Congratulations on your first home! You might want to start with Consumer Reports or similar charts listing the pluses and minuses of various countertops. Browsing the local HD or Lowe's (and you'll be running there a lot in the first months after a new home purchase) is also a good starting point. There is no one perfect material for all people, and one person's definition of affordable might be different from another's. Some people want the countertops to be a focal point, and other people want the countertop to not distract from a different focal point. I'm partial to granite, which I think meets all of your criteria. Granite is always beautiful and durable, and I prefer the natural variations inherent in any real material. Most granites are lower-maintenance than their reputation (read this forum on how to test your granite), and some are affordable. (I went for blue granite, which is notoriously unaffordable, as my big splurge, and IMO worth every penny.) Granite comes in every color of the rainbow, not just the colors you see at HD. Here's a pic of my WIP (just 'cause it went in this week and I'm still in the show-off phase): There are people on this forum who love the feel and durability of soapstone; the unique and interesting look of copper and zinc; the recycled glass terazzo style countertops; the patina of well used marble and the gleam of polished marble; the smooth look and durability of quartz/quartzite; etc. Enjoy the search!

well, what do you have chosen for the perimeter? I think you can actually use pattern/movement in some counter area whether perimeter or island....not necessarily both. What will happen if you go very plain/pale is you don't get a counterpoint with ceiling. You want that kind of jockey of the eye between ceiling and counter, otherwise the ceiling dominates. I would take a granite with movement for island, maybe honed, if the perimeter is a plain selection.Don't rule out soapstone for the island.....yes...seriously.

Jborge: how are you liking your CM5300? We bought one 3 months ago or so. We have a Miele Dishwasher and stove about 20 years almost trouble free (knock on wood), so we love the brand. I'm retired, so have time for the CM5300 maintenance. I sent it back for repair due to inconsistent milk quantity and frequent issues with the right side milk spout not working. Just got it back yesterday. I think some of the issues relate to maintenance with the milk pipe; not sure whether the "repair" center addressed those. I think you have to Rinse the milk pipe every day (start and finish) you drink a milk drink and Clean it weekly. What beans do you use? When the CM5300 works, which is almost all of the time, it is heaven.

Look at the damage the BKF did to the samples please.