As a designer, one of my favorite aspects of new construction or remodeling is doing an electrical walk through with the client, contractor and electrician.
Usually, at this point, the homeowner has become so overwhelmed with all of the various details of their project and they sometimes think there is little to consider where electrical outlets and such are concerned. But boy, are they wrong!
With just a little nectar of consideration of electrical details, your project can go from a “builder grade” look to a well thought out high end aesthetic.
Regarding electrical outlets, you want to hide them as much as you can.
As building codes specify how many outlets are required, they can still be placed in areas less conspicuous. For example, outlets around the room can be placed in the baseboard, as opposed on the wall. You might consider upgrading your baseboard to a taller height to accommodate the outlets.
The baseboard outlet will blend in and won’t contrast to the wall color.
In the bathroom, I like to have a hinge added to the false sink front and have an outlet placed inside the space around the sink bowl. If a shelf can be cut around the bowl and into the space, you have a great place to store your hair dryer and your electric toothbrush, or you can add a drawer that has similar details.
You need plenty of outlets in the kitchen for your various appliances. Yet, most appliances do not need to be plugged in all the time and no one wants to see unsightly cords lying around everywhere.
As far as basic outlets on the perimeter of your kitchen, I try to find an alternative to placing them within the backsplash. The outlets can be very unsightly, especially if you have a decorative tile backsplash. There are a variety of products that allow your outlets to be placed under your wall cabinets, completely out of sight, but right where you need them. Some of these products allow you to add USB ports, cookbook holders and even under counter lighting!
Another unsightly outlet placement is usually on the kitchen island. So many times I see where an electrician cut an outlet into the side of a beautiful wood cabinet!
If you are doing a waterfall counter (where your countertop continues to the floor along the side of your cabinet), you should definitely consider other options. There are a variety of pop up outlets that can be placed on the counter top.
Where light switches are concerned, take a look at the variety of options, especially if your style is more modern.
And use dimmers, especially when you would like to have more control over the amount of light. Dimmers are a designer’s best friend!
