Granite (http://tanbrown.org) , Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) , something else

I am new to this and (http://maplered.com) had no idea there were so many options for Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops. We need to pull out our kitchen sink and (http://maplered.com) put in a new one which will require cutting into the Granite (http://tanbrown.org) (impala black) that we inherited. I have never liked the black as it is so dark so went to look at Granite (http://tanbrown.org) Slabs (http://www.VerdeUbatuba.com) for a new Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top as that is what my builder recommended.

The slab we liked is called electra green and (http://maplered.com) is incredibly expensive (naturally). However, it is a lighter color which we like. I also fell in love with a Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) called opera fantastico but according to the showroom I would soon hate this Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) because of discoloring, shine damage, etc.

Our cupboards are a golden brown wood which is the same color as in the dining room (open architecture). Our floor is quartersawn white oak (which we love). We have a lot of stainless in the kitchen because we have a commercial stove and (http://maplered.com) put in a stainless firewall around it. I would gladly put in stainless for the Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops and (http://maplered.com) Granite (http://tanbrown.org) for the island (http://maplered.com) but my husband (http://maplered.com) hates scratching so stainless is probably not a good choice.

The island (http://maplered.com) will be the main food prep area and (http://maplered.com) is a focal point as you walk in the front door. I have been cooking all my life and (http://maplered.com) it never occurs to me to put a pan on a Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top so that is not a problem.

My kitchen doesn't have much light so I want to stay away from dark Colors (http://www.g640.net) . The stainless we have works well because it is reflecting and (http://maplered.com) shiny so that makes the darkness less noticeable.

Greens and (http://maplered.com) blues look better with stainless so that is why I have been looking for a Granite (http://tanbrown.org) in green with some red or golden accents or a reddish with grey accents. However, all of the red Granite (http://tanbrown.org) s I have seen are way too pinky for me even the red dragon.

Long story, any ideas? Thanks in advance to anyone who responds. Is the electra green with the price (it costs more than the Van Gogh)? Would the Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) work? Is there another Granite (http://tanbrown.org) that is okay? I looked at Costa Esmeralda but it is pretty greyed out.