Perhaps more than any other home products industry, housewares is plugged in to what consumers are doing, what they want and what they buy. When the annual International Housewares Show rolls into Chicago in the spring, as much of a draw as the products on display are dozens of informative panels. One uber-popular feature is a look at color directions for the next couple of years by Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

This past March, for the first time, there was a focus group comprised of that coveted millennial group, which represents 92 million Americans, the youngest starting college and the oldest in their mid-30s. Editors Warren Shoulberg and Maureen Azzato from Home Furnishings News, a trade publication, led a lively discussion that delved into cooking, dining and shopping habits, including meal-kit delivery options like Blue Apron.

Why is this important? Housewares is big business. In 2015, the U.S. retail market totaled $82.2 billion (up 9.5 percent from 2014). Globally, the market is $346.9 billion. So understanding that market is key.

"In the past, millennials had more of an emotional effect on the economy, but now they're actually spending more," says Tom Mirabile, senior vice president of global trend and design at Lifetime Brands and a trend forecaster for the International Housewares Association. In fact, millennials account for 31 percent of all household spending, catching up to baby boomers' 36 percent.

With the influence of social media, particularly Pinterest, Instagram and Snapchat, color and pattern are destined to be front and center on the consumer radar. Panelists said they get tips on cookware and devices (like spiralizers) from food shots and recipes, and sometimes on YouTube.

They want sleek, sexy, small appliances that are less bulky; multifunctional cookware, such as pressure and rice cookers; cookware that stores easily -- nesting, or with interlocking handles. Saving time is a universal need.

Of course, the new and shiny is appealing, especially at the right price. And particularly in the right color.

Color burst onto the housewares scene as far back as the 1990s. But the influx of silicone -- in utensils, baking goods and containers -- has boosted options. These days, though, the use of color in housewares is more fashion-based, rooted in global trends that may embrace ethnic and retro styles.

One color grouping -- a riff on avocado (though less muddy, and a prettier yellow green), egg yolk (not quite orange, but close) and off-white -- definitely nods to the '70s. So does a return to brown, which we're starting to see in home decor. It's not dark, but almost espresso brown, almost cappuccino, taupey -- and sometimes with a yellow cast, perhaps a red cast or carmelized.

The range of wooden cutting, cheese and serving boards with beautiful grains (sometimes teamed with white marble), as well as cookware in those chocolatey shades, is offering an alternative to black and stainless, and presents a ubiquitous range of colors like turquoise, aqua, plum, red, blue, orange and yellow.

Pastels have strengthened, very much globally influenced, especially with the pinks, rosy terra cottas, blue-greens and icy blues, which are amazing in utensils, storage containers and ironing board covers. Zeal's utensils at Kitchen Innovations cover a soft palette of soft green, blue, gray and cream.

One company, Whitford, curiously touts iPhone colors like rose and champagne gold on its herringbone-patterned baking trays.

"The retro and vintage look is becoming increasingly popular as more homeowners seek to add nostalgic design elements from past decades to their homes," says Ryan Boyle, managing director at Kitchen Innovations.

At the same time, chic, elegant matte black, which is a trend percolating in kitchen and bath appliances, faucets dinnerware, flatware and paint, also is making its way into housewares. Staub's braiser, a perfect pot for one-dish suppers, is especially handsome with majolica enameling in matte black and a gold knob. The most buzzed about: a $1,000 limited-edition Black Tie mixer at KitchenAid (online only at www.kitchenaid.com). The matte cast-iron body with stainless bowl is limited to a production run of 500, each individually numbered.

Metals, especially in warm tones, are striking in serveware, as in the shiny gold trays with laser-cut, lacy corners at the Italian brand Elleffe Design, as well as utilitarian pieces, like a sleek garbage can in matte gold from Brabantia.

Patterns are expected in categories like melamine, which tend to be more playful in scale and boldness. Retro patterns, such as Nordic cool canisters from Studio California designer Laurie Gates for Gibson, have a mid-century feel. A pretty mosaic place mat in jacquard weave from Chilewich is subtle in shades of soft blue and cream, and is part of a collection called Nordic Design. Principal Sandy Chilewich describes that design sensibility as one that feels "both warm and cool at the same time," with specific yarns woven in a unique way in which "the colors seems to appear and disappear, breaking up the distinct diamond pattern and the undulating line of wave."

But there are brights, as well, with ethnic influences from fiery Cuba hues to Marrakesh, a bright floral dinnerware collection from Gates for Gibson.

There's even camo -- a surprise in small appliances at Magic Chef -- on toasters, coffee makers, as well as a mini refrigerator, as a collaboration with Realtree.

