Some summer, right? So here comes fall, back to school (for some physically, others virtually), with all the seasonal changes. The aroma of pumpkin bread may bump that of banana bread. The air may feel a little crisper. Daylight patterns are shifting. So are the palettes in home goods -- ahead of the tree leaves, which eventually will show off brilliant red, vivid yellow and blazing orange hues.

It's a good time for a little color of your own -- in home decor. From tableware, bedding and pillows to small tables, chairs and sofas, there are plenty of options for adding a little pop in solid hues or patterns. Even a tiny change of scenery is so welcome, especially for those who are still working from home.

Consider a feature wall. One bold wallcovering can bring an edge to a room. Add some life -- literally -- with plants. Besides the smallish containers with grow lights for kitchen counters, one company -- Rise Gardens --manufactures etagere-like furniture that houses an entire indoor garden. It's done hydroponically, so not a lot of watering involved. They'll get you started with seed packs for herbs and vegetables, and an app tells you when to refill water and nutrients.

There's no design map for stepping things up with your decor. Just buy what speaks to you. A single addition can be huge!

Where to start? Take a holistic approach. If the idea of some kind of pattern appeals, break away from neutrality on the walls or on the floor. Yes, you can totally go small with accent pillows. But maybe you're in the mood for something more dramatic.

The style trends for wallcoverings and rugs actually parallel one another, with geometrics leading the way. What's appealing about geometric shapes is that they can be paired effortlessly with other patterns, such as florals, for balance. A modern pattern also is a foil for more traditional looks. And geometrics can be subtle or electric, depending on the color scheme.

A new pattern from York Wallcoverings, for example, takes on a very different look in a bright navy on gray, rather than a subtler white on gray. It's especially striking as a backdrop to solid browns -- in a brown channeled leather sofa and a rustic wood coffee table.

Digital printing, of course, has revolutionized imagery for the wall. One floral design from Tempaper, a company that manufacturers removable wallcoverings, depicts a series of exploded dahlia blossoms with an amazing fidelity to form and color. Imagine a blooming garden -- for as long as you care to enjoy it. The paper can be pulled easily if you want to move into something silvery and ethereal.

Bold floral motifs in bath towels are more common in Europe, where lush and textural patterned towels in a range of on-trend colors are more available. A pretty new offering at Anthropologie features an allover retro-flower print on a textural towel in salmon and dark berry hues.

On the floor, sophisticated pattern can read as art. In fact, Danish designer Cecilie Manz approached the pieces of a rug collection for Fritz Hansen in the same way she creates a composition on canvas. Her concepts unfold as collages with paper, before she transforms them into wool weaves that are tufted in different heights. The depth and tactility add to their appeal.

For the most part, Manz presents a toned-down palette, centered by grays and beiges, plus "nuances you would find in nature during autumn/winter or at sea." At the same time, she feels the need for more intense, rich colors. So shades of saffron lend excitement, depth and variation to the wools in geometric blocks of color.

"I love working with colors," Manz says. "It feels almost healthy because it's connected to joy."

Chicagoan Michael Thompson, known for his kite art, also has a deep connection to color. His beautiful compositions, crafted from fabric and bamboo, actually could take flight, but most find themselves on the walls of collectors. One of his latest pieces, available at Pagoda Red, employs materials he scooped up during a trip to Japan last year.

"I saw piles and piles of kimonos," says Thompson. "I couldn't look through them anymore." Once he got them home, he cut them up, stashed them in bins, then started constructing his pieces.

"The layout is like a collage," he says, "balancing, with color relationships, spatial things, overall designs. There's some narrative, with a background, foreground, garden. Sometimes it's purely abstract."

So much of what is resonating today in home design is artisanal, often based in ancient crafts. A new collection of small plates at Anthropologie is reminiscent of shibori textiles. Crafted in porcelain, the glaze mimics the dazzling effects found in Japanese hand-dyed fabric, and the bold designs are a wow for the table.

At CB2, a collection of pillows by jewelry artist Jennifer Fisher features tie-dyeing for moody effects. Also at CB2, a mottled iridescence is celebrated in the medium of glass. A shapely couple, which also could double for dessert serves, is finished in the style of vintage lusterware.

A new quilt at Anthropologie not only brilliantly shows off autumnal tones, its all-by-hand work features artisanal dyeing, stitching and appliqued patchwork, with the final touch of kantha stitchery.

