Is this a new build with no pictures to help us? IMO kitchen cabinets in a DR for any reason should not match the kitchen since this is a seperate space let it be seperate. I for sure would not do the uppers I never like open shelving in a kitchen and for sure not wall paper but with no idea of your style or the DR furniture hard to answer. The M44 looks like oak natural on my monitor not white painted so I need more info about that too. I understand the need for storage but I need to see your stuff and your space to advise about this for sure .In your rendering you show a lot of display cabinets what is it you need to display would also be helpful.

@Patricia Colwell Consultingthank you for your reply. i received the attached sample from our cabinet maker which is a different style from our kitchen. its not a new build. our house is pretty traditional and while I’m in California it has a very New England feel to it. Not open concept. every room is its own. the uppers will be glass doors. We need the storage for china and crystal and had a freestanding hutch before that was too small. the room is pretty small in general. adding French doors that lead put to the backyard/deck. added some inspiration so uou can see the vision. we dont have a window though. thanks!

I agree with differentiating the dining room built-in from the kitchen cabinets in style and perhaps color. Also consider crown molding to connect the unit to the ceiling and run it around the whole room (the cabinet maker can mill the extra pieces).

Consider adding lighting and outlets next to the counter.

The built-in‘s counter can serve as a buffet or bar or dessert set-up when entertaining. As nice as the counter will look in wood, even with a marine spar varnish the counter finish will need protection when in use. Consider a stone counter that runs the entire length instead. You can get stone close to the color of the built-in if you want a subtle look. Otherwise, buy a custom pad online that you can use to protect the wood counter when in use.

Good luck and please post after photos!

Thank you @Design Fan (NE z7a) great suggestions! Perhaps I’ll do a quartz countertop as I love tge look of marble but don’t want the stress it comes with. We are slsobredoing the kitchen and I’m having a twrrible time finding acquartzite stone for counters tgat I like. That’s a whole other discussion !

I think a lot depends on your style but now most styles do not require any need for display of china and crystal just kind of went out of fashion I guess . I have tons of china and glassware but no need to display any . I do however like storage in a DR but for me a piece of art above a nice sized buffet is much preferable to china and crystal display. I think if you want some connection to the kitchen maybe the same counter .