Assuming it is your to do as you wish, there are a few options. They are all either a do-it-yourself, with varying amounts of skill and labor, or hire a professional.
1) Replace the countertops.
There are many different surfaces available today at different costs. Some are not as expensive as pre-cut marble or granite. My countertops are Soapstone, which is a cheaper alternative.
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/kitchen-coun...
Granite, Wood, Laminate, Tile, Synthetic or composite solid surface, Concrete, Marble, Engineered Stone, glass, limestone, slate, soapstone, or stainless steel. You can visit home improvement stores to discuss options.
2) If starting with a laminate surface, you can replace the laminate with a new one.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/replace-kit...
There are many helpful videos on youtube. Essentially, the contact cemented laminate needs to be removed, surface prepped, sheets cut to fit, and then cemented on. This is the most popular low cost option because you are eliminating the old surface and recreating into its original form with new materials of your choice. Once you are down to the base, you can instead choose a different thin surface such as tile.
3) You can cover the laminate. This sounds easier than it is. A laminate surface is a plastic with poor adhesion. It also may not be perfectly smooth any more. Trying to get something to stick to laminate is similar to trying to permanently glue plastics. The surface will need extensive preparation, and then special coverings designed to go over it. Generally, it is painted, but can be tiled over the surface.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-lamin...
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ways-cover-...
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-lamin...
The advantage of tiling over the surface is that it is a bit more forgiving and easier to repair a piece later should there be a problem in the results or if damaged later.
4) You can buy a removable overlay sheet of tempered glass in a size of your choice and do what you want under the surface. Depending on the actual dimensions, it is possible to buy smoked or clear tempered glass as an overlay. What you do to the existing surface beforehand is your own choice. Be advised, that a tabletop type glass surface may not be ideal for an actively used surface. It is not good for irregular shapes and sizes, but instead only squared off ones. For example, working by mail in the USA, 60 inches x 30" size, 1/4" thick, three edges flat polished edges, with no tong marks of a production process, tempered clear glass is $92.50 plus $115 ground shipping for about a $207.50 total, and has options at a premium for predrilled holes, by this company: https://www.onedayglass.com/
There are many competitors and local glass shops. A glass piece could slide, but is heavy. It is not for cutting on the surface nor sharp items sitting on it as it would be like a tabletop.
Add: Note also, this does not cover the counter top edge. It is top-surface only.
Tile can be sheets of tile, small ones popular years ago, or larger tiles more common today.
The method and choice, as a homeowner, is yours.
You can buy Formica sheets and DIY. Or get a tradesman to do it for you. The sheets glue on top of the existing and the change is imperceptible if neatly done. In the UK a shop fitter is the guy to ask.
We have these ugly white kitchen counters. I would like to get just the tops upgraded to somethig a little more flattering. What are some inexpensive ways to do that? It's not a large kitchen counter top.
