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From a design efficiency point of view it's beautiful.
These are deep waters, Watson.
I would be intrigued to know how many of those that install these systems actually use the modular functionality in practice. If you never intend to change the configuration of your shelving it's hardly an efficient design to look at loads of unused track.
Besides, even for a modular system, in an alcove setting I don't understand why you wouldn't want the supports on the walls parallel to the viewer (rather than perpendicular). Not beyond the wit of man to make shelves strong enough to be supported that way.
NickCJ-
it's hardly an efficient design to look at loads of unused track.
You can trim the track away if you don't want it. It's very handy for making sure everything is bang on straight and uniform though. It makes installing it a doddle. It braces the weight of the heavier items across the full length of the track. And so it really forms part of the aesthetic [function -> form, not the other way round). So you don't see many folks doing this (or buying the micro short lengths of track) to do what you suggest.
in an alcove setting I don't understand why you wouldn't want the supports on the walls parallel to the viewer
Wouldn't that mean the shelf width would have to match the width of the alcove (so everyone would need custom width shelving?)
As above, if you don't like seeing the track, just cut the excess / unused track away, assuming the substrate is strong enough to support the weight. Probably wouldn't do it on drywall, but if going to into brick it's possible.
Howard
I think it's barely noticeable once you've got stuff on it. Calling it ugly would get you a fight in some quarters though. From a design efficiency point of view it's beautiful.