If you are looking for a contemporary look laminate is a good choice. Make sure they find a PVC tape for the edges that matches the laminate or you will have a black pen-stripe around everything.

Laminate and thermo-foil are two totally different animals. Be sure you know what you are buying. Thermo-foil has some issues that laminate does not if done properly.

We got our cabinets from Web Don at http://www.web-don.com Great quality and we used a custom paint color too.

You might find some interesting colors/patterns/solids at ARPA laminate:

http://products.arpaindustriale.com/

A good cabinet guy can do beautiful laminate and thermafoil. Make sure he knows how to install. You can enjoy years from those cabinets. Look at details like, you want maple insides and laminate doors? No dark edges showing ever! See work he has done.

If you're in the area, you should check out our free kitchen session every 2nd Saturday of the month: http://leichtnewyork.com/how-much-will-your-kitchen-cost-class-registration

You can compare different types of cabinetry at our showroom and feel/see the differences between the various styles offered.

All the best with the kitchen remodel!