They say if you're remodeling for resale, go with whatever will sell best. If you're remodeling for yourself (or if you'll be in the house at least five years), go with what YOU like.
We remodeled our kitchen last year, after living in the home ten years. We went with slab granite. It's is so much nicer than the laminate we had before, and when we're ready to sell, I know it will be popular with buyers. We chose a reasonable color and pattern that isn't too trendy, so it won't be "dated."
As for appliances: I seriously dislike stainless, because it is SO over used everywhere, and there is no standard of quality anymore (which was how stainless started out - by being "commercial grade" in the home, implying "quality.") It also shows every fingerprint. So we went with matching high-end appliances from Whirlpool's "Ice" line, in white. They look great, and the stainless handles on white appliances gives a nod to the stainless lovers who see them.
Overall, I'm very pleased with how things turned out.
Dave