Electrical Outlets
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.
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.
Linda Burnside came up with a cool solution for this built-in cabinet. She added an outlet to the wall, then used a pigtail cord that runs through the unit and into this drawer for charging phones and iPads. If you already have an outlet located behind a cabinet like this, setting this up would cost about $50. Hiring an electrician to install an outlet might run another $100.
In the kitchen there are countless solutions. Here a plug mold blends seamlessly into the space under the cabinets to keep the backsplash free of unsightly outlets. The downside, says Erik Holmberg of Windward Electric, is that plug molds are difficult to work with and you have to hire a skilled tradesperson.
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.
Q