Finding a creative designer can help you with both function and fashion when it comes to providing power where you need it in your newly remodeled kitchen or bath. Local building codes say we have to have so many outlets every so often. And switches are just a necessity of life. So what do we do about them when it comes to hiding them or at least minimizing the impact they have on our kitchen or bath design? You don't have to ruin a perfectly good backsplash by placing white outlets and switches right in the middle of a beautiful tile pattern. Here are some ideas on how to work them into your design.
Put them in a secret compartment. You can hide an outlet behind a little trap door. When you need the plug, just open the door and plug in the appliance. This is especially handy on an island.
Any good wallpaper hanger should be able to cover a plate cover in the wallcovering so it simply goes away in the pattern.
Group outlets and plugs to minimize the busy-ness. Placing outlets and switches in groups serves dual purposes. First, it can put the proper amount of outlets where you need them most. Why put a random plug somewhere it might never be used? Also, as in this case, the size and placement can be part of the design. By grouping these services in three, the plate cover is nearly the same size as the glass tiles in this backsplash. It's a nice little trick to keep in mind.
Work the outlet into the design. Outlets and switches in their standard locations would detract from the look of this vintage-style bathroom. By turning the outlet to the horizontal position, the tile setter was able to work it seemlessly into the tile pattern. It melds into the tile rather than sticking out like sore thumb.
In a kitchen, moving the outlets to a lower, horizontal position helps keep them out of the design-critical parts of the backsplash. And because you won't have long cords snaking up to a higher plug, they'll be mostly out of sight when in use.
Specify a special plate cover to match other design elements. My mom always said, "If you can't fix it, feature it." That is the exact sentiment behind the decision to use sleek stainless-steel plate covers for the switches and outlets in this contemporary kitchen.
Mirrored plate covers make these outlets almost disappear.
Tuck the outlets under the cabinets. If it is really important for you to not see any outlets in the backsplash, then consider running a plug strip behind the under-cabinet lights. This removes the unsightly plugs completely.
This picture shows the true value of the under-cabinet outlet location. Any plug or switch in the middle of this gorgeous mosaic tile would just ruin the pattern and take away from the overall design.
What are some creative ways in which you've hidden plugs or outlets?
