Clutter seems to be in and out of debate on the boards. But how much would you like and how hard do you think it would be for every item in the game an actual function? For example, using an hour glass to measure time, using a hand scythe to bring in larger yields of alchemical ingredients, or using tongs to actual move something you don't want to touch.

I personally think that it wouldn't be too hard to make clutter have a purpose. The amount of clutter in Oblivion, indicated at http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Miscellaneous_Items, doesn't seem to be too terribly much. And a lot, like bowls or cups, would have a similar if not the exact same function.

I would like for bowls to be like books, in that you have to use them then decide to pick them up. Perhaps you can select them and then it opens up your food inventory and you can place food items in them, so you don't have to manually drop things in and the game places them for you. Would make decorating houses easier. Also on that note, perhaps the same thing with bookshelves? Make it easier for me to create my own library!

And we should be able to paint with paintbrushes, instead of using them as stairs to heaven.

All for this idea.

we should be able to pour beer on npcs

Ooh, now that does sound like a fun feature. If we've learned anything from the history of gaming it is that when given the resources and method to be free and creative, players can create truly amazing things.

Even a simple paint system no more complicated than a reproduction of the paint brush from MS paint would add a ton of depth to a player's actions.

Exactly. I can't see how implementing a MS paint style system would be difficult. And imagine the possibilities for PC users. I'd be envious, as I play on Xbox.
Also...Import your own images from your hard drive? Although that could get dirty fast.... (Imagine someone modding there house to look like the Playboy mansion)

Well, nothing will stop players from doing that anyway, hehe. Oblivion's advlt mod section is mind boggling.

I would like the ability to to type/write in blank books and scrolls. This would help make ingame notes to yourself and help with writing AARs as you can just type about what happened right after it happens.

Another reasonable suggestion, though I think it would create a divide between console players and pc players. It's quite reasonable for pc players to have a keyboard, mandatory in fact, but console gamers generally wouldn't be able to make use of that feature.

Xbox Keypad/ Virtual Keypad.
Problem solved.

It always puzzled me how preforming alchemy always generates bottles out of thin air. Would be nice if you'd need empty bottles to create potions. That way empty bottles could be put everywhere so you could just carry a bunch with you for homemade potions.

It would be sick if you could make better or more potions depending on the vial size too. Like you can buy cheap little vials for 3 gold a pop that can't make a lot of potion or you can put it in a flask for multiple uses.

If alchemy were made a good bit stronger then that would be a fun idea. Potions and poisons would have a lot more of an impact, but must be used carefully.

Way to make (almost) every clutter item useful: Make them throwable (damage as a function of strength and mass, unless there's a skill involved). This gives melee character some backup ranged weapons to use (assuming no crossbows). There could even be a magic spell to increase the damage of these items (think Gambit from x-men), if they want to next-genify it.