My fridge is currently boxed in sort of as you describe, except that it is the side of a tall cabinet, not base+wall in front. I have 35 inches in front of the fridge, which has top-bottom doors. The space is usable, but moving the fridge to a spot with more space is one of my priorities on the redesign. I wouldn't do the french door fridge in my tight space, but it may work in yours.