An Electrifying Topic

Do you know what homes in 2020 can never have enough of? Electrical outlets. The number of outlets along the base of walls is generally up to the building codes of your locality (in Texas, wall receptacles need to be placed 6 feet apart). It’s especially important in kitchens where you need a dedicated receptacle for each major appliance and at least 2 outlets above the counter. After those minimums are met, then it’s time to get creative!

In the age of the cellphone and tablet, basically every flat surface needs an outlet near it. That’s why I always include outlets at an island, because everybody needs to recharge something. And yes they can be useful for mixers and other portable appliances, too! But we all know they will mostly be used for laptops, phones and tablets… all the accoutrements of modern life!

In my University project below, I used under cabinet outlets and I love them! They free up so much counter space normally wasted on cord management. You can barely see a sliver of one if you look closely at this photo, and that’s another plus - nothing interrupts the pattern of the tile. Sleek and modern!

Don’t forget outlets inside cabinets, too! A counter-height appliance garage can hide the toaster, the blender, a coffeemaker, you name it!

The same principle applies to bathrooms. Specialty drawer outlets and in-cabinet outlets allow you to keep a tangle of flat iron and hair dryer cords from cluttering up your pretty counters!

If I had my way, every nightstand would have a specialized hidden top drawer power strip with plugs and USB ports, for our Apple watches, phones, and tablets. So practical, I wonder how we ever did without them? And for your home offices and walk-in closets, don’t skimp on outlets with USB ports. We add more and more gadgets every day! Speakers, headphones, even portable lighting can all run off USB ports!

Last, I always recommend to clients that I work with their architect as the home is being designed so we can consult together on things like the electrical and lighting plan. Why? Well if the furniture plan dictates that conversation areas float within a larger room, how are you going to get lighting to that area? Run a cord 10 feet from the wall? I need to plan for floor inset outlets, so they are under a sofa or chair. We can’t have wires running all over, even under a carpet, as it’s a huge hazard!

I hope you found today’s post to be suitably electrifying! Let me know in the comments what great ideas you have for the home. And for other fun home facts and specifications, please visit my Good to Know Pinterest board.

Warmly,

Beth