Thanks. I am aware of potential materials (e.g. quartz). I was looking more at what color combination works well with ash oak cabinet colors? Would a softer tone mimicking wooden countertop (e.g. brown/beige colors) work better or would a darker tone such as black/dark brown go well?

There are several companies such as AGL, Johnson, Baba, Kalinga etc that makes engineered quartz in India. The choices of colors they offer also quite extensive. The prices of these quartz are not that much higher than good quality granite. So visit one of these showrooms to get a touch and feel of these materials.

Laminate is incredibly durable. Currently we have a stone-look gloss surface with tiny, occasional pits for texture, no problems with food particles getting stuck. Previously we had a matte finish in color, it lasted 20 years before looking scuffed. I would not use raised texture on a counter bc the peaks would wear more quickly.

Hi Arpan, **if you are looking for a dramatic kitchen theme you can use wooden texture upper cabinets also in a darker wood tone like wallnut wood & use a glossy dark grey as base cabinets. Just make sure the space is well lit. ** go for glass panel overheard counter with a wooden laminate inside with light provision. This will make you kitchen look luxurious & open at same time. Use greys in bottom.  ** go for all whiter in overhead counter & wooden at below.  **go for an white overhead counter as well as base cabinets. Add fluted glass in overheard counter for breaking the monotony of white.  Take a look at the references