The inexpensive kind put in rentals. The ones under $500. You're probably not familiar with those since you have 2 homes and 2 pro ranges. ;-)

I'm also wondering about energy efficiency in terms of the electricity bill. Does anyone know if induction is actually cheaper (not including the up front cost)?

I'd just like to reiterate what someone else said: that granite, quartz, marble are not sustainable resources, i.e. once it comes out of the ground it does not come back. There are many other choices. Recycled glass, paper; concrete, etc.
http://vetrazzo.com/
http://www.richlite.com/countertop/
http://www.brookscustom.com/
http://www.shetkastone.com/

We have no cupboards (rental), just a pantry with shelves, so I got a pegboard and put it above the stove for the pans. It's convenient and space-saving.

In case the photo attachment doesn't work: http://flickr.com/photos/fotolulu/100...