cabinets are so nice looking....w removal of the strip and inserting a backsplash It seems the counters could remain. You would have neutral counters/ great backsplash for detail and wonderful cabinets and save money. but yes people do pull out counters .....if thats what you want. Try some of the lighter looks in addition to soapstone or dark. I've brought in birch samples for something a while back..... I think it has quite a bit of grain variety and character altho stain color evens it out/ anyway...try a light toned theme....minimal movement maybe .....simple veining if you want something. coordinate backsplash along w counter selection .

What's the flooring?

What are the floors?

While I am a fan of Corian, the beige does nothing for those cabinets.

I agree that in order to coordinate, we need to see the floor.

The sky is the limit but we need to know your style. Subtle ir bold? Lots of movement or a sold?

Why do you want to get rid of the Corian? Everyone is different, but I've had granite and I've had quartz. I'll never choose either again--too cold to the touch and too noisy, IMO. I recommend folks consider corian for the quiet, warmth, and reparability, but the last friend who did said it was outrageously expensive right now.

If you want to change the counter to jump aboard the gray trend you might reconsider. Interiors appear to be trending back to cream, beige, warm tones; the decor pendulum continues to swing.

Your cabinets are lovely and I think they pair nicely with the counters, the wall paint color doesn't seem to bring out the best in them. I'd replace the short corian backsplash with a light cream tile backsplash from countertop to upper cabs.

Pinky-beige is over.

Gray is over.

Go with a classic white.

here's a gorgeous blue tile with a tonal quality....get a putty shade of grout and some satin nickel hardware on the cabs. Nice refresh without pulling the counters. bring in some tile samples....all different ones.....that counter can be really cooperative.

Takes the Cake Kitchen Remodel | Apple Valley, MN | White Birch Design · More Info

and another one.... blue is pretty with wood many times.

Blue Hexagon Backsplash Tile with Industrial Bar Stools · More Info

I feel like a soapstone would be stunning, but obviously soapstone isn't for everybody. (you have to be ok with scratches.) Your cabinets are lovely, by the way. Cambria Torquay might be pretty depending on your floor.