How about Bianco Romano - but it's a level C or D granite? Luna Pearl is a level A or B, but it has a mixture of colors in it but still is basically a light granite.

Are those cabinets "classic vintage" or just "old"? Is she planning to sell anytime soon? Is granite the norm in her neighborhood? In my opinion she should save her money and install formica again. Whoever buys it down the road will probably rip out the old kitchen and appliances anyway. The new Formica is pretty durable (heck, the old Formica was pretty durable!) and comes in a jillion colors.

I agree with idrive65. She could update the counters and save money by using something like Wilsonart laminate. The kitchen looks very dated so to put granite in it without updating the rest of the kitchen is kinda silly.

Another vote to do laminate. Anyone who buys that home is not buying it because of the kitchen. Most people would plan to rip out the kitchen anyway so I'd go with the least expensive clean looking alternative.

Laminate...and I actually like the metal edge. :)

If the cabinets "work" I could see someone doing a linoleum floor and some new appliances and leaving it like that. It has its own type of appeal.

Wilsonart (I think that's the brand) has a darling "soapstone" formica. I know it's darker than she wanted but would look great with the old fashioned cabinets.

Nevamar makes the largest number of solids or abstracts in lighter colors right now.

Formica makes the Boomerang pattern again, but unfortunately there is not one with yellow in it.

You all are making good points about the laminate, because she has no plans to update the kitchen and the layout is terrible.

Idrive, the cabinets are old, not vintage. They were replaced in the early or mid 80s after a small kitchen fire and have been painted a couple of times since then.

Palimpsest, I like the 50s diner grooviness of the metal edge, but it's a gunk magnet (just like the rotting rim of the drop-in sink).

Off to check out the laminate manufacturer names you gave me - thanks much!

Another vote for laminate. I think a retro pattern would look great with those cabinets. I also like the metal band, but can understand the gunk magnet aspect of it might not appeal to your MIL.

I actually think the kitchen as it is is sweet, but I do understand the need to replace rotting laminate. I also vote for staying with formica, but I did want to point out that formica makes a solid surface series now too with some nice colors, although it may cost a bit more than the laminate. Corian is another option to consider. Good luck!

Also there are now options to undermount sinks in laminate!

I also agree with a nice looking laminate, maybe something with a faux granite pattern in a light color.