Here’s a pic of what I’ve liked so far - Golden Gate

I would LEAVE the counters alone until a flooring change. Definite NO to Golden Gate which isn't even good with cabinetry, appears far too cool.

The flooring is going to cause you to "settle" and there is no reason to do that.

That floor drives everything in the space . So do the floors then figure out the counter .IMO no quartz either

Will agree with Jan Moyer and Patricia Colwell Consulting - the floor dominate the space and the doesn't look quite right with the wall color.

We want something that looks like wood and looks nice but is also affordable. Any suggestions for that?!

Is there a possibility of having the same flooring through the whole living/kitchen area? it is really an upgrade and makes the home feel much bigger -

there is not a lot of traction on this forum around LVP or laminate but lots of info in this FB group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1C4yaDrFnT/

What is the flooring in the rest of your home? Show the other rooms. Is there a dining room, family room , living room etc?

I'm reining you in, because in truth? The paint color in the kitchen isn't the best, there were little details, such as removing the scalloped valance and sink detail that would have made your effort even better.

Take some more pictures : ) and inform the flooring elsewhere: )

What immediately stood out to me from your photos is the wall color. It doesn't seem to go with the floor color and drags the space down. I think I would re-paint the walls in the same Alabaster.

Why not just get a butcher block countertop for now?

when you change the floors in years to come, perhaps you can then do a full cabinet/countertop make-over.

I'd look at a walnut color butcher block since that will go w/the darker tones in the floor tile.

These are not that expensive.

(what they did above was get a cheaper wood and stained it w/General Finishes Walnut stain)

https://joyfullytreasured.com/finishing-butcher-block-wood-bowl-finish