Dawn Sweitzer has revived the art of eglomise -- reverse painted glass -- with her company Notre Monde, which in January merged with Belgian furniture manufacturer Ethnicraft. Tables and trays are breathtaking, some with swirling colors, and others with pinpoint geometry. Two new patterns, launching in September, display a very precise geometry in concentric squares of different scales, displayed in a perfectly seasonal pumpkin and grayed beige.

Complementing those popular clay tones is a range of rich green, saffron and purple, colors which have for the last year or so transcended the season. As WFH (work from home) and Zoom have become more ingrained, more and more people are seeking desks and office chairs.

For some, it means having a little fun with something small scale but with a ton of style. A desk currently on sale on the Anthropologie website, for example, is a black-and-white optical inlay in bone, with a teal painted drawer, shown with a bright yellow velvet office chair.

For spare form with plenty of style, an asymmetrical desk from Ligne Roset, introduced in 2013, is every bit as cool today. Its simple pairing of natural oak with a cantilevered, angled, lacquered surface in yellow is a knockout.

Upholstered beds have been on trend for some time, and one of the prettiest we've seen is from Roche Bobois. The ochre envelope has some texture -- exaggerated in the headboard with an extraordinary fine quilting.

Tactility boosts the warmth and sensuality of a room. That's one reason leather and velvet are so appealing. Dressmaker details highlight a tufted sofa from Poltrona Frau, shown off in a fetching shade of rich plum called Ume. The piece was introduced in 1912, the year the company was launched in Turin, Italy. The brand, which has never taken its color cues from fashion or current trends, recently introduced a concept called Color Spheres. Colorist Giulio Ridolfo has updated a range of colors from seven families and 14 subgroups (73 colors in all), all cohabiting harmoniously.

One of the more versatile and fun introductions is from Marrimor, which bills its products as "nice things for nonconformists." It cleverly combines the function of a pouf or ottoman with that of a table, which is labelled "toof." A powder-coated metal piece overlaying the mohair velvet pouf pulls out when needed.

There are some unexpected applications of velvet, as well. A bar from Anthropologie is clad in velvet, with a fluting that reads as a tone-on-tone vertical stripe, for extra dimensionality.

Apparently, there's been an uptick in the purchase of booze during the pandemic. So all the more reason to own a proper bar -- if you don't already. Cheers!

Sources

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

-- CB2, 800-606-6252, www.cb2.com

-- Fritz Hansen Store New York, 212-219-3226, www.fritzhansen.com

-- Ligne Roset, 212-375-1036, www.ligne-roset.com

-- Marrimor, 877-778-1770, www.marrimor.com

-- Michael Thompson at Pagoda Red, 888-878-8628, www.pagodared.com

-- Notre Monde, Ethnicraft USA, 336-821-1385, www.notremonde.com

-- Poltrona Frau Group North America, 212-777-7592, www.poltronafrau.com

-- Rise Gardens, 201-849-7138, www.risegardens.com

-- Roche Bobois, 212-799-0090, www.roche-bobois.com

-- Tempaper, 732-920-2654, www.tempaper.com

-- York Wallcoverings, 800-375-9675, www.yorkwallcoverings.com

Most resolutions and goals have gone south since the new year was ushered in. Who could ever have predicted such a global detour?

One thing is certain: Demands on the home have spiked during the pandemic. And more than 100 million Americans have been working remotely, according to Gallup.

While many activities are on hold -- travel, concerts, sporting events -- the more time we're spending at home, the more inspired we are to make changes. We're dreaming more about those spa baths and vacation-inspired outdoor spaces. Remodeling most definitely is on the table for a growing number of Americans. It's all about making spaces more beautiful and more efficient.

According to a survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. homeowners by Houzz, nearly 4 in 5 (79%) are considering major home remodeling and design projects -- and the bath is close to the top of the list.

Along with the pivoting, there's an unexpected twist -- one that surprisingly has to do with cancel culture. In the real estate world, a major conversation affecting the parlance of residential listings is percolating. The "master bedroom" and "master bath" are being canceled. It's about the adjective "master," which is being called out for racial or sexual connotations. So now real estate professionals are struggling with substitutes like "primary" bath. Nothing has stuck, so far.

One thing that won't change is the continuing desire for bath customization, no matter what the size of the room. Many homeowners, especially those who are remodeling, are moving away from cookie-cutter styles. They're opting to show off their personalities with choices of bath fixtures, surfaces, cabinetry, hardware and lighting.

Showers are more bespoke -- tapping into personalizing experiences with multifunction sprays and rain faucets. There are more choices for faucet handles. Brizo's new Kintsu collection even offers custom inlays to match any material, in addition to standard teak, concrete and mother of pearl.

