it is very difficult to create this beam/pillar look with an 8' ceiling without overpowering the space, especially if the space is smaller to begin with.
Also, taking the cabinets up to the ceiling creates a TOTALLY different look. I would suggest finding some other pictures that closer approximate the space you have to work with before making a final decision

If your ceilings are plain then yes have 42 inch tall top cabinets but if the ceiling has beams or a ceiling like in the picture then you can not.

Sorry, I should have been more specific... I will be leaving the ceiling plain. I meant the clean look of the white cabinets, dark counters and floors. I just want to make the space look as open as possible and wasn't sure if the cabinet height would play a part in this one way or the other with my lower ceilings.

A lot of people who have 8 ft. ceilings go with the full height upper cabinets so they don't have to clean the tops.

To clarify jstewart8855, this would be done using a "stacked wall cabinet" of 42" in height. The bottom doors would have wood panels, and the upper compartment (usually 12" or so) would have glass doors that could be lit.
Depending upon your budget, I think this can be a great look, but is typically not used to store anything, only for decorations and lighting.

thanks very much!

No - you can get full height doors ( one piece door). They don't have to be divided. Looks more tailored and contemporary.

I run into this question all the time with my business. I recommend trying to use 39"high cabinets and have 3" of crown. I believe the importance in creating the height comes from having the taller cabinets with the crown to help them transition into the ceiling. Many cabinet lines now have the 39" high cabinets but if not I would consider the 36" cabinets using two piece crown to go to the ceiling. Either way go to the ceiling to create the height. I probably have some pictures you could refer to.

so if you have 12feet ceiling what kind of cabinets do you recommend?

if anyone would want to go that high for storage like in a loft - then you can double stack the unites and have a rolling ladder to get to the top ones . That's also double the money too. For 12 ft. ceilings just go as high as you can afford.

I have 8 foot ceiling and am in the process of having cabinet finished. Removed 30 yr old cabinet that had been stained, and took them all the way up with AMAZING crown. I am going to have them painted cream with raw umber glaze. I wish I knew how to post pictures so that you could appreciate his workmanship.

I am remodeling a kitchen with 8 ft. Ceilings and would like to take the cabinets up to the ceiling for space and make the room appear larger...But I don't want to be drowning in a sea of white as antique white cabinets blend into the ceiling. I would like some contrasting wall color to break up all the white (love white and khaki together.) Should I paint an 8ft ceiling a light khaki for contrast or install short stubby cabinets to allow some paintable drywall between them and ceiling? Help!

cynthia murphy,

im in such a design dilemma. I have 12 feet ceiling and beams also. I can not decide how my dimensions of my cabinets are. any pics would be great! please help asap, thanks!!!

Vickintx, go check out the kitchen forum at Garden Web [ http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/], you will get a ton of help over there if you post your question.

Trendy, I would suggest you go to the ceiling with your cabinets- if you can. Paint your ceilings a lighter hue than the walls, or a white with a hint of blue to make the ceilings appear taller. Try baby'sbreath OC-62 or White ice Oc-58 BM. for ceilings. with a neutral color on the walls. Hope this helps.

thanks so much! I've decided (and my cabinetmaker agreed) to do what you said and take them all the way to the ceiling.

Great, send us some photos when you are finished. and have fun!!

Don't forget to post photos.