As the maker movement and appreciation for the handcrafted continues to engage consumers, so do artisanal pieces. A familiar brand, the glassware company Pyrex, introduced a dazzling Blue Lagoon watercolor collection, which looks like cobalt blue ink suspended in water. The swirling patterns are unique in each piece.

Distinctive form always catches the eye, as do unconventional shapes, which is why square dinner plates were so intriguing when they first came on the scene. One of the most striking utilitarian pieces is a black and stainless steel cheese grater designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid at Alessi. Such familiar objects always are engaging when reimagined.

The health category continues to draw those who want to assure that there are no harmful components -- such as BPAs, PVs or phthalates -- in the products they use. New products based on health trends like fermentation also are emerging. One from Kraut Source features a stainless steel device that fits on any wide-mouth mason jar to ferment small batches. Some rice cookers now have different settings for specific grains, such as oatmeal and quinoa, and breadmakers now include gluten-free options.

Health certainly has affected styles of cooking, which is why there's an influx of air fryers like NuWave and Frieling that don't require oils and fats, have more streamlined countertop designs and LED displays. The closed systems eliminate odor and spattering. Steaming options continue to be popular, as does one-pot cooking (crock). And juicers have a large fan base, now nuanced as to the merits of cold press -- more juice volume, higher nutrient volume and longer shelf life.

Even styles of eating have morphed. As The Wall Street Journal reported last year in a story titled "Bowls are the new plates," retail sales of bowls were rising. Manufacturers like Gibson and Villeroy & Boch are responding to a growing desire for bowls in a variety of shapes to accommodate entire meals.

One need that is universal is that of storage. Those who live in small apartments are painfully aware of limitations, and they need to maximize every square inch. Manufacturers are delivering with more thoughtful, practical and attractive solutions for every room of the house.

Canisters in all shapes and materials -- from metal tins to cloth bins -- are available in fashionable colors and prints. There are stack organizers for coffee pods and stands that hold 100 standard size tea bags, as well as drawer organizers with magnets to hold bins together -- MagnaBin at YouCopia (www.youcopia.com). Stadium-style spice racks that also work for nail polish and makeup underscore multifunctionality.

Space-saving also is addressed with objects that nest, whether it's cookware, water bottles or colanders.

One thing is clear: the idea of curated display. As exposure to good design expands through magazines, TV and social media, consumers want function that's also decorative or striking in its minimalism -- on the counter or the bookshelf or in the drawer.

Sources

-- Alessi, 212-941-7300, www.alessi.com

-- Aquasana, 866-662-6885, www.aquasana.com

-- Bialetti, 909-476-3884, www.bialetti.com

-- Brabantia, 201-933-3192, www.brabantia.com

-- Chilewich, 888-851-7130, www.chilewich.com

-- Elleffe Design, www.elleffedesignnorthamerica.com

-- French Bull, 866-337-8174, www.frenchbull.com

-- Gibson, 800-281-2810, www.gibsonusaoutlet.com

-- Jamie Oliver, at Bed Bath & Beyond, 800-462-3966, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

-- Magic Chef, MCA Corp., 888-775-0202, www.mcappliance.com

-- notNeutral, 800-270-6511, www.notNeutral.com

-- Paula Deen, 800-214-8369, www.pauladeen.com,

-- Pyrex/World Kitchen, 800-999-3436, www.worldkitchen.com

-- Rachael Ray Hygge Stoneware, 800-214-8369, www.rachaelray.com

-- SMEG, available at West Elm, 888-922-4119, www.westelm.com

SIDEBAR

The Dawn of 'A.I.' -- Appliance Intelligence

With so much buzz about the internet of things (IoT) in recent years, one might think the new smart home pavilion at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago would be huge.

Not yet. But it's only a matter of time.

As digital assistant devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo gain followers and consumers crave more Bluetooth connectivity for smart homes, the U.S. tech industry anticipates $292 billion in retail revenues in 2017, according to the Consumer Technology Association. And more buyers will emerge as prices come down on large appliances, like the Sanyo Family Hub refrigerator with the exterior touchscreen TV and a camera inside that allows you to take a peek when you're at the grocery store.

Now comes this: the GenieCan, a small device that attaches to the side of a garbage can. As you toss items, it scans the bar codes and notes what you need to replace. In fact, if you prefer, it will signal Amazon and order it, so you can have it delivered to your home or office ($149 at www.geniecan.com).

