If you're looking to do something different for your countertop, you might want to consider the option of a solid-surface countertop

While more expensive than laminate, they can make a bold and beautiful addition to any decor.

Solid surface tops are manufactured from specific polymer blends, chemically engineered to be resistant to stains and acids.  Besides good looks, solid surface material offers a number of benefits when used as a kitchen countertop. The material is solid color throughout; the color and pattern go all the way through the countertop. This differs from a plastic laminate top, which only has a surface layer of material over a substrate of plywood or particleboard.

This translates to a top that is extremely durable and easy to maintain and repair. The material is non-porous and naturally resistant to a number of stains, so routine maintenance typically involves only washing with a damp cloth. But should you stain, burn or scratch the surface, you can literally sand it off. Depending on the severity of the stain, you can use anything from abrasive household cleanser to fine sandpaper to remove the discoloration.