Smart counter around kitchen sink
Shop for a stainless steel sink with integrated drainboard. Some designs even have an apron front to eliminate the strip of countertop in front of the sink. 

If you can find a suitable one in the right size, you can make the countertop out of strips and the drainboard will cover the joins. The strips should be synthetic lumber such as polyurethane or High-density polyethylene, containing no biodegradable material.