Kitchen design and renovation in NYC can present a dizzying array of options for kitchen countertops. Here is a roundup of popular options, with pros and cons…

A homeowner will be exposed to gamma radiation from the granite. Inhalation of radioactive granite dust during installation is a far greater hazard.

No matter what the economy, kitchen interior design seems to be unaffected. Floors and appliances wear out and need replacing, cabinets get old, paint fades and the family cook suddenly finds the whole room unworkable. That's when it's time to renovate, and designers say this year's kitchen interior design trends are pleasing both to the eye and the environment. "We're noticing less new construction and more renovation. More clients are staying put, and want their current space to function properly and look great," said Kati Curtis, an interior designer with Kati Curtis Design in Manhattan and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. "They are more willing to spend on top-quality, energy-efficient appliances and materials that look great, perform well and will last." Kate Talbott, a kitchen and bath designer at Millbrook Cabinetry and Design on Route 44 in Millbrook, said this year's trends lean toward big open rooms for dining and seating — the great room concept. Perhaps because of that, furniture styling is also of interest to homeowners. "Making things look like furniture … furniture legs on islands, furniture details on bases, making islands look like tables, things like that. It's definitely a popular look," she said. In cabinets, people are opting for painted wood rather than a natural oak or cherry wood stain. "White is incredibly popular for anyone doing paint," said Talbott, adding that a glaze on top of the standard white is a...