[Project Page via The Design Blog]

Microsoft:

In addition to Microsoft technology we are already familiar with like Surface, Home Server, Vista, the Zune , Xbox 360 and the like (the home of the future is still running the 360?), there are a number of future technologies installed in the home that were inspired by innovations from their prototyping lab:

•Magic Mirror: A mirror projects different clothes, accessories and hairstyles onto each family member’s image when they stand before it. The clothes not only morph to the contours of the body, but also sway as the person in front of the mirror moves.

•Kitchen of Your Dreams: The kitchen recognizes ingredients as a family member sets them on the counter, suggesting recipes for those items and providing instructions once a recipe is selected.

•Story Time: Visit the child’s room to be transported to Neverland. Read “Peter Pan” aloud to absorb a full multimedia experience, as cues in the story set off lights, sounds, colors and video.

HP:

In the kitchen, HP has their TouchSmart PC keeping things organized and the iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger is available to make calls. In the living room the aforementioned iPAQ is connected to the Surface table to transfer and display photos. They can also be transferred wirelessly to any number of HP digital photo frames in the house as well as to the MediaSmart TV.

As for Life|ware, they provided much of the RFID technology and media center solutions that tied all of the technology together.

To get the full scoop on the home of the semi-present, hit the following press releases. [HP and Microsoft and Life|ware and Disney via Hemagazine]

Technically, you could build Lego furniture using actual Lego bricks, but a far less time consuming method would be to do the job with these giant LunaBlocks. Like traditional Legos, these blocks come in a variety of colors and configurations—all you need to finish a project is some glass, a pillow or cushion, some creativity and loads and loads of disposable income. Unfortunately, each one of these bricks will set you back $20-$55, which could make your dream of turning your pad into a mini Legoland quite costly. [Homology via DVICE via Likecool]

The Pong Table was a big hit at MOMA's recent Elastic Mind exhibit, but despite its popularity, there is no indication that it will ever go into production. It's probably just as well though. I can only imagine the sort of dinnertime disasters that would take place during a heated contest where flailing arms would send food and drink flying around the room. [MOMA via CubeMe via LikeCool]

Because of their soft glow, Planilum lights only get about as hot as the human body, which means that there is no need for a shade or diffuser. They are also about 90% recyclable because the design is nearly all glass. For these reasons, the Planilum can be integrated into designs that make a break from traditional lighting fixtures. In fact, the plan is to develop furniture and other household objects with these panels to make more functional and attractive lighting solutions. With any luck, we could see products based on this technology sometime within the next few years. [saazs via Inhabitat via OhGizmo]

Obviously, if you were to leave on your actual television during the night, your electricity bill would suffer the consequences. As an alternative, the FakeTV consumes about the same amount of power as a night light and it can be set to automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. I don't know how much truth there is to the notion that burglars are less likely to attack a home with a television on, but if you can't afford an actual alarm system, spending $50 on a FakeTV unit could be an attractive option. [FakeTV via Electronic House via Gearfuse]

However, the features of the new line of Z-Wave door locks are not all positive. Apparently, the locks will not have companion keyfobs or other handheld RF devices for unlocking the door. The reason behind this move is that Schlage wants users to grow accustomed to using devices like their cellphone—but the bottom line is that will probably take an extra step or two to complete whereas waving a keyfob can be more convenient in certain situations—like when your arms are full. At this point, no pricing or release date information has been made available, but expect to pay more than the $150 price tag of their standard electronic lock. [CEpro]

All in all, I love the idea of packing more functionality into everyday objects, but I can't say that I agree with the artist's description of a "discreet," visual experience. There is nothing discreet about my naughty text messages being broadcast to everyone in the room. At any rate, it seems that the WaSnake will remain a concept for the time being. [Newlaunches]

And don't worry—when the cops come, another press of the button will make the whole thing disappear as quickly as it started. If you want to build this system yourself, all you need is $634 in parts and the instructions outlined in the following link. [plasma2002 via MAKE]

[WET via Trendir]

They say that the kitchen is the heart of any home, so that is where we will start. This Circular Kitchen utilizes the same sort of rotating space saving design that you might find in a cabinet or pantry. It only takes up 18 square feet, but it features the storage capacity of 12 cupboards in a conventional kitchen as well as room for essential appliances like a stove (burners above the fridge), dishwasher, sink, and microwave. Prices depend on the configuration, but expect to pay upwards of $6,000 to put one in your home. [Cleverkitchen]

It may only be where you sleep, but everyone wants a big bedroom. However, when space is tight, this is often the first place we think of when looking for a computer workspace. The aptly titled "Bedup" can buy you 30 square feet of extra space by sliding the bed up to the ceiling. Unfortunately, if your ceilings are low, you might be SOL on this one. Available for $4300 or more depending on options. [Bedup via Link]

If you don't consider yourself the owner of an actual "bedroom," maybe we should just talk about your "living space." This is the area where you will spend most of your time and do the majority of your entertaining, so optimizing the space is a must. For this task, there are two similar concept designs that could offer some inspiration for your own projects. The first is the Matroshka living concept that packs an L-shaped sofa, double bed, dinner table, four stools, total seating for 12, a home office workspace, wardrobe and storage in only a 43 square foot area. It is also highly configurable, so you can mess around with the layout on a whim. [Matroshika via Link]

