I have Wilsonart Galactic Black in my current kitchen. The edge is a simple square edge, the rounded edges never grabbed me. I chose not to get a backsplash but carried the wall backsplash down to the countertop. I has worn well over the last 3 years, looks like new and I really like it. I'd get laminate again if I hadn't gotten an undermount sink.

As far as trends go, I try to avoid them because sure enough the only way a trend can go is back the way it came eventually and then there you are on the wrong end of it.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: galactic black

There was a Design Around Keeping Oak cabinets thread a while back that you could look at for some ideas.

My friend has golden oak cabs with a dark charcoal grey, laminate countertop, and it looks great.

Here is a link that might be useful: DAT 9: Keeping Golden Oak