You need to do some homework. Every material has it's pros and cons, and it all comes down to what you are willing to live with. "Best" is completely subjective. Frankly, if my DH had not felt so strongly about our using a "higher end" counter top (we ended up with engineered quartz) I would have done a laminate. They are durable, warm, soft, and very inexpensive. Completely low-maintenance if you are not careless about using them. Our quartz will be fine, and looks fantastic, but we spent nearly three times what we could have spent on a high-end laminate. IKEA has some DIY laminate for incredibly little cost if you are willing to put in the effort and will buy you plenty of time to do some research on your countertop options. Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA wood and laminate countertops

I like the first choice too, but I admit I prefer warmer tones. The last is what everyone is doing, predictable and certainly wouldn't be a mistake. Here's the thing that you should know before installing the counter. I would take the sample that you choose and look at BS tiles. It seems like this would be so simple, but I can't tell you how many people install the counter only to be stuck with finding a coordinating tile.

Thanks Crystalpea That is an interesting tile/back splash! What is it called... What is the Granite slab called? I was looking at Daltile subway tile in a biscuit color. Very simple... I don't think I can go with a big pattern as I really will not have much back splash area. Will definitely go up around window and take the corner shelfs out and paneling. Once I get the counter in than will get a better idea of back splash but it will be very simple subway or solid color no pattern...

It would be very difficult to keep an existing backsplash with a countertop replacement. If you're selling the house, I wouldn't spend the money on replacing Corian with granite. You probably won't get the money back.