I'm a little confused on the numbers---by 42/18 versus 36/24, do you mean the stacked cabinets? (Image doesn't work so possibly that will clarify...) Because if you have 9' ceilings, remember that you don't actually have that much space for cabinets---you have 36" for the lowers + 18" between uppers and lowers + at least 6" for floor and crown moulding, if you have any. That only leaves you with 48" for your uppers, so you could split them 36"/12" or 30"/18". (Unless you mean you're stacking them on the counter?)

We have 9' ceilings as well and are doing stacked uppers---ours are custom so they're split 32"/18" to align with cabinets over our refrigerator. However, this also happened to be a good size for my reach---I can just reach the top shelf of a 32" cabinet, and anything in an 18" cabinet will require a stool. We will have one shelf in the top cabinet and two in the bottom (plus the bottom of the cabinet, so three total). One thing to consider is the width of your doors---it will affect how square or rectangular the top doors look, and you can decide what look you like. Ours are sized to be almost square, and the top cabinets will be glass to lighten up the space a bit.

Thanks artemis78. I just went back and fixed the link...should open for anyone with the link. Also checked my notes so want to offer a correction:

Ceiling height is 120" or 10 feet

Along the line of your thinking I was originally was leaning towards the 36/24 because they seemed most usable. The upper cabinets flanking the stove are 33 wide to match drawers below. Other uppers are mostly 24" with one or two 27". Link should work so you can see visual of this.

Clicking the link brings me to a Google Docs login page?

Changed to "all access" setting Johliu so should be all set. Of course, each time I test it's worked for me. Let me know if you have a a problem...

I like the proportions of 42/18 better. It's a 70-30 split which is close to a 2/3-1/3 split. Visually, thirds are just more pleasing to the eye. That's why "they" say you should group things in 3s.

The 36/24 is a 60-40 split which just feels heavier.

Also as far as useability, I think the 42/18 makes more sense. I have 42 inch uppers and can put things away on the top shelf without getting on a step stool, because I've arranged the shelves closer together towards the bottom with the top shelf being for taller items, like vases, cookie jars, etc. There's no question that you would need a step stool to reach the handle of a stacked 18, but you would most likely need one to reach the handle of a stacked 24. The stacked 24 would actually move storage out of easy reach.

I can see the picture now, thanks.

--DH wants to put glass cabinets in so to break up the heaviness of the wood.

I'd do a couple of the lower uppers in glass, and consider doing all of the upper uppers in frosted glass w/ illumination behind, for a lantern effect.

--Keep going back between doing 42/18's and 36/24's.

I like the 42/18 for the same reasons stated by laxsupreme.

--The microwave dilemma. On the backside of the island--which you can't see--there is a 19" beverage center and cabinet for after-market recycling center (from Rev-a-Shelf I'm thinking). I am wondering how I might gain two cabinets on the front side of the island for my son's toys/crafts. One KD did two options: A) the microwave next to the beverage center (too much stainless together, I think and assume heating element like microwave shouldn't go right next to a fridge?) B) recycling center/beverage center on the end across from the fridge with the microwave across from the stove (I didn't like this option 100%...something about the fridge right next to the RC...).

I can't really visualize this w/out seeing the back side of the island, but refrigerator next to microwave or recycling center is not a problem, and a clump of stainless won't be seen much since it is the backside of the island. However, that could make the aisle between island and counter a rather congested space - imagine someone trying to cook while others use the microwave and retrieve beverages. I would actually consider if the beverage fridge and/or microwave could be placed on the front side of the island, to distribute the bodies more equally.

I agree with the other posters- 42/18. I love stacked cabinets but in the rendering you have I think the look is off b/c the upper cabinets are too long. How about adding some glass like this:

Are there 2 sinks in the kitchen? I think that is what is in the island... Do you really need 2 sinks? I think you are sacrificing too much counter space for the 2nd sink.

I also think the hood looks too low.

As for the MW, what if you did one long cabinet to the counter next to the fridge?

