My kitchen is larger with nearly 12 ft ceilings and I didn't take my cabinets to the ceiling. I have ceiling beams, so I didn't want to build cabinets around them. Not sure if I would have taken the cabinets to the ceiling if I didn't have the beams. Some people have a "problem" with space above cabinets!

I would definitely have taller cabinets in your kitchen, but they don't have to go to the ceiling. You can use the high shelves to store rarely used items. Keep a lightweight stepladder in the garage.

Are you getting rid of the pantry? That would make your kitchen more open. Use pantry cabinets with roll-outs and organizers, which will probably fit as much, or more, than that pantry, specially if you still have the original builder basic shelves that get put in that type of pantry

Yes! tearing out pantry and putting on opposite wall with fridge

You could have a space above, or high uppers with wide trim above. Some with wide trim above:

I am 5'11" and can still barely reach the bottom shelf of the cabinet above my refrigerator. I have considered the pulldown below from Rev-A-Shelf (link), but haven't installed it. It reduces the usable depth of the cabinet, but if you otherwise wouldn't use some of your high upper space it might be worth it.

Hafele makes one too, but the handle sits a few (or several) inches higher than the bottom of the cabinet, which seems to defeat the purpose of making things reachable (link):

I would take them all the way to the ceiling, and meet the crown. you can always leave them empty or create a trim panel to compliment the look. In an open space like yours, I think it's important to draw the eye up and enhance the space, rather than chop it off.

I'd also change up some of your furnishings and decor in the adjoining room to compliment.

A tall armoire and tall/larger framed art pieces on the walls for a real statement.

What dimensions do I make them?

Thank you!! I just dont have a good feeling about going to the ceiling.

Do you need the additional cabinet space? That is the first question I would ask myself. If not, then there is an answer. If you do need the additional cabinet space there is an answer also. Do you want additional cabinets for display? Regardless of any answer will recommend that even if you add cabinets that you not take them to the ceiling. Either stop them short (by a foot at least) or build a soffit above the cabinets that goes to ceiling.

No I dont and I wouldnt be able to reach that high without a ladder. Is 58” a good idea? What dimensions do I do each part? Was thinking 42” and 16” or I can do 48” and then maybe 12”? Theyre being custom made so he can make them whatever size I choose.

I would just get a good kitchen designer to help and my bet is the answer will become clear once all the functionality is considered and you start to look at final elevations

Either no upper cabinets or add an additional cabinet on top to get to the ceiling. Leaving space above the top cabinet is dated and looks ridiculous.

My house has very tall ceilings and my kitchen cabinets do not go to the ceiling. I am okay with a space over my cabinets. However, I have a big pantry in my laundry room - which is right next to the kitchen- so I can access food and kitchen items easily.
It’s YOUR kitchen. Do what makes you comfortable. I would hate to have to constantly grab a step ladder to access the top shelves. Right now, I only have rarely used serving pieces on my top shelves so I don’t have to go up there too often.
Think this through. And getting a design consultation at the local kitchen place, or with a referred-to designer is a good idea before getting started.

I agree that elevations could help you decide. You'll want to decide if you want the way uppers to be glass fronted for display, open, or solid doors (or maybe even a mix like my top picture in a post above.) If they will be glass fronted with a frame around the glass, then the glass would be a few inches shorter top to bottom and side to side, so a 12" total cabinet will have a rather small glass area. Make sense?

Also if the way uppers will be used for display, you'll want to plan for lighting them.

Your instincts are correct. Function and hygiene need to be factored into the decision. While the photos of display shelves look nice, in a short time those vases and decor items will be covered with grease. What color will the new cabinets be? If white, then match wall color to cabinets. Bringing your peninsula down to counter level keeps the visuals at a human scale.

Do what makes sense for you and your budget. Designers love to “just a little bit more” you over your budget. Get a folding step stool that can easily be stashed in the pantry and see what your reach is with the step stool. Don’t go over that height with the top shelf of the uppers.