Wellness and smart tech continue to drive some bath selections. The desire for a chill-out ambience is piquing interest in soaking tubs. A new showerhead from Moen offers four different aromatherapy experiences: Tropical Day, Zen Time, Energetic Morning and Sweet Morning. It works much like your Nespresso maker -- pop in a pretty colored capsule and voila! INLY, a French company, makes the recyclable aluminum fragrance capsules, filled with essential oils that offer a range of scent combinations, like lemongrass, neroli and vanilla; lavender, vanilla and tea time; lemon, pine and citrus; and berry, geranium and vanilla.

Freestanding or soaking tubs still dominate the bath landscape. And they continue to evolve. Even classic white is getting a fresh look. Kallista's new Argile collection (pronounced ar-zjeel; it means "clay" in French) adds a raised textural pattern to its sculptural bathtub and vessel sink. The cast stone material has a matte finish called Honed White.

Besides stone, concrete, quartz and resin, metals are making a statement, and these allow a range of alluring shapes. Thompson Traders' new Quintana collection, designed by Kara Cox, mixes lustrous silver and brushed gold.

While integrated sinks are a standard in modern design, vessel sinks are attracting a new audience. Bowls have been extended into more shallow basins, ovals or rectangular, with squared or rounded edges. These are especially suited to the European style of floating cabinetry.

Round shapes -- the bigger the better -- also are emerging as a new favorite in mirror design. Many bath mirrors have integrated LED lighting, some of which can change colors.

Floating vanities or counters have gained traction, not only for the aesthetic but for the practicality in tight or narrow spaces, as well as easier cleaning. They also may include towel bars or racks, but any of these add-ons are done in minimal style that keeps the look light.

Washstands draw interest, especially with more industrial style in stainless steel or blackened steel frames. In Europe, some are finished in powder-coated aluminum in soft blue-green or terra cotta. The sink-on-stand takes on a more glamorous look in polished brass with marble.

Still, there are plenty of options for vanity furniture. Retailers like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn sell vanities as well as faucets and accessories in a wide range of modern and traditional styles. Materials include painted, stained or natural wood to special finishes like textured shagreen (at RH, with white marble top, brass pulls, and brass sabots on feet). These pieces are well-crafted; the cabinet for Ambella Home's Labyrinth vanity easily could stand in an elegant living room.

Pendant lighting has become a popular decorating tool in the bath. Just as it's utilized over an island in the kitchen, pendants now are suspended over vanity countertops. They're often hung in multiples, sometimes in different sizes, at staggered heights and asymmetrically. The style is not limited to modern.

In a traditional bath designed for the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago's Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens, designer Joey Licht suspended a luxe Baccarat crystal pendant to one side of the gray bath cabinet, which was trimmed in gold, to blend with gold plumbing fixtures from Phylrich.

Gold is having a moment -- in faucets, hardware, lighting, towel bars, accessories, even tubs. Touches of gold sparkle in wallcoverings and porcelain tiles.

At the same time, a more relaxed, eclectic approach is affecting the use of metals -- just as in kitchen design. In some instances, manufacturers are mixing up silver with gold, gold with matte black.

Surface materials and finishes also are being mixed, coordinating different stones and tiles. Layering is an especially effective way to create interest. Matte and glossy are coming together, much like a tabletop trend in porcelain dinnerware. As matte black has moved from faucet to sink and tub design, that combination is especially striking.

Choosing a magenta tub requires a fearless decorating attitude. But color and pattern have other avenues -- walls (wallcovering and tile) and floors.

Pattern in the bath couldn't be more intentional, sometimes at the core. Feature walls are gaining traction, largely driven by the diversity of porcelain tile. Italian ceramics trends for 2020 underscore patterns as well as color and surface effects. Many of today's graphic patterns are inspired by terrazzo, rare marbles and semiprecious stones with distinctive markings, striations or exaggerated veining, flora and bold geometrics.

Beyond strong aesthetics, smart tech also is finding its way to the bath, especially because millennials are seeking high-tech function. Faucets that respond to voice or the swipe of a hand, and the touchless approach like that in airports are even more appealing now because of the pandemic. Antibacterial and self-cleaning ceramics are upgrades to toilets, as well as those that combine bidet functions. Imagine: No more toilet paper angst.

Whether you prefer a refreshing rain shower or a long soak in a tub, the bath has become more of a sanctuary than ever before. So it's no surprise that some are splurging on the extras that make it special.