Thanks everyone. Very helpful comments (love the 60/40 - 70/30 analysis laxsupermom). The consensus is clearly for the 42/18 combination.

johnliu -- appreciate your commenting on functionality. It would be congested. Will stick with microwave cabinet on the end.

drjgreenberg -- thanks for posting the pictures think we've settled on glass bottom cabinets base on a few there.

42/18's with glass on top. I know nothing about fridge sizes but just a quick question - You say you are going higher in a couple of years to 84" - will it naturally follow that the fridge will also be wider? I honestly don't know but you might want to check that out just in case. Do you have a specific fridge in mind and will it be deeper or less deep than what you have now? Might want to make sure that flooring is taken into consideration now as well for any changes you are planning on making with the fridge.

Please note the limited amount of space you've allotted yourself to stand at the sink and put dishes in the dishwasher. I would move the cabinet by the fridge in and put a filler in it's place (I believe you have to have something there to support the countertop).

Back when I was looking at condos I wouldn't even see a unit that had the dishwasher close to the sink- so even if it's ok for you, think of resale. :D

If you do glass in any of the lower uppers, I'd recommend that you do the two cabinets that are in the corner over the sink. This area feels closed in and dark and I think that you'll get your most 'bang for the buck' putting your glass there. Plus, being near the dishwasher, this is probably an area to store your most presentable, everyday dishes that will look fine displayed in a glass cabinet. Glass in the top small cabinets would, of course, also look nice.

Skimmton -- thanks for your comment. I had a really long checklist when I was condo shopping and funny the dishwasher placement wasn't on it. It hadn't occured to me it might be a deal breaker for some. I am leaning heavily towards moving it over...a big concession for me because I have not wanted two stainless steel appliances next to each other (fridge and DW) but economically it makes more sense...as well as for design.

francoise47 -- the two corner cabinets will not be the same size so I am doing the two cabinets between the sink and the fridge so it will partially address the heaviness you bring up.

We have also decided to make the island and banquette base both a stained wood grain to counterpoint the off-white cabinets. I am linking to the most current design below. Thanks so much for your comments. We are about to finalize.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design

I should have noted that I've now bought a place where I have the exact same problem as you! I did mean I didn't want a place that had the DW 'directly' next to the sink, not 'near.' Do you have enough room for a cabinet on each side? You could use 1 for cookie sheets and 1 as a kitchen towel nook.
The more common version does not have wood backing as below & I've even seen just the metal racks that pull out in an open nook

-I've been looking a little at stacked cabs. Any idea how much more those are than if you got 42'? I have a 9.5' ceiling in a 12x14 'L' kitchen.
-How many inches high is your molding going to be?

I think it'll look great when you're done!
FYI, I can't see your most recent link, but can still see the 1st.

Here is a link that might be useful:

If it was me I'd feel claustrophobic standing in a corner with cabinets practically on top of me while doing dishes. I mean you'll be looking at NOTHING. Is there anyway you can extend the island and put the sink/dw there?

I agree with cpartist. Would it be possible to leave the continuous band of high uppers, get rid of the mid wall cabinets in the corner and leave open wall above the sink with some artwork or something that you could change out seasonally? Gaining that physical and perceived depth would really help the feel of the kitchen.

Thanks cpartist and mikomum. I must say, you may both be neater than I. I cannot put the sink the in island because that would create chaos there. I need the island to be a clean, clear, undisturbed oasis of plain counterspace for wrapping, art projects with DS, meal prep while interacting with family and guests. I also don't want to have to move any plumbing.

Re. the cabinets over the sink. Its so interesting to hear your thoughts on this. I am trying to address the depth piece mikomum with doing glass cabinets to left of sink but envision a kind of library/1920's butler pantry feel from the cabinets going to the ceiling and wrapping around that sink corner. The glass cabs was actually a HUGE compromise to DH. I'm still getting comfortable with it b/c like I mentioned, I am not a neatnik...am planning on how to manage the interiors of those cabinets.

So glad I'm not the only one here on the holiday (for some...guess it's not a holiday for all)!

Sigh...let me have another look. My mom has warned me against the "heaviness" of the upper cabs which is why I finally gave into the glass cabs. But I will look again. Thanks for commenting. I love this community of others who are in knee deep on all this stuff!!!