I would do a stacked with glass and crown filler. That’s what I did, however mine are 10 foot ceilings.

Beautiful, think I am leaning this way!

In our previous house, which had 9 ft ceilings, we did a 42" upper wall and about 4" of wood, then 4" crown. The whole house already had 4" crown, so then it all blended in. Here are some pics:

How tall are you?

5'8"

Jean, we are doing 5 3/4 crown throughout, so that may be a good idea!

You can only slightly tell, the cabinet maker also put a trim piece at the top of each cabinet. That is the "line" that you see above the cabs. It was about 3/4 in height. We used a local cabinet maker. I swear that kitchen grew a foot in height when the cabinets were installed. Side effect of going to the ceiling.

Typically you’re going to have 54” to work with with 9ft ceilings. I did 33” cabinets with 17” on top and will add 4” crown. I liked these proportions best. Kitchen still in progress obviously...

Here are out cabinets with 9 ft ceilings.

@M R - Look at all those windows! Your kitchen looks fabulous. If you don’t mind me asking,.. What color White and what color Lighting did you choose???

Thank you! It’s pure white and 3000k

Gorgeous kitchens! I agree it's a matter of proportions. I also think what your eye picks up in terms of "patterns" in a space (lines on a vertical space) is very individual and is worth considering. Some patterns are quiet and others more noticeable. Helps to know what level of pattern we find pleasing, especially long term. OP, has your designer offered you renderings of the different options?

(@cheri127, I particularly love your mix of materials. If I may ask, what kind of wood are your gorgeous cabinets?)

The cabinets are stained quarter sawn oak made by Kennebec Company in Maine. They are 11 years old and look and operate like they're brand new.

@tartanmeup Thank you for your kind words. The cabinets are truly beautiful. I was in a rush when I responded earlier; we're in the middle of moving and I'm very sad to be leaving these cabinets, the range and hood behind. We'll be remodeling in the new house but I'm older now and not nearly so extravagant, LOL.

Here is our kitchen with 9’4” ceiling height with 30” upper with an 18” transom (all one cabinet). Clearly still a work in progress but the middle transom cabinets have glass doors that aren’t currently on but will frame the wood hood once all installed. We added the flat stock (I think around 4”) and 5” crown to take it up to the ceiling. Although it’s only been about a week since installed, I love the look!

I love having 48" uppers with crown to the ceiling. The spaces are so much more useful than stacked cabinets, and they look less busy.