I don't think either of the first pictures work all that well

The first kitchen has upper cabinets that seem looming, and much heavier than the base cabinets

The second kitchen has upper cabinets that seem dwarfed by the space they are in, they look really short.

I think there is a sweet spot somewhere where taller upper cabinets look "correct" Kristin Petro has shown some pictures of kitchens she has designed for tall ceiling spaces that work well.

I know everyone hates them but I like a certain type of soffit, one that is actually just shy of the face of the upper cabinets, so it appears flush, rather than overhanging the cabinets. It makes the upper cabinets seem recessed, related to the wall rather than hanging off it.