The second and more extreme example of this idea comes in the form of the Casulo apartment in a box. As you can see in the video, the name pretty much says it all. [Project Page via Link ]

Small bathrooms are always a problem—even in some bigger homes. This handy little device transforms your toilet into a sink by using the tank water for hand washing then recycling it for flushing. So, it can be a space saver and an earth saver—if you can get past the inherent grossness, that is. Available for $89-$109. [Sink Positive via Link]

Remember those textbooks I talked about earlier? Maybe you wouldn't have to chuck them after all if you built yourself one of these now-famous stairwell bookcases. If your not much of a reader, you could always utilize it for movies and CDs. [Apartment Therapy via Link]

If you are planning a big dinner party or a holiday get-together, you may need a dining table that is a little bigger than what you might find in the Matroshika and Casulo concepts. This inflatable "Grace Table" designed by Philippe Malouin will give you the surface area you need for guests, but when all is said and done you can store it in a duffel bag. He also demonstrates a chair that doubles as a clothes hanger when not in use. So you can have a sturdy dining table and seating without taking nearly any space. [Philippe Malouin via Treehugger]

If furniture isn't your problem, but clutter is, you may want to invest in some of these Zero Gravity Hangers. Just clip on a remote, your car keys, pens, etc. and hang them from the ceiling. It will keep your tables clutter-free and help you keep tabs on stuff that you don't want to lose. Available for around $28. [Ledindon]

Speaking of clutter, if you tend to be a bit of a pack-rat, much of the junk you collect probably makes its way to the garage or attic. Installing one of these Heavy Lift Garage Elevators can get up to 250lbs stuff out of the way with a simple hand crank. Available for $180. [Skymall]

So, we have hit just about every room in the house, and now its time to take the party outdoors. This BloomFrame concept would actually increase your living space by converting a window into a balcony. Something like this would undoubtedly prove popular in high-rise urban apartment complexes—at least until your fat cousin steps out there, dislodges the window and sends you both plummeting to an untimely death. [Project Page via Link]

Ok, I realize that saving space is an issue for many urban dwellers, but there is something that is just not right about making dinner right next to the place where you scrub your junk. And there is definitely something wrong with making dinner while your freaky twin stares at you bare-assed in the tub. For those reasons and more, I wouldn't expect this idea to hit the market anytime soon.[Philippe Malouin via Likecool]

The bath brings lights, music and vibrations together to create a relaxing atmosphere. Four presets of new age music and soft lighting are included, but if you can only relax with Public Enemy and flashing strobes like me, everything is adjustable and the tub streams songs from your PC or Mac. One thing that threw off my man Mr. G was the vibration of the tub. Vibrating pulses pass through your body, but they sound much more intense than they feel. Fool thought he was getting a massage, but he was just shaken up a bit at best. Either way, it's a nice way to chill out and get clean. But for $13,000, they could at least install a milk fountain! [Kohler]

Thanks to Sam Mindel for the video help!

As mentioned, the Matroshka is only a concept at the moment, but the designers are working hard to make their dream into a reality. If it does ever see the light of day, it could be a big hit with people who live in cramped city apartments. Plus, since it is capable of seating 12, you may actually be able to do a little entertaining. [Matroshka via NOTCOT via Treehugger]

The Fridge is pretty spanky too, no? [Electrolux Design Lab via MoCo Loco]

Its motion control interface lets you control the flow by pointing at what you want, and you can even control the temperature of the water with a nonchalant wave of your hand. In the middle of its selector dial, it shows you the water temperature in a digital readout. This is one fab-looking faucet with its LED-lit edges, but it might be a bit inconvenient to plug the thing in when you're installing it, since it requires a 12-volt DC power supply. It might be worth it to amaze your clean-freak friends. [Born Rich]

Like most nightlights, this one has a swivel base, but it's not just made of some cheap plastic—it's crafted out of fine ceramic and uses a seven-watt bulb. Best of all, it's priced about the same as the jar of decent popskull, $13. Yeah, we know about stuff like that. After all, not all your humble Gizmodian narrators are fancy-schmancy New York dwellers, that's for sure. [Uberreview]

The only drawback we saw was the inability to have two or three of these switches together in a dual-gang or triple-gang arrangement, a common configuration around here. Some of us wished the conductive-fabric switching part was available in more than just that gray color, but the rest of us thought the whole concept was way cool. Big thumbs up! [International Fashion Machines]

If you don't mind that your wall might look like a miniature car just drove into it from the outside, these 20-inch-wide bookshelves might be just for you. They're 6 1/2 inches deep, just about right for smaller books, but we're not sure about how detailed they are. I mean, how perfect can they look for $69.95 each? [What On Earth]

There are no controls to accelerate or brake, so it's either one of those kiddie conveyances the little tykes will push along themselves, or it's a robotic vacuum cleaner like a Roomba. But if its battery lasts about like a Dustbuster's, the kid's not going be vacuuming for much longer than five minutes. Cute idea, though. – Charlie White

Rideable Vacuum Cleaner by Kristina Andersson [Yanko Design]

This goofy looking attachment might come in handy for men with profound aiming problems, or maybe guys with prostate trouble that causes them to spray rather than stream. The company also recommends the Gold Man for the occasional barfing session you may encounter, keeping your head out of the loo and perhaps avoiding an unintentional swirly.

