I would try painting it the same color as the cabinets and removing the plate rail.

The area(s) that I would consider modifying it are above the angled cabinet (match the angle) and maybe taking the soffit out selectively, over the window.

You don't have a heavy, overhanging soffit; yours is pretty discreet, so I would be tempted to leave it in place, for the most part.

It's not clear to me if there presently are soffits, or not, and if you're just fixing this up for yourselves or looking forward to resale. If there are no soffits now, I would not add them, since if I were buying this house, I would want to redo the cabinets and put in 42" high uppers. If you're just doing this for yourselves, I'd stick with the plate rail and exhibit the plates.

Anne

I would just remove the plate rail if this is simply a makeover. I think really dates it a bunch.

I agree. Plate/spindle rail is a dated look. Find another way to display your plates.

I would paint the soffit the same color as your cabinets, keep and use the plate rail. I think it's cool with gorgeous plates.

Not for selling purposes. Just for me.
There is no open area above the cabinets. (the upper cabinets do not make a shelf on top of them).
I'm calling what's above them, a "soffit".
Looks like the wall above the cabinets, is flush with the cabinet facing.

My decions are now getting narrower. Consensus seems to be rid of the plate rail.

Plate rail gone.
1) leave that area painted wall color or paint cabinet color.
2) I can frame that out and add fake cabinet doors up there.
3) I "guess" I could frame it out and make new upper doors..TALLER. (might look odd when opened though..lol)
4) Leave the wall painted as it is. Frame out and make a fake door above the angled door/corners up to the ceiling. (anywhere else?).
I kinda like the sound of number 4?

I'm with ellaf. If you have a plate collection worthy of display then display them and make it a feature.. It personalizes the space. However, can you update the plate rail somehow. You don;t want a solid piece of rail because then you won;t see the plates. Is there any metal (wrought iron?)or what about matching your hardware in your house that would tie in and maybe use that as as railing. It would help to update the idea.

As for the colour - is there an accent colour in the plates or in your home somewhere that would tie in with the cabinet colour. You could paint the soffits that colour.

I am glad you took the plate rail down. You could paint the area above in whatever wall color you are planning to use and then use plate hangers to display your plates. That plate rail had to go. I love plate hangers to display worthy plates. I put some beautiful blue and white plates three on each side around a mirror with a very pale blue wall with white trim and it looks great! Good luck!

If you like the idea of displaying your plates and don't want the hassle of changing your current rail (Ikea would probably have more modern looking rails if you wanted to change it) I would paint rail and soffits the same color as the cabinets, otherwise your cabinets will look dwarfed and your eye will be drawn to the change in color. With the same color, it will look like your cabs go all the way up or if you put plates up, they will become the focal point.

I like your option "2) I can frame that out and add fake cabinet doors up there".

Check out this thread, and scroll down a little to see what celineike did with her soffits. It looks fantastic!

Here is a link that might be useful: celineike's kitchen with hidden soffits

By the way, your cabinetry color is stunning. And it looks amazing carried to the french doors. Looking forward to seeing your finished kitchen...

I'd either paint it the same color as the cabs, or darker. I'd also consider putting beadboard on the wall and then painting that instead...
I agree that the plate rail should go or should be painted to match the soffit and not be a contrasting color. Let it blend in more.

I love beadboard, but, not sure if the style will match those cabinet doors? That's my main problem, WHAT can I put up there, and paint to match, that will match those doors?

AND...The crown moulding: Should I leave the crown moulding white, or paint it to match the cabinets also?
IF I paint it to match the cabinets, I think I'll need to continue it "green" around the whole kitchen. Otherwise it'll look goofy?
OR, just stop with the cabinet color when I reach the crown moulding, and leave it white?

I'm so confused.