That’s exactly what I’m thinking and believe it makes perfect sense. Or use a couple of wire shelf raisers to make the space a double decker storage where you want it, leaving a portion for taller items. That’s what I did in my airstream overhead cabinet, much like this picture.I was considering a shelf towards the top for spices, my girlfriend wants it left open for for taller items. Maybe a shelf that only 3/4s of the way across?
Remember you don’t want heavy items up there, so if you’re carrying canned goods or such I would place them in a lower cabinet.