Possible Option 3: A combination of Options 1 and 2 where you keep the open shelving, and don't bring the upper corner cabinet to the counter, but don't take it around the corner either to resolve the blind-corner issue.

Personally, we will likely make the choice to sacrifice some additional storage for more counter space, but I feel comfortable doing that being we've assigned a space for all of our items and future planned items, so I feel confident storage will be sufficient. Have you thought about the difference in how you would organize/store things between the two plans?

With respect to the open shelves, as a cat owner, I don't think it likely that your cat would jump on the shelves if they were actually being utilized with dishware, etc. (but every cat is a unique beast!).

Last thought I had was that I don't think you will likely obtain the symmetrical look you are hoping for with option 2, because the fridge looks neither counter-depth nor recessed. I think in order to get a real symmetry, there can't be so much change in depth (uppers one depth, counter another, fridge a third)

Good luck!