I would paint the second one wall color on the vertical because it defines "wall" and I am assuming the bottom face is covered by the cabinets.

Is that a wall/header off to the right above where I see three shades of paint? I would really consider taking that part of the soffit over the doorway all the way over and letting it die into the wall instead of stopping it short. It will be more resolved that way.

pal- what you are seeing on the right is the ceiling of the family room that is two steps down from the kitchen...kind of awkward.There is attic above the family room. I see what you're saying about bringing the soffit over. I think dh didn't do that since there was nothing there that needed to be covered by soffit. I guess it's an option I should mention to him...

Believe me it will be less noticeable if it resolves into something instead of hanging out in space.

This:

Turned into this:

And only about 3/4 of this soffit was necessary, but think of how it would look chopped off instead of going to the closet.