We need them and rely on them every day but – look out – we can curse their limitations when they don't suit our needs.

After a few months in your kitchen, you've probably adapted to your electrical outlets like many people do: positioning vital appliances (like the coffee maker) right in front of them, even if you're less than enthused about the final resting spot. 

If it's any consolation, top designers need, rely and curse electrical outlets, too. The difference is, they know five tips that can bring harmony to common outlet dilemmas. Replicate them in your home – and put some spark in your step as you fire up the coffee maker.

Plug into five sensible ideas

• 1. Force your kitchen to adapt to you. Installing a new outlet or two is a natural progression, especially if all your countertop appliances are in place and your outlets are full. Electrical codes require kitchens to feature an outlet every 4 feet, but this is a minimum requirement. When you place appliances exactly where you want, you also will reduce or eliminate draping or hanging cords and make your kitchen safer, too.
• 2. Turn outlets sideways to increase your options. If you're hiring an electrician to install new outlets, you may as well position them in the direction that best suits your needs. Most outlets are installed vertically, but turning them a horizontal direction, and lowering them to the base of your backsplash, offers a more streamlined look.
• 3. Install under cabinet lighting plug molding. Why aren't all under cabinet lights made in this sensible manner? Even designers don't know. But the molding eliminates dangling cords and offer more outlets. To avoid stretching a cord to make it reach the molding, install a shelf near the molding and place an appliance next to it.
• 4. Consider pop-up outlets. Think of these handy little outlets as mobile outlets because they're self-contained and portable, allowing you to press them into action exactly where they're needed. An ideal spot: An island or peninsula where there isn't an outlet in sight. These mini electrical towers are called “pop-ups” because that's exactly what they do: pop up, ready for action, when you press on them (and then decompress when you push down on them again).
• 5. Create a charging station. Tuck it in a drawer or a cabinet to keep your phone and tablet safe from spills. If you have enough room, this area could become a docking station for the entire family, breeding organization and eliminating the frantic phone searches that occur when phones are misplaced.

Once you've brought harmony to your electrical outlets, you can make your kitchen sing by finishing off the look with new interior shades from America's leading manufacturer: Polar Shades. Make an appointment for a free in-home window shade consultation and see why people turn to the leader in shade manufacturing. Call 702-260-6110 to get started today.