Kind of a fun two-fer: the SoundBeam from Charcoal Companion -- a grill light with Bluetooth speaker. Clamp it on the hood to shine a beam of light on the grill top. Connect it to a smartphone to play fave songs, listen to FM radio, songs stored on a micro SD card, or anything connected to an AUX cable. It synchs up with Apple and Android devices and even accepts or declines incoming calls when connected to grill. It sells for $48.49 at Amazon.

Then there's a small cooktop that acts a bit like a sous chef. The cooking system from Hestan Cue appears to be a simple, round, 1,600-watt induction burner with an 11-inch saute pan, but it links to your tablet through Bluetooth. Follow a recipe on the app with step-by-step instructions on cooking and plating. As you add ingredients, the system adjusts the temperature for you (it has embedded sensors); $549 from www.hestancue.com.

StoreBound, a company more known for small appliances, dipped into furniture with an ultra-modern smart coffee table called Sobro that raised more than $1.2 million through crowdfunding. What's the draw? The minimal design of the smooth white "cooler coffee table" with black tempered glass top has some surprises: A refrigerator drawer holds 30 beverages with LED lighting beneath. Its Bluetooth speakers and lighting can be controlled from your phone. There are touch controls, a couple of USB charging and power ports on the side. You can even connect your TV to the speakers. Available now on www.indiegogo.com, for a bargain 40-percent-off preorder price of $899.

Materials and technology are changing the face of the bathroom. And with the expanded options, there's a creative challenge for product and interior designers to fashion rooms that can be spas, recharging spaces or simply mood elevators, with the same kind of inviting, even elegant, vibe of a five-star resort.

Today, there are plenty of trends, covering a range of styles, most with a modern edge. And just like kitchens, some of the best, most innovative designs are coming out of Europe.

First, materials are raising the bar. Stone and stone looks in porcelain or quartz are covering walls and floors. But stone also is prominent in sink design, especially in integrated models. Those all-in-one looks, also specified in quartz, concrete and solid-surface materials, resemble long kitchen troughs that are seamless, crisp and modern. There also are cantilevered versions that place surfaces on different levels, some even mixing media like wood or colored laminates.

Then, too, some manufacturers such as Italy's Antoniolupi have pushed the envelope with standout forms like Controverso, a marble block sink that seems to peel off layers, feeling ancient and contemporary at the same time. One part of the pedestal is linear, scored by a milling machine, while the front is rounded and irregular, layered with uneven edges, as if they have been torn away.

A more streamlined version of the pedestal is referred to as a totem basin or pillar, such as those by Artisan Ceramic. They're crafted from a single ceramic mold that prevents seams from forming, and their elongated tapering shapes create a minimal and elegant aesthetic.

Curves, of course, also break up linear spaces. Vessels disrupt the plane of a counter. Some of the newest vessel sinks sit on pedestals instead of conventional vanity cabinets. Piero Lissoni used Emperador black marble (also available in pink or jade onyx) to form a rectangular plinth, into which is nestled a brushed brass washbasin for dramatic effect.

A few years back, manufacturer Stone Forest paid homage to a memorable era with its Industrial Pedestal, incorporating imagery from the factory floor and utilizing cast-iron legs. Now drawing on the utilitarian forms, a cast-iron leg with fine-tuning gears supports a handcrafted basin in stone or metal for washing the hands and face.

The shapeliest of shapes, of course, have come in bathtub design. Architectural or sculptural, angular or curvy, asymmetrical or not, many of the designs are freestanding. They are a graceful centerpiece for a bath -- when there is space. And for floor plans that may not accommodate that much real estate, manufacturers have played with shape in front, creating an illusion, at least, of an untethered tub that can be tucked against a wall.

Meanwhile, vanities have lightened up. Washbasins are getting legs. Plus, floating vanities are gaining traction. It's most definitely a visual boost for smaller spaces, where conventional cabinets seem heavy and, in some cases, problematic when they're squished into small areas that don't allow much room for maintenance.

But with the slimming down, shortening or downsizing of vanities, storage is not being sacrificed. In fact, it's no longer an afterthought, with some manufacturers thoughtfully integrating it into drawers, sometimes with built-in electrical outlets and practical dividers for all of your toiletries.

And mirrors have taken on an added dimension -- lighting. The sparest are simple rectangles with integrated LED lighting. It's barely there, like a frosted frame all around or at corners, not at all like the too-bright theater lights from way back. Robern's new custom lighted mirrors feature dimmable and color-tuning capabilities, mirror defogging, USB charging ports and motion sensors.

Duravit's newest Luv collection, a handsome group with a bit of a Nordic accent, also features mirrors with integrated glare-free LED lighting, available in three widths (up to 63 inches) and a height of 47 inches. They feature integrated dimming and mirror heating for defogging. Also in its arsenal are mirrors that are backlit for ambient effects, with indirect lighting on all four sides. The wall-wash effect allows atmospheric illumination.

