In one of our past homes, we had one section next to the stove that was butcher block, but the rest reg. There is def upkeep to one & doing a small section is much easier than a whole top. Wilson Art & Formica have some really great new laminate choices---for example, if you like granite look, you can get it with these but a matte finish which reads better in a country kitchen.

I'd google restaurants in water front locations like St Kilda, Noosa, Bondi, Port Douglas (or Nantucket, Muskoka or Hamptons) and see who has a look that's similar to what your after. Then we could help with more focussed suggestions. Coastal can have many versions. Have you finalised wall, ceiling and floor finishes?

I agree with the first comment. Check out the Maximum porcelain panels. Ice attached a photo I took of the slabs. Statuario is in the front and Calacutta is behind it. http://maximumaustralia.com/products/calacatta This is the Australian link to the product range and there are plenty of photos of it actually in use. In person the design looks less printed in my opinion than the Caesarstone, but everyone has different tastes and that should be respected.

What material is it and by integrated does that include basin?