Sources

-- Ambella Home, 877-242-3939, www.ambellahome.com

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

-- Brizo, 877-345-2749, www.brizo.com

-- Delta Faucets, 800-345-3358, www.deltafaucet.com

-- Duravit, 888-387-2848, www.duravit.us

-- EveKare, 224-294-0400, www.evekare.com

-- Fantini USA, 212-308-8833, www.fantiniusa.com

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

-- Pottery Barn, 888-779-5176, www.potterybarn.com

-- RH, 800-762-1005, www.rh.com

-- Scavolini, 212-219-0910, www.scavoliniusa.com

-- ThermaSol, 800-776-0711, www.thermasol.com

-- Thompson Traders, 336-272-3003, www.thompsontraders.com

Sidebar

Creativity in All Corners

At the 2018 installment of Eurocucina, the kitchen and bath show held every other year during Salone del Mobile in Milan, the Italian brand Scavolini debuted an interesting concept for the bath. The idea: a reinterpretation of gymnastics wall bars. The ladderlike wood wall-mounted system incorporates components of bath furnishings -- lights, shelves, storage and mirrors, as well as a framework dedicated to physical exercise.

It seems smart, especially now.

Besides looking at lifestyle for cues, there's also a bit of fun in function for the bath.

In recent years we've seen a lot of options in showerheads and sprays that change up the force of water from drops to gentle rain. Finishes have ranged from chrome to stainless and burnished brass as well as black matte. But last year Delta teased with a new model: one with pattern, which they debuted in a camo version.

In January, at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) in Las Vegas (one of the last trade events that didn't get canceled), Delta wowed with a delightful display of colorful patterned showerheads -- a new way to add personality to the bath.

While hunkering down, trying to stay out of the path of a novel coronavirus, some of us got lost in a maze of puzzles, livestreaming or Netflix binging. No doubt, we found ourselves gazing at our living spaces in a new light. Living there 24/7, we began to examine every stitch of furniture and the art (or lack of) on the walls. The walls! What do we love? What do we hate? What can we change?

OK, blame it on Zoom fatigue. It's inspiring a lot of stuff out of the usual comfort zone. Tie-dying? Check. Becoming a wine expert? Giving it a whirl. Acquiring another language? You've got time until your next trip out of the county. Mastering your barista skills? Oh, you've really been missing Starbucks.

Some are fighting boredom with change. Grabbing a paintbrush and dipping into a different color. Reimaging a room. Installing some shelves. Who even knew you could DIY?

The truth is, even a small improvement or decorative purchase for the home can make you deliriously happy these days.

Here are some ideas, kind of a random mix of what you can tackle -- even a little DIY.

Working from home

Now that many of us have embraced working remotely, we actually may not miss the commute. But we know what we're missing if we've created a makeshift space. Whether or not you create a dedicated home office, some tips are welcome.

New York Designer Daun Curry says that we need to consider comfort, function and livability in order to create a workspace tailored to our needs. Simple furniture is best, but you don't have to sacrifice style. The size of a desk or work table really determines the time spent organizing or rifling through documents and work accoutrements, she says.

"All should be easy to find and within reach," she says. "Think of your work station as a chef's mise en place: a place for everything, and everything in its place. Whether you're a minimalist or maximalist, find what works best for your process -- jars, binders, trays, boxes."

This is especially important if you don't have a dedicated office. So you need to tidy up at the end of the day. A rolling file cart may help.

As for feel-good inspiration, consider the color of the walls. Curry recommends a light, soothing palette, combined, if possible, with an abundance of natural light.

Also, the biophilia trend that has been growing in office design is also applicable at home. It's a refresh of the notion of communing with nature. "Fresh cut flowers -- even wildflowers -- add surprising cheer," she says.

You'll find lots of how-to tips for selecting furniture online. One excellent source is Room and Board (www.roomandboard.com). On the website (and on its blogs) you'll get guidance on finding the perfect ergonomically suitable office chair. Some of its bestselling chairs are from Humanscale, a New York City firm known for simple, functional, sustainable products.

Organize and display

So there's this blank wall in your kitchen. What's the best combination of form and function? A set of floating shelves is one solution. Shelves are handy for stacking plates for everyday use, or for displaying decorative crocks or vessels. And they offer a resting spot for that trailing vine you want to connect with.

Try out a patterned backdrop

You've lived with white or neutral walls. For a long time. You may never have considered wallpaper, but today you can try it out and not fear long-term commitment. Tempaper is the leading manufacturer of removable, environmentally safe and friendly wallpaper. Its eclectic patterns cover a range of styles and colors. You can create a statement wall, line a bookcase or highlight stair risers. The paper will go wherever your imagination takes it.

