Have you ever come across a kitchen whereby the backsplash tile is cut crooked by the electrical outlet plates? Not only is this appalling, but it can be very annoying…like that crooked picture frame which cannot be straightened. Further, this problem is compounded by the fact that it can become almost impossible to match the swift plates and the plastic electric outlets to the colors and specific tiles. This is why hiding those wires is essential to streamlining your kitchen.
Leaving them exposed is simply not an option since building codes require that they be at certain distances.
This is because the outlets are designed in such a manner that they are able to limit the flow of electricity once they detect an unusual amount of current passing through them- an indication that electricity is attempting to ground via water, a human or other close by object other than the wires present. Consequently, these switches will have the “test and reset” buttons which not only make them feature prominently in the kitchen, but will also make them less appealing on your kitchen surfaces.
Therefore, to be able to integrate the electrical outlets into your kitchen design, you should try out the tips below.
Installing them along the upper-cabinetry line
This happens to be one of the most popular and easiest ways to streamline the electrical strips of the outlets along the upper cabinetry line which will make them only visible when someone bends down to view them.
Since there are certain power strips which are designed to do this- coming in various finishes- and having the capacity to be mounted parallel to the under cabinet lighting, you can always go for this option. Additionally, it is possible for your cords to run behind the countertop appliances ensuring they are out of sight and minimizing the chances of them getting splashed, splattered or tangled up.
Low and horizontal
If your house happens to have a countertop space which does not have an upper cabinet on top of it, you can opt to place the outlets slightly lower than usual and horizontally along the very beginning of the backsplash tile. When coupled with matching plates, the outlets will disappear.
Use a charging station
Usually, those things which are plugged to the outlets are the ones which make these outlets more prominent. For instance, the outlet used by your juicer is hidden by the juicer, whereas the outlet used by your tablet or smart phone resembles a tiny kitchen pest with numerous tentacles.
You can remove this appalling sight by converting your cabinet or drawer into a charging station with the outlets hidden behind the cabinet or drawer. This will then reduce all the kitchen clutter. Alternatively, if you have enough space, you can expand it to include a bona-fide message section into your kitchen design.
Adding a breakfast nook
Otherwise known as a coffee bar, the breakfast nook can help you mask an outlet or two. Once you incorporate these up to the end of the counter and possibly the peninsula, you can kill two birds with one stone- hiding the outlets and removing the countertop clutter. Usually, these sections should be kept clear to ensure that your early coffee routine is kept tidy and neat.
Under the island counter overhangs
Another space where the building convenience and codes require electrical outlets to be is in your island. If you occasionally happen to use accessory appliances on your island counter, you can opt to place a hidden power strip underneath your counter overhang.
By using the above tips to streamline your electrical outlets, you can ensure that once you’re done with your kitchen remodel in Los Angeles, you will no longer see the infuriating clutter and loose hanging wires in your kitchen.