Laminate Counter tops and cabinet doors

So we have been in our house now for 17 years and we decided to go with the general builders laminite counter tops and cabinet doors.  Needless to say, I am tired of looking at them.  My husband will be horrified that this is even rolling around in my head but he'll be ok :-)  

So, what products would you guys recommend that would be durable, neutral and would maybe do both, but that isn't a must.  I just don't want to loose any limbs ($$$$) in the process.

I am new to the redoing/diy thing and thus far I have empress my hubby with what I have done, so I would like to continue to do that.  It is hard because he was in construction and wants to butt so I have shrew him away with the look, that after 19 years he knows well, every now and then.