Hey, wait a minute here.

You still have to clean the Gold Man, don't you? Its makers recommend using a shower spray to rinse it off after each use. Huh? Just spray it in the shower, and you're golden? That's going to be a lot of trouble; it would probably be easier to clean your bathroom after each use, or just pee in the shower. Forget this bullshit. Get a real urinal—we recommend the Kohler Bardon Touchless. – Charlie White

Product Page [Neorex Oy]

He must be related to that poor son of a bitch doing time as the Voodoo Knife Holder. – Charlie White

Product Page [The Wireless Catalog, via Boing Boing]

It's about time somebody improved the ironing board, and it was designer Tony Zakrajsek who finally stepped up. Two more pics and some pithy ironing commentary that could get you laid, after the jump.

For some reason, the lowly ironing board's design has stayed the same, but were we ever satisfied with its rickety and squawking design? How unpleasant does a household tool need to be before it's finally redesigned? I mean, is that ear-splitting noise that it makes when you open it—sending shivers down your spine with its metal-grating, hollow howl—somehow acceptable? And then there's that primitive latch/release mechanism, probably designed in medieval times to release a rock thrown at a castle with a catapult. WTF?

So thanks, Tony, for putting together this swank design, looking like a cross between a running shoe, an R/C airplane, a glass carrier and a skateboard. It's sure to get lots of ironing done, that is, if any brave soul sees fit to step up and actually manufacture it. iRoningBoard, anyone?

And guys, get familiar with the ironing board and its associated arts. After all, I once heard a woman who spotted a certain man at work with an iron describe the sight as the sexiest thing she had ever seen, with immediate rewards bestowed upon that lucky recipient. Male ironing, FTW. Whatever works. – Charlie White

Liika, Ironing Board with Suction Cups [Yanko Design]

I may not have any lady parts, but that looks like it would hurt. $70. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Shiny Shiny]

It's a great idea, but you'd better make sure you have those keys in your pocket before you turn that lock. There might be one small catch, though.

Oftentimes the key for the deadbolt is the same one as the lock on the doorknob, so changing the existing lock over to this $45 deadbolt would then require a separate key, eliminating some of that convenience. Maybe there would be a way to match up the keys, so the same one could be used on both locks.

That said, all deadbolts should be made this way. – Charlie White

Turner Keyless Locking Deadbolt [The Uber Review]

This seems like a good idea, but the dog may not much care what your messages are when he triggers playback by merely prancing into the room. It's available in Europe so far for €19.90 ($26.69), but we're hoping someone in the United States takes this idea and perfects it, giving you longer than 10 seconds to record your message, adding a sensitivity control to reduce false alarms and making its battery rechargeable. – Charlie White

Product Page [getDigital, via Coolest Gadgets]

Pretty interesting choice, seeing as these robots are designed to help seniors with household chores as they grow older and become unable to care for themselves. As Japan's population shifts to the late life, researchers are picking up the pace and developing robots to care for them when they retire. Perhaps when you think about it, designing a robot that looks like it can fight may be useful if they ever need to add security and self defense functions later. Not so great for the "companion" functions though. – Jason Chen

Japan mixes robotics with tea time [Yahoo News via Spluch]

Sure, there are single whistling keychain devices, but this maxi-model with its four satellites can cover even the most forgetful dolt. This looks like an Asia-only item for now, but with all the forgetful people stateside, it could be a sales bonanza here. For god's sake, bring it here now. – Charlie White

Japan revolutionizes the whistling keychain [Akihabara News]

Now if they could just put a small power outlet for charging up your cellphone inside that mini-bin, it would be the ultimate in convenience. Unfortunately, this looks like just a concept—we're not seeing any place to buy these yet. Someone, manufacture these for sale already. – Charlie White

Designer's Page [Luca Nichetto, via Spluch]

If you thought Japanese toilets were already the stuff of legend, then think again and check out Matsushita's latest work of art — the designer-made, self-cleaning, near-silent, iPod-loving audio crapper.

The Naoto Fukazawa-designed CH1001M will set you back ¥388,500 (US$3,253) but it's clearly worth twice that. For starters, what other bathroom appliance is made of space-age acrylics that repel shit so effectively they need to be cleaned only every three months?

Then there's the 60-micrometer soap bubbles that sweep away every last molecule of goo, or consider the built-in lighting for sleepy-head peeing comfort. Perhaps the onboard repertoire of music and nature sounds floats your boat? Failing that, the presence of an audio-in jack for connecting your favored MP3 player surely makes you reach for the Amex. You know you want it. – Jonny Hiratsuka

Self-cleaning toilet [Kaden Watch]

Product page [Bim Bam Banana, via popgadget]