How would it be to just put in butcherblock on that section, without raising the height to cover the adjacent counter? I have a built-in butcherblock cutting board in one section of my otherwise stone counter, and it looks just fine. I'm thinking that the difference in counter type won't matter if it's obviously related to function, as mine is. 30" is a great size for a cutting board. This is what mine looks like.

why not a freestanding butcher block topped free standing piece?

Again, the problem is the 3" integral backsplash that exists. That end of the countertop is only partially finished... the front 12". The rear 12" is a vertical panel holding up the shelving brackets. It goes to the floor next to the fridge. The raw unfinished 12" is the cause of the problem.

Oh, how I wish I'd had the counters made flat to the wall!!! The kitchen has painted walls behind the counters, no tile, nothing. It's a tiny house, very inexpensive, very cute, very cottage.

I need a magician...

A picture may help. Look at IKEA for the wood top and pull the adjacent counter/backsplash for 38" height full length.
Check out the box no door price and add your matching door.

Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA countertop

In the last 6 months both my brother and a good friend needed to replace discontined thermofoil doors. Through cabinet suppliers they both found companies that specialize in making matching replacement thermofoil doors. Very inexpensive too.

Hags00..... WOW! Thank you, thank you. I never thought of that. I realize many on GW prefer real wood, but from both price point and TOTAL ease of maintenance, these cabinets are an absolute dream. You cannot tell the difference from white painted shaker cabinets, and cleaning uses soap and water. Never issues with water damage or chipping along lower drawer/door tops.

That said, I still need a solution to the counter height. With a U shape kitchen, the existing counters are one piece with miter joints at both corners...

New laminate counters are NOT that expensive if you are at all handy enough to use the blanks that you can find locally at a box store. You can do your entire kitchen for under $300 usually. There are plenty of online tutorials as to how to do this, and it's not hard if you have a few tools. Even if you order special order laminate counters from a local fabricator, you can probably do the whole kitchen for under $1000 unless you choose the more expensive edges and colors.

can you post a pic of this problem area? I can't get a mental pic of it - I 'spect some others can't either.

an extra 300-1000.00 is a LOT of money to some people - including me.

First attempt to post a photo... no idea what I'm doing. But this is the area I want to change.