you have a full depth cabinet on the top, you automatically have space at the top and in most cases you will have leave at least 1 inch of extra room for the back of the refrigerator, so there is always air circulation since everything is enclosed. In the 70's they use to make a small recessed space behind like Fred said, today you don't have to do that, most Ref have flat backs, recessed wiring, not to mention the supply for ice-maker also comes in a flush mounting kits for the wall... so pretty much everything is recessed and only space you need is for air circulation and 1" is more then enough. In addition, if you make recessed area now and you push ref to far you will never get your doors open so doing all that is a waste of time, in addition most manufacturers starting to make 30" side panels.

The compromise options are 1- Have the shelves slanted at an angle of 30 degrees. It shall increase the usable depth . It is quite possible without damaging the unit. 2- Most of the shoes will fit in 12 inches depth. May be size 10 and above will have space issues. Place those shoes in parallel to the back of the shoe rack. 3. Get a newer shoe rack. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs

Hello Ravi, We should be looking at this at the time of elevation planning. For the pyramid base of 12/2 ft it needs to 8 ft high which MAY look huge depending upon the design of the house. You shall request your designer to provide you an elevation to take a call on this. Thanks, Amit CORNERSTONE DESIGNS Bangalore.