I was going to get plugmold, but my electrician balked because it is more of a PITA to install. Yes, I know that people on this forum always recommend to stand up for what you want with your contractor, and make the contractor do those PITA things, but actually, I wasn't so sure I really wanted it. So he pushed me around, and I guess I let him! And I did feel I would not like the dangling cords. So I had initially put plugmold on my Scope of Work, but actually have not minded not having it, although others' pics of their plugmold look really cool. Also, I could not have done an install of a receptacle the way Bluekitobsessed's photo shows. My electrician insisted on the 4" height above the counters. The receptacles are still low enough to be hidden behind things like the tea kettle and coffee pot, so I am happy with how it turned out. I recommend that the OP should check into what is Code in his/her area so as to be prepared when talking to the electrician. My undercabinet light switch is, however, in the middle of the backsplash. It's not so bad. I don't even notice it. I don't have a switch for the disposal because I have a batch feed style disposal which does not need a switch. Since this is Bellcrest's first time posting, I feel compelled to say that you will sometimes get one unhelpful post among a whole bunch of nice ones, and don't worry about it. Please don't be turned off to this Forum by Sombreuil Mongrel's sarcasm. We are really a nice bunch here! Most of us have either been through the arduous reno process or are currently going through it, and sometimes this Forum is the only place we can turn to where people will relate and empathize (versus DH's or other family members who are tired of hearing these questions, sigh). Keep your questions coming!

I can't imagine that would be ideal anyway since you have a lot of moisture on most countertops - if not in the actual prep/cooking process, at the very least during clean up when you are wiping off the counter. I don't think that's a good idea at all, even if it would be allowable per code. That being said, this photo from Houzz shows a way that might work if you wanted something mounted low and would be particularly helpful if you don't have upper cabinets to hide it under. Still, I think it's significantly more visible (and not terribly attractive) done this way than hiding it under the upper cabinets. You would need to do custom cabinets AND you need to plan for this during your layout phase...you'll need to talk with the cabinet maker and your electrician to make sure that they are on board and that it's to code. [Contemporary Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Decatur Architects & Designers TerraCotta Properties [Modern Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2105) by San Francisco Architects & Designers Schwartz and Architecture This blends more because the cabinets are white along with the plugmold: [Mediterranean Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2109) by Woodland Interior Designers & Decorators Joyce Hoshall Interiors

Thanks Circuspeanut! I just adore your kitchen. Looks like the kitchen that's my paint-inspiration (Sally Wheat's) uses vertical plates on subway tile as well! See pic below... Also Circuspeanut, you've just inspired me to possibly do my outlet/light switch plates in nickel! :) I've been wondering whether or not to do a nickel color or a white color, because my backsplash will be mostly white subway tile (the white calacatta marble subway). I was worried the plates should match the backsplash to avoid looking too busy and take away from the tile...and was also concerned that with having a stainless counter, faucet and polished nickel bin pulls/latches, nickel plates might be overkill. But your copper counter w/ copper outlet plates - and non-matching tile - is really pretty. Love it. Hmmm... my countertop will be stainless, my faucet is polished stainless (not chrome, not nickel), but they don't make stainless switch plates. So what will match better - brushed or polished nickel?! :-p As for considering having my plates be white, they don't make plastic plates for the push-button style. However, they do make porcelain white plates (as well as other great colors, FYI everyone) which is another thing I could consider, only they're a bit chunky and probably from the 1940's period...still kinda cool though. Only those have the outlet plates but not the pushbutton plates. But hey - I just found white painted metal ones!: http://www.kilianhardware.com/swreplinwhpa.html Here's that Sally Wheat kitchen (for the thousandth time):

I am not a fan of plugmold. They are a PITA to use because you can't really see the plugs easily so you have to bend around/down to see them. We have them all over where we work. I find them quite annoying. Others on GW seem to like them. If you leave an appliance plugged in on the counter, as my toaster oven is, and the plug mold is under cabinet, then you actually cannot hide the electric cord.... There are pluses and minuses to all of these options. Even though they can be beautiful, kitchens are utilitarian places and outlets are expected. I would put them in standard places rather than too high. If you use up the electrical cord by being up too high, then you can't drag the appliances to where you need it, ie to the stove top for emersion mixer, under the venthood for waffle maker. Some appliances have rather short cords. My husband places the waffle maker under the venthood on a cookie sheet. There is a huge amount of steam that arises from the waffle maker when waffles are made. Most importantly, check with your code. You don't want to have to tear out the wall after your inspector tells you that you don't pass.... Lutron outlet/switch covers do not show screws. They come in many colors as mentioned above. http://www.lutron.com/RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL-SOLUTIONS/RESIDENTIAL-SOLUTIONS/COLORSTYLEFABRICS/Pages/Color.aspx My designer told me that she has customers that have spare panels made for their island. After they pass inspection, they cover the "outlet" with the spare panel so they don't have to look at the outlets. Yeesh!