The Future Of Homemaking

By Maryanne Murray Buechner

Thousands of products ranging from the practical (bread knife) to the silly (shower squeegee) to the absurdly expensive (a $4,200 espresso machine) are featured this week at the 2005 International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago. Some highlights:

AUDIOSLAVE

Furniture has become part of a home entertainment system before, but not with such style. The LumiSource Boom Chair has built-in speakers and connects directly to your sound source. "Vibration mode" lets you feel the music. $240; due this spring.

THIS ISN'T A CHEW TOY

Nellie's Dryerballs separate clothes as they tumble, so they dry faster and with fewer wrinkles. $20 for a set of two, choice of regular or delicate; fall.

PULP FRICTION

Pulverize, liquefy and otherwise manipulate a wide range of food and drink with the Salton Kitchen Trio. The three-in-one appliance serves as juicer, blender and grinder, depending on the attachment. $50; August.

TEA TIME

The IngenuiTea offers a tidy way to brew and serve loose-leaf tea. Rest the teapot on the rim of your mug, and filtered tea pours in through a valve. It's microwave safe--just don't nuke the leaves. $15 or $19; adagio.com.

HOVERCRAFT

HOVERCRAFT

Traditionally, canister-style vacuum cleaners have been, well, a drag. But the Airider is designed to push itself 1/8 in. off the floor. You'll barely notice it floating behind you while you're sucking cat hair out of your carpet. $399; May; airider.co.uk.

A CLEAN SWEEP

The Flex Neck Broom is made of lightweight aluminum with a rubber piece that lets you bend the head at various angles. $16; casabella.com.

SITTIN PRETTY?

Polyresin toilet seats from ATH Import dress up the commode with butterflies, fish and other decorative 3-D scenes. It's your money. $60; May.

SIDEWAYS MADE SIMPLE

Wish you had easier access to your pinot? Fit the Icon Ratchet Action Corkscrew from Prodyne over the top of a wine bottle and twist. Once the corkscrew's "worm" (spiral) is fully engaged, two quick and easy cranks of the lever pop the cork right out. $20; spring.

GRAND OPENING

The DiscGo silicone trivet from Chef'n helps open jars too. A magnet pins it to the fridge. $7.99 or $9.99; April. --By Maryanne Murray Buechner