You can replace the countertops with laminate. It's your least expensive countertop option. I would stay neutral so that if you or a future homeowner want so change the floor, you are not limited by the color you picked for the countertop. Some people like grey with golden oak but I would stay more in the beige family. There are quite a lot of new colors that resemble granite such as Formica Ivory Kashmire 6226-58 or Wilsonart White Tea 4908-60 (which has grey and beige in it) and would go nicely with stainless steel appliances.

We also agree on replacing the current countertops with laminate! You can get the look of real stone at a fraction of the cost. We'd recommend taking a look at our Dimensions product line. Great color options and edge profiles! www.vtdimensions.com Let us know how we can help!

Here are a few kitchen videos that might give you some ideas:

You don't have a lot of counter top so you might be able to do granite. It wouldn't hurt to check the prices. If you just want to do a short term fix there are kits that you can buy to paint the counter tops. I haven't used them but I've seen counters that were done this way and it looks OK. And, as other people have suggested you could do new laminate.

Some brushed nickel knobs/pulls on the cabinets would help them coordinate with the SS appliances.

I was also going to suggest the kit where you can paint the laminate countertop. I have seen the finished product and it turns out nice, as long as it's done correctly. That would be your least costly option.