Wall-hung toilets, most popular overseas, are catching on here as well. And most who own them applaud the practicality -- especially for cleaning. And interest in freestanding bidets has waned because many manufacturers are putting the technology into the toilet seats. The most technologically adept dual-flush toilets start at around $5,000 and feature integrated bidets with self-cleaning wands, air dryers, deodorizing filters. Kohler's Numi also boasts ambient colored lighting, heated seat and foot warmers, hands-free opening and closing seat and cover, wireless Bluetooth music sync, storage for MP3 files and SD cards, and a plug-in for your device (a remote sells separately for between $400 and $500).

Kohler's Veil Intelligent dual-flush toilet includes heated seat, automatic deodorizing, stainless steel cleansing wand with adjustable sprays, LED night light and hands-free opening, closing and flushing. The most recent addition is a wall-hung version that conserves space and allows easy cleaning.

Matte finishes also are catching on in tub design, where the idea of soaking has all but supplanted whirlpools and even air tubs. Freestanding models are popular because they can be dramatic focal points. So manufacturers are paying special attention to architectural and sculptural shapes -- everything from round (Konstantin Grcic's addition to the Val collection at Laufen) to asymmetrical ovals to angular, like the innovative Askew at Kohler. A number of the solid surfaces used for fabrication can be polished to a silky-smooth finish.

Matte black, graphite and pewter looks are especially winning fans in faucets. Brass, rose gold and copper also offer warm options.

And there are no qualms about mixing metals -- some manufacturers are doing it for you, as in the teaming of matte black and gold, a really handsome pairing.

Beyond the realm of fixtures and faucets, some manufacturers have turned their attention to ambience. Years ago, Laufen teamed up with Kartell to develop fun sheer plastic tables and accessories in clear acrylic and even some colors. Lacava recently introduced a white stone stool in a classic shape that can suit a number of decorating styles. And Devon & Devon has even launched into the production of wallcoverings, with 32 themes from geometric, three-dimensional and optical to floral and animal subjects to dreamy landscapes -- perfect for feature walls behind those starring tubs.

The well-designed bath today is a finely choreographed mix. It can, indeed, be another decorated room in the house -- with its own personality, striking wallpaper, artwork and even furniture -- with amazing function incorporating all the technology available today in storage, lighting and bathing.

Sources

-- Antoniolupi, 312-329-1550, www.antoniolupi.it/en

-- Artisan Ceramics Ltd., www.artisanceramicsltd.co.uk

-- Boffi, 312-787-2323, www.boffi.com

-- Devon & Devon, 312-676-3755, www.devon-devon.com

-- DXV American Standard, 800-227-2734, www.dxv.com/en

-- Duravit, 212-686-0033, www.duravit.us

-- Effegibi, www.effegibi-perfect-wellness.com

-- Gessi, 714-808-0099, www.gessi.com

-- Hastings Tile & Bath, 212-674-9700, www.hastingstilebath.com

-- Kallista, 888-452-5547, www.kallista.com

-- Kohler, 800-456-4537, www.kohler.com

-- Laufen, 866-696-2493, www.us.laufen.com

-- Robern, 800-877-2376, www.robern.com

-- Stone Forest, 888-682-2987, https://stoneforest.com

Perhaps it's a reflection of the times.

As we expect more of our home furnishings -- to make us comfortable and allow multitasking, all while looking damn good -- the mirror has been morphing into an object of art. One that can cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Not that that wasn't in its decorative DNA. To wit, all of the gorgeousness of grand gilded Louis XV or baroquey mirrors are historically masters at commanding space in European museums, palaces and villas.

But this is different. Almost like designing a piece of art that includes a mirror, with the feeling like the mirror is sometimes kind of an afterthought. And, curiously, it follows that trendy period where large-scale rectangular mirrors showed up in so many interiors -- on the floor, leaning stylishly against the wall -- as an emblem of modern design.

It started with mirror frames. More imaginative materials began drawing the eye, demanding at least equal time with the mirror. Beautiful figured wood veneers were beefier so you couldn't help but notice. Fanciful, loopy golden metals, framing like filigree on a ring, or three-dimensional buildups of texture, expanding on traditional elements from seashells to petals of leather to feathers, or unexpected combinations of materials.

Then came a downsizing, in which smallish mirrors emerged and practically begged for company, designed to be displayed in multiples. Not really a new concept, but one borrowed from collectors, who intuitively group beauties like French guilloche enameled hand mirrors or bejeweled Peruvian mirrors. Today, manufacturers sometimes assemble a set of circles or other shapes connected as a single piece of wall art for easier hanging.

