It sounds like you are renting? So no taking any cabinets down or major changes?
Asking because if you need a quick affordable fix you could just take the uppers all out and put in open shelving.
I wouldn't try to "bridge the gap" above the cabinets. Clean and modern isn't necessarily cabinets all the way to ceiling, with a gap this large I think you need to embrace it, or renovate the entire kitchen and put in cabinets to ceiling.
Change the paint and the light fixtures if you can, get new bar stools. That might be enough of a start to make you feel good about your space.

I love white kitchen cabinets it makes all the difference I wonder will mines look as good or will it look even more bland giving my cabinet color

HI -Ms . Spence --- Are you renting or did you just buy ? How tall is the empty space and do you need the extra storage that you would have to have a ladder to reach ?? Can you change the pendent lights for some nice big white globe ones that will give better light and fill the visual space . You could have more upper cabinets all along the top but make sure the upper cabinets now will support ones added to the top of them. Or even just adding more 12 inch uppers . Or find wicker baskets that are square with lids like a picnic basket or suitcase or even some decorative cardboard boxes all matching to fill the space . The only trouble with that is you need to lift them down to find things . Or just ignore the space and if you painted the walls a lighter color then that top space could be painted black to balance with the black appliances and then ignore it as bare space ....... I see now you are renting so maybe just ignore or focus on something else . Ikea has some shelf units that have squared openings you could lay up there if you cannot ignore .

You can put there modern decorative vases.

Yes Ms Spence, that is a type of open shelving. But since you are renting I don't know that you could take your upper cabinets out and install shelving, that would have to be approved by your landlord.

Ok thanks a bunch Be you home design my landlord is a family member they would love a upgrade...

Celerygirl that picture is so me Thanks!

Lefty47 the space is roughly 15 inches and yes im renting from a family member so I'm able to make it my own I will definitely use your idea on lighting im also going to look for suitable baskets and see how that works out thanks...