I totally get what you mean about the “spaghetti monster”—I’ve had my fair share of wrestling matches with cords behind the entertainment center. When we built our last place, I thought I was being clever by keeping outlets to a minimum for a cleaner look. Regretted it almost immediately once we started moving in and realized how many gadgets and lamps we actually use. Now, every time I see a beautifully designed room in a magazine, I notice how seamless everything looks—no cords in sight. It’s one of those little luxuries that makes a big difference over time, even if it feels like overkill at first.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
- Cords are the bane of my existence, honestly. I’ve started using those little cord channels and paintable covers, but it’s never quite as invisible as in those magazine spreads.
- Outlets are one of those things you can never have too many of, in my experience. I usually recommend doubling whatever the builder suggests, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. No one ever says, “I wish I had fewer outlets.”
- Hiding cords is a bit of an art—sometimes I’ll plan for outlets inside cabinets or behind wall-mounted TVs, but it takes some foresight (and a bit of extra budget).
- Funny enough, I once worked on a place where the owner insisted on floor outlets in the middle of the living room. Looked odd at first, but it made lamp placement a breeze and kept things tidy. Not for everyone, but it worked for them.
Curious—if you could redo your last build, would you add more outlets, or try one of those wireless charging systems built into furniture? I’ve seen a few, but I’m not sure they’re worth the hype yet...
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Funny thing about outlets—I always thought I was overdoing it, adding more than the electricians recommended. Then, a few years down the road, I’d find myself snaking extension cords behind furniture anyway. You’re right, nobody ever complains about too many outlets. The only time I’ve seen someone regret extra ones was when they ended up smack in the middle of a wall where they wanted to hang art. But that’s just bad planning, not too many outlets.
Cords are a pain, no argument there. I’ve tried every trick—channels, baseboard runs, even those “invisible” cord covers that are supposed to blend in once you paint them. They never quite disappear unless you’re willing to tear up drywall and start from scratch. The best solution I’ve found is just making peace with a certain amount of visible cord clutter.
As for those wireless charging systems built into furniture... I’m skeptical. Had a client who insisted on one of those fancy coffee tables with wireless pads built in. Looked slick for about six months until the charging started getting spotty and the table itself became dated fast—tech moves quicker than furniture trends. Plus, you’re locked into one spot for charging, which isn’t always practical if you like to rearrange or upgrade devices.
Floor outlets are an interesting one. They look odd at first glance but can be a lifesaver if you’ve got a big open space and don’t want cords running everywhere. Just have to watch out for spills or anyone forgetting the outlet’s there and tripping over it (seen both happen).
If I had to start over? I’d probably stick to good old-fashioned outlets—just more of them and in smarter spots (think: inside closets for vacuums, under windows for holiday lights). Wireless tech is cool in theory but still feels gimmicky for now. Maybe in another five years it’ll be worth revisiting... but until then, give me an outlet any day.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
I get the appeal of more outlets, but honestly, the cost adds up fast if you’re on a tight budget. I’d rather plan for a few well-placed outlets and invest in some decent surge protectors or power strips. Not as sleek, maybe, but it’s a lot cheaper and still flexible if you move things around. Wireless charging is hit or miss, but I do think it’ll get better—and when it does, retrofitting might be less painful than paying for a bunch of extra outlets now.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You’re not wrong about the cost of extra outlets stacking up. I’ve seen folks go overboard and regret it when the bill comes in. Still, I always ask—are you sure you won’t want more down the line? It’s a pain to add them later, especially if you end up with a big desk setup or a home office. Surge protectors work, but they can get messy fast. That said, if budget’s tight, your plan makes sense. Wireless charging is still pretty hit or miss for me too... maybe in a few years it’ll be worth the hassle.
