My classroom (I'm a foods teacher) is getting all new cabinetry and counters. I was able to convince the school admin to do something other than the standard matte black laminate cabinets we currently have as they end up looking gross with drips and fingerprints. I was just given a sample box to select from and I'm leaning towards a medium wood grain for the cabinets and a light linen look counter. Appliances are stainless and walls are a creamy off white.

Right now the counters are a rose-red and mostly look okay in terms of wear. I'd like to go lighter to brighten up the space, but I've never had a light colored laminate counter myself. Should I worry about staining issues?

Cabinet sample: Duramine American Black Walnut

Counter top sample: Wilsonart Crisp Linen

Thoughts? I need to make a decision asap and I'm worried about making a mistake.

***I'm leaning towards the walnut look cabs as there are two solid natural maple(?) doors in my classroom and I want there to be contrast with the real wood doors. The walnut sample doesn't seem all that dark in real life. Classroom has windows on two walls.