What is on the front edge - lamnate or hardwood? I usually use a hardwood edge, then do a 45 degree bevel. You could also do a half or full bullnose that would look real good. Other than that, you need a solid core laminate. Formica has a line of thme in addition to the regular laminates.

As for the seams, they will always be visible. Try to put them in the least conspicuous place possible.

Wood edges look good if you don't like the brown edge of the laminate. As for seams, The best way to keep them from being really obvious is to use your router with a straight bit to trim seams before you try to glue the piece. Here is how you can do this:
Lay both pieces where they need to be. At this time they should be just a bit bigger than the counter and longer than you need, by about 3/8 of an inch. Butt both pieces together where the Joint is. Run the straight bit down the Joint (use a small bit like 1/4".) This will cut both pieces identically. You will probably have too support the pieces very securely and elevate them above the counter surface. When this is done "Dry fit the pieces". Look for imperfections. Take a long sanding block with some very fine grit sandpaper and sand the edges being sure to try to correct the imperfections. Then dry fit again, continue this until you are happy with the seam. Then proceed to lay the laminate like normal, But be very precise when butting the seams. Buy a tube of matching color seam fill from the place you buy the laminate. They can match it pretty precisely. If you do it correctly, the seam will be barely visible and only you will notice it.
Another tip, Try to put seams where the sink is because you cut most of the piece out where the seam is .