Some designers began exploring the mirror itself, creating new geometry with smaller parts, divvying up in Mondrian grid segments as in a bronze/clear mirror from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Some perhaps took cues from tile tesserae or even Parisian parquet floors, as Tel Aviv artist Arik Levy, who has a Paris studio, fashioned a mirror out of long strips of mirror, staggering them to create a single piece.

Inevitably, there has been an exploration of form. Karim Rashid did a playful collection of bath mirrors called Reflect + for the Belgian company Deknudt, that play up color with LED lighting. Again, three hung together are more dramatic than one. Designer Julia Buckingham took a star shape and sort of stretched it out, then ganged six diamonds in two sizes into a single cohesive piece for impact at Global Views. The Italian manufacturer Seletti introduced the Luminaire mirrors, conventional round and oval shapes flattened slightly, then circled with LEDs. The inspiration for the designer was strings of lights hung above a piazza during a festival.

Buckingham, whose newly published "Modernique" (Abrams, $40) explains her decorating and product inspiration mixing vintage and modern style and fashion, channeled jewelry for another design for Global Views. It's a starburst brooch, hung like a pendant from a chain, with the tiniest mirror as a jewel in the center. A number of new mirror designs are suspended in this fashion, and the chains, leather cords or ribbons lend a graceful, even elegant note.

And now the very mirror surface is being decorated -- kind of like the feel of antiqued mottled glass, but with deliberately placed patterns that almost appear random.

One overscale rectangular design at Anthropologie, has an allover pattern that resembles suzani, the trendy vintage embroidery centered by circles, but actually was inspired by French lace. Another is more ambiguous, actually due to its technique of color washing over mirror. A mirror from Arteriors has a textural surface that resembles a slice of the solar system. And still another, Edinburg, from the same company, is irregularly shaped (kind of trapezoidal) with its craggy surface like a moon crater, looking more like a stone than a mirror.

A mirror by Zuo features a mesmerizing pattern created by repetition. It consists of a series of bull's-eyes, which recall turn-of-the-century stained and clear glass compositions called "rondels." Another, on an uber grand scale, is by Memoir Essence Furniture, a Portuguese brand. It combines geometric shapes of different sizes, some dimensional, whose surfaces have been antiqued to create a composition that thoroughly dominates a wall.

Still another fresh new direction actually pairs mirror with other materials, such as wood, to underscore pattern. An example at Roche Bobois features a distinctly art deco look, teaming mirror with wood in a tasteful composition. And at West Elm, one-half of a mirror is a live-edge slice of tree trunk, its rings clearly delineated, while the other side follows the irregular shape with a mirror image. The designs are visually reminiscent of the wood with white marble pairings in cheese blocks and trays so popular in housewares.

"Designers have started to understand that the framing around mirrors is an intricate part of a functional piece," says Buckingham. "But, all of a sudden, there are so many options, so many different shapes. There's a total crossover. In every entryway, if there has to be a mirror, how incredibly intricate, colorful is one embellished with stones? It's not just an ordinary mirror anymore. It's propelled into superstar status."

So the new artistry, much of it playfully asymmetrical, lends more gravitas to the usual spots in interiors -- over a fireplace mantel, a console in a foyer, a buffet in the dining room, the bed. The artful mirrors may function traditionally -- to reflect views or visually expand a room.

"I like taking and creating an unexpected mirror," says Buckingham, "and putting it in a place that's unusual -- where you would least expect it -- like a butler's pantry. Some might say, 'Why would I want a mirror there?' Until they see how decorative and sculptural it may be."

And for those who don't own a lot of art, if any at all, this new mirror wall decor offers a cool way to add a grand, whimsical focal point that owns the wall.

Sources

-- Anthropologie, 800-309-2500, www.anthropologie.com

-- Arteriors, 800-338-2150, www.arteriorshome.com

-- Deknudt, www.deknudtmirrors.com

-- Global Views, 888-956-0030, www.globalviews.com

-- Memoir Essence Furniture, info@memoir.pt, www.memoir.pt

-- Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 800-789-5401, www.mgbwhome.com

-- Roche Bobois, 212-889-0700, www.roche-bobois.com

-- Seletti, 646-484-5606, www.selettinorthamerica.com

-- SHO Modern, 949-643-1000, www.shinebysho.com

-- West Elm, 888-922-4119, www.westelm.com

-- Zuo Modern, 866-7-ZUOMOD, www.zuomod.com