Someone needs to invent a power strip that, in addition to normal AC outlets, has a built-in switched mode power supply to provide DC power for the various devices that would otherwise use wall warts.
You can already buy "universal" AC adapters that allow you to select voltage and come with a variety of barrel connectors. No reason an amped-up (pun intended) version couldn't be incorporated in a power strip.
Hmm you could do this right now. Get a big honking AC-DC supply and put it in the basement/closet. The AC-DC supply would have to put out +5,+12 and possible +19 (that's what my Dell takes) if you wanted it to power laptops too. Run some DC wiring around the home, make custom cables with Sermos connectors for various voltages for all your appliances. Could be a fun project- not sure how much you would really save in the end though.
That's not really doing to work so well due to the impedance of the cabling. The good thing about high voltage is that your resistive losses are much less as the currents are lower (V=IR, after all). That'll also mean that your 5v in the basement might end up being 4.5v or less depending on both the cabling and what was pulling current from it.
Also, the little power bricks are actually pretty efficient - usually at least in the same ballpark as a honking PC supply. For example, I think the little iPhone chargers are 85%+ efficient, and a pretty near zero quiescent current when unloaded.
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