Tearing down shelves/cabinets stuck to the ceiling...

[Lisa0825]

Is this something I can safely attempt, or would it be absolutely necessary to consult a professional?

I have these HORRID cabinets which look like they were stuck there in a makeshift manner after the house was built. They were later sloppily painted. They hang over the peninsula, making my small kitchen feel very claustrophobic. I'd like to open it up, so I want to just remove the cabinets, not replace them. Initially, I planned to renovate the kitchen, but the money was used on other more practical matters (central AC, rewiring the house, new roof, etc). If there are some safe steps I can take to remove them, I would like to try, but if it risks bringing the ceiling down with it, I will just wait until I can pay a pro. So, I am really just looking for a thumbs-up/thumbs-down as to whether it is something that should be attempted by an amateur, and any pointers if you think it can be safely done.

Please don't judge me on these... remember, I inherited this house!LOL

Photos 1 and 2 are the view from inside the kitchen; 3 and 4 the view from the dining room. 1 and 3 are the side that attaches to the wall and ceiling, 2 and 4 are the side that attaches to the ceiling and overhangs the counter.

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/Lisa0825/house/?sc=1&multi=1&addtype=local&media=image



edited to add.... what I was hoping was feasible was to remove them a section at a time.... sawing off the bottom, them the main part, then removing the top so that it would minimize stress to the places it adheres to the ceiling.