"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," wrote science-fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. Furniture and product designers are increasingly realizing that they too can harness the world of technology with increasingly magical results. Forward-thinking pioneers are looking beyond what’s been done in the past in favor of dreaming up what may be possible. To make those fantasies a reality, they’re relying on high-tech solutions. The next few pages will turn you on to furniture, appliances, and accessories that you soon won’t be able to live without. Why shouldn’t you be able to push a button on a remote control and reveal a television screen in the panel of a wardrobe? And don’t all refrigerators call you when you leave the door open? No, but we’ll show you one that does. As the following items reveal, technology can make our lives better, easier, and more stylish.
Presotto Italia’s Dama TV Wardrobe holds more than just clothes. The system, available exclusively on the West Coast through LA Closet Design, is equipped with an integrated HD-ready 32-inch LCD television. Prices start at $36,000. 310.289.1311, www.laclosetdesign.com
In the Bedroom
1. As a tour designer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Grier Govorko has become used to spending half the year sleeping in hotel rooms. He designed the Somnus Neu, with a futuristic frame housing dual touchscreens that act as televisions, Internet portals, and control panels: Motorized aluminum-mesh privacy curtains, a drop-down video screen, LED lights, and a stereo system—complete with an audio compression driver under the mattress—are activated with the touch of a button. 2010 target release date. 310.928.3967, www.somnus-neu.com
2. Karim Rashid’s Sphere bed for Hollandia International features an encapsulating frame (available in over 250 colors and fabrics), a 32-inch flat-screen television, LED lights, and a champagne holder, to keep celebrations close at hand. $50,000 for a queen. 888.432.2337, www.hollandiainternational.com
Transformer
Designed as a multipurpose solution for small spaces, the Poppi Theatre functions as a sleeping and media unit in one. A twin bed folds up beneath a single shelf, while a panel equipped to mount a flat-screen television slides to reveal storage shelves. Created by Italian designer Pier Colombo for Clei and offered through Resource Furniture in New York, the system (as shown) sells for $7,350. 212.753.2039, www.resourcefurniture.com
Cooking Light
1. Finley Design’s wine cellar centers around an onyx island that glows with 1,200 integrated LEDs. 858.531.0705, www.amyfinleydesign.com
2. Miele’s modular Independence Series includes the KWT 1601 Vi wine storage unit ($7,295) and the K 1801 Vi refrigerator ($5,995), which will alert Miele to call you if service is required, or even if you simply leave the door open. 800.843.7231, www.miele.com
Stay Tuned
1. Studio Becker’s Smart Drawer requires only a light nudge on the drawer face to signal an electric engine to slide it open or closed. Prices start at $1,750. 510.865.1616, www.studiobecker.com
2. Snap a picture of anything with your iPhone and use the ben Color Capture application to find the hue within Benjamin Moore’s over 3,300 paint options. The app is free; a gallon of low-VOC Aura paint to get you started runs $56.99. 800.672.4686, www.benjaminmoore.com (for the app, visit www.apple.com)
3. Listen to thousands of radio stations worldwide with flawless reception on Tivoli’s NetWorks Global Audio System. The stereo unit, which includes one radio and one speaker, connects to the Internet wirelessly or by Ethernet, no computer required. $749.99 per unit (as shown, from the Textures collection). 866.848.6544, www.tivoliaudio.com
White Hot
Sheathed in snowy napa leather, Leica’s new M8 White Edition is sure to quicken the pulse of the brand’s loyal following. Each camera will be paired with a Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 anodized silver lens. If you’re interested in procuring one for yourself, you’d better hurry: Only 275 cameras will be made, and they’ll be gone in a flash. $9,995. 800.222.0118, www.leica-camera.com
Surround Sound
Natuzzi’s Sound chair is a must-have for any music fan. The ample seat propped on a swivel base invites lounging, while a plug compatible with any MP3 player lets you choose your own soundtrack. Integrated speakers, concealed behind perforated leather on both sides of the headrest, eliminate the need for headphones. Prices start at $3,097. 800.262.9063, us.natuzzi.com