I would recommend getting breeds to match your climate if possible. Wyandottes, Chanteclers, Buckeyes, Easter Eggers, and Dominiques are good layers for cooler climates that you can get from any of the major hatcheries, I'd recommend Cackle. If you want to go more that route, they even sell pure Ameraucanas. These are easier to take care with small combs and clean legs.
For a hotter climate, buy Mediterranean breeds more locally, the ever popular Leghorn is a great layer that comes in many colors but is more flighty than other breeds. Anconas and Sicilian Buttercups are very interesting choices. I have found Anconas to be less flighty, but the pretty Buttercup pullet to be more shy.
You can also pick an ever popular Rhode Island Red, Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Speckled Sussex.
Bantams can be friendlier and take up less space, but may be less hardy and lay smaller eggs. Popular ornamental bantams are bantam Cochins, Silkies, d'Anvers, and d'Uccles.