How can I make this space into a closet or storage?

Nancy: Some open shelving might be nice and not too expensive

https://www.homedepot.com/p/16-in-L-x-5-in-W-Profile-White-Shelf-Kit-9085810/206337916

Hi Nancy, how about you open it back up to be a nice little niche, you could put a microwave or toaster oven, small television, in it or a coffee maker, with some kitchen trinkets.

I think it would look super in a lighter color as well, you could paint it with a nice chalk paint, pick a color to compliment your kitchen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjkOr5bkM0M

I would remove all the wood that you have, make a frame for one door and turn it into a pantry.

Maybe this can help you out. How one person converted a built in oven space to a pantry.

https://secondhandfindsanddiy.home.blog/2018/11/09/converting-wall-oven-to-pantry

Coffee / hot chocolate / tea station. Snack station. Or even a small pantry. What would your family use the most? Let that be your guide. I would kill for a wall oven, but understand not everyone cooks and bakes as much as I do.

I am in agreement with Ann (above). On door is better than the multiple choppy cabinet door look will modernize it nicely.

Would open shelves appeal to you? Or maybe a pantry door instead of the cabinet doors?

I agree with everyone. Yes remove all cabinet doors. Either build a door to fit or get one made. I am assuming that won't be standard size so you might have to order one as a pantry door. Or you could get a standard size door and frame it in adding drywall around it. Good luck! You will be so much happier taking that all out!

I don’t think it looks that bad! It might look better painted though. Consider painting your walls a fresh color and paint this unit the same. Or paint all your cupboards a fresh color. :)

Paint turquoise blue and use for a pantry or items when not in use to keep your countertops clean.

I would have some space for baskets for loose items and maybe some regular shelves as well for towels.

What does it look like if you took the doors off? and added open shelving?

I would turn it into a built in shelving unit myself.

Take the doors off. Install wooden shelves. Stain or paint to match your kitchen. Then get some nice baskets to put on some of the shelves. Use others to store microwave, toaster, mixer etc.

Install or have installed several sliding shelves so you can access items towrd the back of the aea. Paint the wood in a light color and have storage and lighten the kiitchen.