How do I create an open shelf concept in my kitchen?

Hello Renee! You can take it out but there might be some surprises under there! Sometimes there are hidden heating/cooling runs, electrical wiring, or the ceiling/wall may not be textured under there, or maybe there's no drywall on the wall there! It is a matter of removing the drywall and the stud framework--after you have taken down the upper cabinets. I was able to remove the soffit in my kitchen because we had built the house and I knew there was nothing under there. I had to do some touch up on the ceiling texturing and install some crown molding. I already see that you will have to do something with the light fixture above the window.

Open shelving does not keep the grease and dust off your dishes so you will be doing a lot of washing.

We retrofitted our kitchen with some open shelving. We have the soffit too. It hides some venting for upstairs. Here’s how it looks now: https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2015/10/kitchen-update-for-way-less-cash-how-to.html

Renee, removing the hardware and doors from the cabinets is the easiest way to open up cabinets. I can’t remember the name of the closed space at the time (soffit?) but I think most off us keep dusty baskets full of artificial flowers, tall dusty vases, and artificial roosters up there. I’m dying to tear mine out, but I have high ceilings, so there is enough room for a toddler to run around up there. But don’t lose that window! You need the light. Best wishes!

could be nothing or could be electric,AC/furnace duct work,plumbing/sewage(do you have 2 story house)here's video for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSWwYEDEmcs here are more videos on removal https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=DIY+soffit+removal+

We have fought gout weed and other invasive weeds and vines. The fastest cure is vinegar sprayed on the roots and stems on a sunny day. They start dying the next day. Bleach also works, or hydrogen peroxide or salt added to any of these liquids. But the solutions will kill other plants, too, so try to be accurate, or use cardboard to shield the grass and flowes nearby. Best wishes!

Shelves can look nice if everything matches and is pleasing to the eye (not a lot of things and neatly arranged). I don't suggest taking the cabinets out unless you like washing dishes, glasses and anything else you're planning on putting on those shelves. You'll be washing them when you're finished with them, washing them when you want to use them and washing them every once in a while if you don't use them. Grease and dust collect on them no matter what you do. Designers like to put them in peoples houses and they don't have to take care of it after they've left, but if you do a lot of cooking, and don't like constantly washing everything, keep your cabinets and open up the soffit if there's nothing in it. Unfortunately a lot of times soffits are used to cover the mechanicals of the house. Open it up and check it out, you never know, you might get lucky.