Real Simple's January issue has us thinking forward with a feature on dream inventions.
There are some great ones on here that we wanted to share, but we also wanted to hear some ideas from AT readers on dream inventions for the home. See our favorites and comment with your own after the jump...
Two of our favorites from Real Simple:
- A treadmill or a stationary bike that transforms that energy into electricity for the home.
- Wall paint that you could change with just a flip of a switch.
Lots of the Real Simple inventions aren't applicable for the home, but we like the question and pose it to you: What are some of your dream inventions for making your home smarter, easier, cleaner, more beautiful?
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hunslet Dinner Plate
A Beginner's Guide to Superb Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy Meals from a Wok
Easy Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Comments (10)
I would like the sink that cleans dishes automatically or the always sunny window since I no longer live in sunny Arizona.
Electrical outlets with on/off switches built in so you can easily switch off appliances that continue to use electricity even when you aren't using them. Would be so much easier (and less clutter) than plugging everything into a power strip or unplugging appliances when not in use.
Molly_DC, Whirlpool makes a dishwasher/sink. I have no idea how well it works.
As for myself, it would be nice to have:
The 5 minute, no-shrink clothes dryer and a similar washer.
The self-cleaning bathroom.
A robot vacuum, with real suction, that works on thick carpet.
A built-in maid.
an alarm clock that gives you a shower, chooses your outfit, puts a cup of coffee in your hand, and THEN wakes you up?
I second karinab's idea. I'd also love an apartment washer/dryer (or just the washer if I have to choose) that would 1) fit in my studio, 2) on wheels so I can hide it in the closet when not using, 3) can hook up to a regular sink faucet 4) affordable for a renter and 5) actually works well and cleans your clothes.
karinab: you can have your whole house wired with a 'kill switch' that will turn off all the outlets you don't need to run when you're asleep or away from home. It would turn off your DVD player & your TV & your toaster, but not your fridge, for instance. Talk to an electrician!
Thanks East16th!
a square frying pan the size of a slice of bread - so you can make a fried egg sandwich and have the egg fill the bread properly!!! - I've been looking for one for years to no avail!
I just saw one last week... cast iron... sandwich-sized... Can't remember the brand. It was in the Gourmet Warehouse, in Vancouver, BC.