volneym, I do not think staggered cabinets are considered modern. I see them as a (now dated) trend. Staggered cabinets in AZ was a small upgrade about a decade ago that was seen in a lot of Tuscan styled or traditional (but not necessarily classic imo) homes. I think cabinets straight up to the ceiling can be traditional, classic, contemporary/transitional or modern. I also think cabinets not going to the ceiling with just crown & a gap can be traditional, contemporary, transitional or modern. Personally I like a clean line & no dust. So either stacked cabinets (42" with say 12" above) to the ceiling or 42" with large crown/soffit depending on ceiling height. After that if I couldn't take the cabinet to the ceiling in some manner I'd just go straight cabinets with space above the crown. Staggered rarely looks good imo....though there are a few pictures I've seen with a layout & cabinet style (usually traditional) that it works well. However, in a lot of kitchens the layout with staggered cabinets just seems off.

Always go for the 9 foot ceiling if you have the choice. It makes the space feel bigger and brighter. and I totally agree with Kivi's comment above that the extra cost now will be insignificant in a few years and you will be happy that you spent the extra money.

As other posters have noted, ceiling height is part of the rooms proportions and may have a significant impact on how it feels. A very large room with a low 8' ceiling will feel a bit oppressive - this is why so many offices converted to "open plan" wind up with exposed ceilings - it's the only way to get the height the large expanse needs. I once rented an apartment with a 12x12 bedroom. It felt really spacious because it had 12' ceilings. Living in it I would have preferred a bigger room, so consider whether you money is better spent in wall height or floor space. If you are footprint but not height constrained higher ceilings will make your rooms feel bigger.

That is a good question. hopefully a designer can chime in as i always struggle on where is the best place to start and stop materials in situations like this. I kind of like it where it is now as i think it might look odd to have the tile go above the cabinets. However, i can see taking it to the ceiling though too to compliment the vent hood Do any designers want to weigh in?