I used to think more outlets = better, until I found myself staring at a wall with six unused plugs and wondering what on earth I was planning to power—an espresso machine army? In my last kitchen redo, I got a little carried away after reading too many “future-proof your home” articles. Now, I’ve got a couple of outlets tucked behind the toaster that have never seen action.
Honestly, it’s a balance. I’d say focus on where you actually use appliances. Like, if you’re always plugging in the mixer or air fryer in the same spot, that’s where you want the extra juice. But lining every wall with outlets just because you can? That’s money better spent elsewhere, in my experience. And yeah, the budget brain is real—those little upgrades add up fast. I’d rather have one less outlet and a better faucet any day.
“But lining every wall with outlets just because you can? That’s money better spent elsewhere, in my experience.”
Totally hear you on that. I’ve seen kitchens with outlets every two feet, and honestly, it looks cluttered after a while. I usually suggest mapping out your routine—coffee, prep, baking—and putting outlets *there*. Extra ones just end up gathering dust. Upgrading something you touch every day, like a faucet or good lighting, usually pays off more in the long run.
I get what you’re saying about too many outlets. When we started planning, I thought more was better, but now I’m realizing it’s just more stuff to clean around. We barely use half of them in our current kitchen anyway. I’m way more excited about splurging on a pull-down faucet and some under-cabinet lights. Those little upgrades make the space feel so much nicer day-to-day. Outlets are important, but I guess there’s a limit...
We barely use half of them in our current kitchen anyway.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found outlets to be a sneaky selling point. Had a rental once where the kitchen only had two, and every single tenant complained. It’s true, you might not use them all now, but future buyers or renters might see “more outlets” as a plus. That said, I totally agree about the faucet and under-cabinet lights—those are the things people notice right away. Just funny how the little stuff can make or break a space for different folks.
- 100% agree on outlets being a hidden gem—people don’t realize how annoying it is until they’re short one for the toaster or coffee maker.
- Under-cabinet lights are a game changer, but I’d also throw in deep drawers for pots and pans. Makes life so much easier.
- Faucets? Yeah, everyone notices a fancy one, but honestly, I think a good pull-down sprayer beats style every time.
- Funny how the “little” upgrades end up being what people remember most... not the backsplash or the fancy fridge.
