If you’ve ever been in a decorating “slump", you’re well aware of feeling the need to do something to an area or complete room, but you’re just not sure where to start. The mere thought of trying to find an idea can put you in a tough place to begin with, but you do have to begin somewhere. Sure, there are all of those shows on cable showing you tips and tricks of the trade that are perfect for the homes of others, but your home is not anything like the ones on TV. Your home is unique, just like you are. Why not start the process where so many end: with decorative outlet covers?

The passing years have seen many different levels of both the outlet cover (sometimes referred to as the duplex outlet cover, to avoid confusion with the plastic safety inserts) and the switchplate cover. For example, many homes in the 1950’s and 1960’s saw wall coverings like wallpaper and fabric placed directly over outlet and light switchplate covers, all in an attempt to conceal what could have been a focal point on a wall. But thankfully that has all changed, and decorative outlet covers are hitting the interior décor market by storm!

While some of the more traditional interior designers are still a bit leery as to the colorful raised and sculpted outlet covers, the up and coming decorators and designers aren’t afraid to enable each room in your home make its own statement- including the details like wood-burned, metal and ceramic, and jeweled copper designs of decorative outlet covers. Most designers will agree that classic filigree and fleur-de-lis patterns are true classics and will remain in the loop for many years to come.

If you just can’t seem to get away from the boring old white outlet covers, why not break into this new trend slowly with a white, ceramic outlet cover with an inlaid pattern or design, or an interesting outside border, or a hint of a scalloped or raised edge around the non-rectangular perimeter. Or maybe you prefer a hand painted, Shabby Chic design (made popular with HGTV’s popular series) white over copper so that a bit of the material’s luminous qualities allow the cover to naturally shimmer.

Got kids? Then the word “plain" can’t possibly be in your vocabulary! What would the kids’ rubber ducky bathroom be without the coordinating duplex outlet and switchplate covers? How could you possibly have a pink princess bedroom with boring, white outlet covers? What good is the finest blue paint job in junior’s room when the bright white cover is staring you in the face? A tiny bit of design or a lot of dazzle can be the finishing (or beginning) touch in any room in your home.