Have you purchased the 42” cabinets already? If not, then buy 39” tall cabinets instead. If you keep the 42” cabinets, then only having 15” of space bet cabinets and uppers means you won’t be able to fit coffee maker, blender, mixer, paper towel holder in there.

I already purchased everything, including the molding. All materials are onsite and ready to be installed.

I got KDC premier cabinets: http://www.kcdus.com/cabinets/premier/brooklyn-modern-gray/

Design failure. You needed a KD. Return the cheepchinesecrapola and order something that works with both your wants. You don’t have to not have crown or not be able to fit your coffeemaker if you buy the right sized cabinets. You just need a KD, not a cabinet seller without a clue.

And your ceiling is not going to be straight enough to ever butt cabinets to it. That is another amateur design mistake.

I can't comment on the design or quality of cabinets but my old kitchen did have 15" above counters. I didn't realize this until I started remodeling when I actually measured the distance.

I had a portion with no upper cabinets.

The only thing that didn't fit under the cabinets was my Cuisinart coffee maker. which I kept on the counter which didn't have upper cabinets. The Cuisinart food processor didn't fit under the cabinets but I didn't keep it on the counter anyway so when I used it I would put it on the counter which didn't have uppers. My KA Mixer did fit under the cabinet except when the blade was raised so I kept it on the counter but slid it out when I was actually using it so I could raise the blades.

I am short and I realized that the low height of the uppers actually made the upper cabinets more accessible. Another three inches of height and the highest shelf would have been completely inaccessible without a step stool. I was able to access most items on upper shelf by standing on tip toes.

With my remodel I did opt for standard 18" height for upper cabinets although I did consider 15". I am having toe kick step stools built in to each cabinet which has uppers so I will be able to easily access top shelf so that solved the issue but I didn't find 15" to be problematic - in fact it was actually more functional than standard height would have been because I did have a run of counter with no uppers which enabled me to use tall appliances for prep in that area.

Wondering about the height your exhaust will be over the range/cooktop. Whether it's an OTR microwave or a hood, I hope you've looked at that distance between cooktop and exhaust with more pre-planning than you did the upper cabinet height. Not trying to offend - it's a real concern.

I have only have 15 inches between my counters & cabinets. They were only 16 when the house was built in the mid 80s & 6 years ago we moved stuff around & added 3/4 inch hardwood to the kitchen. We had to add a 1 inch strip of wood between the counter & cabinets to accommodate the DW. My coffee maker & most other things fit under & I have never had a problem. Nothing else large goes on my counters. YMMV

Without seeing the situation in person, it’s hard to give a definitive answer...but I’ll do it anyway: skip the 3” crown and get as close to 18” between the countertop and cabs as you can. With 8’ ceilings, you’re better off doing it that way, anyway.

BTW: I took a quick look at your cabinets and they’re very nice looking. ;)

Michelle - My KD is doing a couple of designs for us and one is in the KCD Premier cabinets. Though limited in options for door styles and color, she says this is the most bang for our buck and are well made. I am curious how you like yours and how they are holding up? Thanks!