Our issue was a bit different but still a bit similar. We sold a prior home a couple of years ago. We had the ability to move out prior to listing (didn't want to have to deal with showing, especially in light of our high maintenance pets). What we did was pretty the place up before we moved - we then took a ton of pictures while it was still furnished. We then moved out and listed the house using the pictures. But the house was empty when people came to see it. I am sure that there are reasons NOT to do this, but honestly, it worked great for us. Perhaps you could use the old pictures to help show people how it looked all prettied up?

Looking at your floor plan and the 3d mock up of the new space - I don't think you have enough room for the new plan. Given that the kitchen is 11' wide by 18' - you end up using quite a bit of the space for aisles / walkways. And the exterior corner makes a pinch point. Below is how I would envision the space working if it were re-arranged with an island - with ~4' aisles around the island. I wouldn't extend full height cabinets into the breakfast room - I think they're too overbearing for the space. I agree with herbflavor to go half depth - I would space them so they look more like a buffet / console than a giant wall of pantry... but then I'm not 100% sure about your needs. I just don't think that you have enough room to (a) have the fridge stay on the short wall and (b) have an island that extends more than like a foot. Here is a floor plan based on the 3D mock up... on it in red is the current end of the peninsula - you can see that the new plan is proposing to have the island extend past that spot PLUS add a seat. If you have the 2D/overhead view of your proposed layout, that could help clear up some issues... but again, I don't think yo have the space.

If this is really being a built- in and all new I would do drawers on the lower not cabinets. Can be one piece front with hidden drawers inside. Why haven't they given you a 3D rendering? Hope you are all on the same page for look and finish of cabinetry. I would only go to 10 at the max. Here is a photo/visual to help (not really your ceiling type but very talk shelving)... once you have all those shelves you need to fill them... it really depends on how much you want to display, have visual "stuff" on that wall. I'm assuming tv is on the left, are those the connections for wires? Also, to keep in mind the sides are not symmetrical, just for keeping display items balanced. The more shelving, the more visual "stuff" to deal with. Looks like a beautiful space, it will be lovely when finished! Congratulations on your new home! Good luck!

If you do floating shelves around the window, I would recommend the backsplash to be up to the bottom of the first shelf. If no shelving, up to the window sill with matching countertop material or just a washable paint. Full height Tile to ceiling at range would be nice too. Of course, it also depends on what materials you use what I would do with them. I attached a photo of the look that I have been enjoying and the 1st comment was suggesting creating a focal wall.