Hidden kitchen outlets - how to have a designer backsplash

© 2020 D. Miko Designs, LLC

There are so many gorgeous options for a kitchen backsplash today. There are so many gorgeous options for a kitchen backsplash today. To have a designer backsplash, hidden kitchen outlets are imperative!

Imagine this scenario:

You’ve spent a lot of time and energy online and in person searching for the perfect look for your well-used kitchen. The designer backsplash is chosen and the contractor is hired. Now you anxiously await installation.

You’re so excited when installation day arrives. You keep your No-Peeking promise (though it’s very difficult to do) and excitedly wait for the job to be finished so you can experience the full reveal as you see on TV.

It’s reveal time! You rush in to see your transformed kitchen in all its designer splendor. And that’s when you notice the white elephant in the room – the electrical outlets and light switches smack dab in the middle of your beautiful new designer backsplash.

It’s my biggest pet peeve!

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Beautiful marble design interrupted.

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Do you agree this pretty blue backsplash would look stunning without the white blobs breaking up the pattern?

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Admittedly, the black looks better (in the photo above), but it’s still too dark for the designer backsplash.

Are you ready for some good news?

Well I have it!

This travesty can be avoided with some pre-planning (that’s where an interior designer can make a marked difference for you). You CAN have hidden kitchen outlets in your designer backsplash.

Let's delve a little deeper.

I have found there are 2 types of kitchen dwellers:

1. The Gadget Gurus – they want their most used small appliances on the countertops for the ultimate convenience

2. The Stylers – they want uncluttered countertops so their kitchen looks clean, styled, and ready for company at any given moment (obviously not during a cooking session)

Solutions for the Gadget Guru

For those who cannot live without small appliances on their countertops, I enjoy the thoughtful placement of the outlets. If you’re renovating or building a new home decide which gadgets you want to showcase on your countertops and have the electrical outlets placed in those spots…and place them low. This way they are covered by the actual gadget and aren’t in your face. It's a win for the hidden kitchen outlets!

If that type of pre-planning is overwhelming to you (and you aren’t working with an interior designer) you can still have your outlets placed inconspicuously.

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Above is a great example of thoughtfully placed outlets. The designer backsplash remains untarnished.

But…let’s say you didn’t think ahead to ask the electrician to move the outlets/light switches or didn’t want to incur the extra expense. You have a couple of options.

Pretty switchplates

These covers can match your hardware to help make your kitchen feel cohesive.

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Faux painting

My favorite solution for this scenario.

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There are 2 light switches and 1 plug shown in the above photo. Can you find them? Such a fantastic job!

Solutions for the Styler

For those, like me, who prefer all those small appliances hidden behind closed doors there are a few different options to achieve the semi-minimalist look.

Under upper cabinets

I had this style of hidden kitchen outlets in my last home and loved it.

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Countertop pop-up

I love this version because it's almost seamless, with no metal surround, just pure countertop.

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Hidden inside cabinet or drawer

This ialways a great solution depending on local building codes.

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© 2022 D. Miko Design

Because we moved the upper drawer higher to accommodate tall stock pots below, our contractor notched out the corner of the drawer to fit the electrical outlet (above). Honestly, we only installed this hidden kitchen outlet to meet the building code, but we have used this plug on occasion.

Island solutions

When there is a beautiful island I don't want to see plugs on the side marring the gorgeous millwork. I love a clever way to hide the electrical outlets. Find similar here.

© 2020 D. Miko Designs, LLC

Yes, that Starbucks coffee is mine...I needed some afternoon caffeine to finish out my day strong.

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Very clever idea here.

I enjoy a sleek, uncluttered backsplash design with hidden electrical outlets and light switches. Take inspiration from these stunning kitchens below...

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How many of these kitchens did you fall in love with? Be honest, now...

If you have plans to build or remodel soon be sure to talk to your contractor and electrician about alternative ways to meet your local building codes and still have a flawless backsplash. If it’s what you really want don’t take No for an answer.

I want to leave you with one more idea.

Click here if you want to see the most amazing appliance garage - just brilliant!