Here’s what’s on my radar after a recent spin (OK, make that trend-seeking triathlon) around the International Home and Housewares Show. Purple royally ruled the runways and furnishing forecasts last season; now it’s trying on housewares. Fav execution? Le Creuset’s enamel cast iron and utensils in Cassis and their Lilac and Violet stoneware counterparts. Aluminum frying pans sporting anchors, Union Jack and bright finishes on their meant-to-be-seen bottoms were swoon-worthy! For the kitchen sophisticate, go for shimmery mineral tones sure to match countertop and tile trends. Two examples: Kitchenaid’s Artisan Series mixer in lush metallic and Farberware’s pots and pans in black and bronze with a hint of glimmer. Wesco’s breadbox and knifeblock in New Silver looked retro-fabulous. Garbage cans got the treatment in prints from The Macbeth Collection; keep an eye out for their new line (we heard The Container Store chain is a fan). Loved their chic prints on shower curtains—even tub mats! On the cleaning scene, I’d like the mini Mint automatic floor cleaner to come dust and mop my hardwood floors. Even germophobes can delight in high design with touch-free paper towel dispensers from Clean Cut and iTouchless. If the person who swiped the Pantone color-sample books (worth hundreds of dollars) from that company’s booth happens to be reading this—please return them immediately, and shame on you.

—Barri Leiner Grant