Make your kitchen stand out from the normal, mundane look of most middle class homes. Sure, everyone has granite countertops these days, so give yours a touch of new world class and break away from the pack.
Countertops are one of the quickest changes to the kitchen a home owner can make. Some new products out there include metal counters, either stainless steel, copper, or zinc. Why not try a glass counter where choices range from super durable to textured. Mix the glass with small porous stones and you have a sure winner for strength and durability. I have even seen some new modern construction condos with concrete counters that give the sense of simplicity and industrial. Of course if you want traditional, you can go with marble or quartz. Silestone and Cambria are too popular products that have the look of granite, but are not porous, and are said to be better sanitized than granite.
What ever you choose, do not forget that softening the look of your counters is also a big must. Square edges are out, so make sure to either round or curve your corners for a dramatic effect.
Oh, and get a professional to install it. The last thing you need is to break your expensive new countertop and go back to laminate.
(Green counter top pictured above is glass and the dark grey counter to the left is a form of concrete)