Bookshelves and more

Floating open bookshelves have been trending for some time. They are an integral part of design in European kitchens, often featured as the most fashion-forward cabinetry. One of the reasons these etagere-like models have been so popular is that they are so versatile, handling basic storage like books. They travel from kitchen to living spaces to bedrooms. Some have staggered shelves, which adds to their graphic punch. Some come in circular shapes; others are asymmetrical. They work well as room dividers.

Serve with style

OK, so you really miss entertaining. But while you're waiting to invite a few friends over for cocktails, why not treat yourself? How long has it been since you bought a serving tray or cheeseboard? There are so many options, which come in a range of materials, including wood and stone. We love the new stoneware serving trays at Jayson Home. The fresh blue and green tones and soft plaid patterns are pretty just sitting on the counter. But they'll handsomely set off that Parmigiano, smoked Gouda and blue cheese.

Swipe left or right

One lesson learned during the pandemic: how to properly wash our hands. For those who are especially skittish about touching surfaces and still can't find Lysol spray anywhere, you might consider a touchless faucet. It makes more sense now than ever before. Many faucet manufacturers have them. Most are modern, simple styles. We especially love them in matte black, like Kohler's Setra design.

Set your table with style

Change it up. Make an effort to set the table, to make it special, even if you're ordering in. There's a gorgeous new collection from Schumacher, designed exclusively for Williams-Sonoma. It includes stoneware made in Portugal, table runners, placemats, napkins, accessories and pillows whose patterns are inspired by textiles.

About that biofilia

Talking to plants was sooo '70s. But the benefits of living with them are well-documented. They are said to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure. And they can help you sleep better because they give off oxygen at night. A vase filled with flowers adds so much life to interiors. Just look at design magazines for some cues. If you fear you don't have a green thumb for plants, try succulents. They don't require much fussing.

Art

Get lost in a dream. It's easier with the backdrop of a beautiful mural. These days, you don't have to hire an artist to paint a stunning landscape. York Wallcoverings is one company that produces gorgeous digitally produced works on linen. It just might be a tranquil water scene framed by lush foliage to transport you. There's even an ethereal cloudlike mural in indigo called Dreamchaser.

Go right round

Round serving platters may corral your favorite go-to herbs on a counter. Or use them to arrange charcuterie, restaurant-style. Cambria loves the shape for its quartz table accessories, and its Lazy Susan takes it up a notch.

Sink into style

Farmhouse sinks have been in vogue for some time. Thompson Traders, a company known for its bespoke hand-hammered kitchen and bath pieces, has launched a new collection with designer Kara Cox. The farmhouse sink pairs nickel with brass in a visually stunning design.

A new face

Replacing cabinets may not be an option. But how about refacing them? The latest laminate options are sophisticated, with stone and wood look-alikes that are most convincing.

Get a grip

Decorative hardware can breathe new life into kitchen and bath cabinets or furniture. Some of the most fetching options today pair black with burnished gold.

Enjoy the season

Summertime, and the living is ... still a little strange. But enjoy it while you can. Cherry motifs embody the season. At Sur la Table, there's a charming collection of dinnerware, serveware and linens printed with scattered cherries teamed with stripes and plaids, some in all-American red, white and blue.

Create a tablescape

Styling a mantel or tablescape is so much about collections. Good retailers do it well. Flamant, a Belgian-owned shop well-known in Paris, gathers a set of white ceramic vessels in varying heights and shapes. And it's magic.

So by all means, check out those mini tutorials or retailer websites or blogs, like how to create container gardens. Or how to style a bar cart. Organization meets aesthetics in the best way. The best part is, you'll have the ingredients to toast your efforts.

Sources

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

-- Cambria, 866-226-2742, www.cambriausa.com

-- Cristina Buckley, info@cristinabuckley.com, www.cristinabuckley.com

-- Daun Curry, 212-480-2593, www.dauncurry.com

-- Ethnicraft, 917-513-0069, www.ethnicraft.com

-- Formica, 800-367-6422, www.formica.com

-- Jayson Home, 800-472-1885, www.jaysonhome.com

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

-- Ornamental Moulding and Millwork, 800-779-1135, www.ornamental.com

-- Schumacher Collection at Williams-Sonoma, 877-812-6235, www.williams-sonoma.com

-- Tempaper, 732-920-2654, www.tempaper.com; some Tempaper products available at West Elm, 888-922-4119, www.westelm.com

-- Terrain, 877-583-7724, www.shopterrain.com

-- Thompson Traders, to the trade, www.thompsontraders.com