Abstract: A graphical user interface provides access to communications and other applications in a home environment by utilizing icons that are consistent with a refrigerator/magnet metaphor. A background is displayed on a touch screen, and one or more virtual magnets are displayed on the background. The virtual magnets may be dragged to new locations by a user. Tapping on a virtual magnet activates a corresponding application. The virtual magnets can further exhibit magnetic properties, such as alternatively repelling or attracting one another. When an application is activated, an application window is made to appear on the background, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper. The corresponding virtual magnet can be made to appear to be affixing the sheet of paper to the background, thereby reinforcing the refrigerator/magnet metaphor.