Reno tips for a seamless design

Reducing visual clutter by creating streamlined sightlines is a home design trend that is here to stay. Whether it's hiding away wires in your living room or stowing kitchen appliances inside a cabinet, design expert Kimberley Seldon and the Electrical Safety Authority say the key to achieving an organized look is to plan early and hire the right professionals for the job, including a licensed electrical contractor.

For a clutter-free space, follow this rule — if it can be hidden, hide it. Whether it's a toaster or blender, store all kitchen appliances in an appliance garage when they're not in use. But keep in mind that these nifty storage solutions have special electrical requirements. Appliance garages need to have an interlock switch that cuts power to the outlet when the cabinetry door is closed to prevent a fire.

Embrace clean, modern lines in the family room by mounting the television on the wall and adding immersive sound, without the sight of wires. According to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, electrical cables must be kept at least 2.5 centimetres away from duct work and heating pipes. A licensed electrical contractor is required to make sure everything is installed safely and to code. Work with them to determine wire and cable placement in advance before closing up the walls.

Remember: when planning for any renovation, it's important to develop an electrical plan early in the process. The electrical code can impact where things go in your space and how electrical elements can be installed; planning ahead will help avoid costly mistakes down the road. Building electrical into the design means you can work through the placement of outlets and address all other electrical requirements before the project is complete.

Find design and electrical tips online at poweryourreno.ca. (NC)