Design and decorating can be fun and rewarding. However, there are some technical details that can assist with the aesthetic of your space. Details such as electricity.
Let’s first discuss the electrical outlet. I love doing an electrical walk-through with a client. Whether building or remodeling, it is important to consider your lifestyle and furniture placement when deciding where to place outlets. Floor outlets are very important in a living room. How many times have you tripped over electrical wires and extension cords? If you place a floor outlet under your sofa, you can easily run lamp cords under the sofa. Maybe you wish to light up holiday decor on a sofa table behind your couch or sectional. This handy outlet makes it so easy. Consider how far forward and how far backward you would ever place your heavy upholstery and then place the floor outlet right in the middle of both scenarios.
Some wall outlets can look unsightly. I like to place an outlet within the baseboards. They tend to disappear more than looking like a postage stamp on the drywall.
In the bathroom, I like to add an electrical outlet inside a drawer or flip down cabinet panel. A wall outlet can look common and ordinary. And if you have a tile backsplash, an outlet can ruin the whole effect. And I dislike cutting a hole in the side of a cabinet to place an unsightly outlet.
The same in the kitchen. I like to use under cabinet lighting. Backsplashes, whether in tile or full natural stone, can really lose it’s impact when outlets are cut into the surface. And again, before placing an outlet on the side of an island cabinet, consider pop up outlets in the counter. They meet code and are really cool looking!
The most obvious electrical design element is lamp lighting. Whether a table lamp or floor lamp, you can create a nice ambient space with lamp lighting. More permanent lighting, such as chandeliers, pendants, recessed lights and sconces can add a lot of character to a space and assist with lighting a room.
Rope lighting can run under trim in a room and highlight architectural details.
Motorized chairs have become very popular. I sell a line called Fjords. They come in a variety of styles and leathers. They can swivel, rock and recline….all at a flip of a button!
Motorized sofas are still being made. I find them becoming popular again.
There are some fun electrical gadgets such as towel warmers, heated tile floors, motorized desks that raise and lower and built in wall vacuum cleaning systems are some of the more recent additions to electrical opportunities.
Always consider your options where electricity is concerned. Modern technology continues to expand into every aspect of home design.
