Delayed gratification and saving for wants is a good thing! You have a want, not a need. Stick with what you have until you can afford to change it out.

I'd rather have a nice color of laminate than an ugly granite. Especially if changing laminate was enough to create a cohesive color scheme in the room that I like. That makes a big difference in how you feel in your space everyday.

But--are you happy with everything else? If you could change the countertops, would you like the cabinets? The floors? If you could make the room feel great with new counters and new paint on the walls, I would go ahead and swap counters. If you change more elements to get a happy look, just wait.

I agree with @User

remember laminate will have applied edges UGLY, especially if you have angles.

If you switch out your granite for laminate, is your sink top-mounted or undermounted? If it's top-mounted, that is fine with laminate. If the sink is undermounted, laminate can only be combined with an undermount sink under certain requirements and the adhesives also need to be paired properly to go with a laminate counter. If you currently have an undermount sink, you might not like to change it to a top mount, so consider that in your decision as well.

Laminate counters have come a long way and article below outlines pros/cons, so be sure it meets your needs.

https://thejlaurenhome.com/laminate-marble-kitchen-countertops/

Maybe look into butcher block pros/cons and if right for your kitchen. Also, you can get great deals on quartz and granite remnants. Research your options, including cost of installation. Would changing the backsplash help update/lighten instead? If wanting advice in this regard, a photo of your kitchen will be helpful.

Here are the current countertops.

I don’t mind it at all, especially given your other light choices and your combo has lasted the test of time. To lighten the overall look, consider nickel hardware and lighting can have a big impact.

Your kitchen is lovely! I'd get some nice art and accessories, and stop focusing on the stone, which a lot of people would love to have -- goes nicely with your flooring too. Agree that lighter hardware would change the feel, but depends on your other fixtures, etc.

I don’t mind your current granite, but also I’m good with a laminate. They have come a long way and hold up well.

From the one picture, it appears the problem is your backsplash and not the granite.

Look into pre-fab stone countertops and remnants. We don’t see your whole kitchen but it doesn’t look huge.

Research Formica. It’s not what you think it is.

The suggestion to change out the hardware is a good one - just a bit too much contrast with what you have. A lighter grout for the backsplash would help too, but not sure anything can be done with that. Your crocks are lovely, but the patterns are too busy for the countertop. Post some more pics - some inexpensive tweaks may help you eek out a few more years and you can save for what you really want.🙂

GOOGLE around:

Can granite counters be painted?If You Decide to Paint

If you're willing to accept a bit of risk, you can paint your granite countertops. But it's important to understand that this will require a lot of meticulous work. First, you will have to remove any and all silicone caulking and clean up residue using rubbing alcohol.

There are kits--

I have never investigated them.

A few countertops ago I felt negative vibes for choosing laminate. I told everyone that for the price of their Uba Tuba counters I could replace my custom laminate every few years. 8~) I loved that blue counter top longer than a few years until one morning I didn't and out it went.

What do you think about painting the base cabinets black instead? Otherwise, I also would support a change to laminate. I would not be comfortable supporting painting countertops.