The kitchen counter has become the default place for recharging devices in many homes, but all that technology can leave your kitchen feeling cluttered and rob you of usable counter space for cooking and baking. Fortunately, there are new ways to keep your devices powered while maintaining a clean, streamlined look in the kitchen, often in ways that can blend seamlessly into your kitchen design. Here are some of our favorite ways to create a hidden charging station in your kitchen.

“There’s been a real shift in how people think about power access in the kitchen,” Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe says. “It’s not just about having access to multiple outlets anymore. It’s about creating hidden and flexible charging spots that fit your lifestyle. From charging drawers and hidden message centers to pop-up outlets and countertop charging pads, there are many clever ways to integrate power solutions into your kitchen.”

The first step to managing technology clutter in the kitchen is to create a designated landing zone. “If your charging needs are modest, say one or two cell phones, you can create a shallow depth message center on the side of your kitchen cabinets that includes a built-in outlet,” notes Ashley. “But if your household has several tablets, laptops and phones to charge, you may choose to include an updated version of the classic kitchen desk into your design, giving you plenty of space for charging all your devices as well as a work station.”

Charging drawers have become another favorite feature, particularly for drop zones within the kitchen or in the kitchen desk. These drawers include built-in electrical outlets and are ideal for organizing devices. “They’re great for families,” Ashley says. “Everyone knows that the tablets and phones go in the drawer, and everything stays charged without cords everywhere. It keeps the space looking like a kitchen, not an office.”

For truly hidden charging, you can opt for an integrated charging pad on your countertop. These invisible charging stations can either be marked or completely concealed. “Sometimes you want to charge untethered, which is perfect for when you’re cooking and following a recipe on your phone,” Ashley says.

Not all charging options need to be hidden to be effective. “Hydraulic pop-up outlets are especially popular in kitchen islands. They’re practical and discreet,” Ashley explains. “You can cut a hole in the countertop and install a flush, trimless pop-up. Some even have a wireless charging pad built into the top.” Even standard outlets make charging your technology easier with integrated USB and USB-C ports.

Whether it’s a pop-up outlet, smart charging drawer or charging pad, the goal remains the same: to keep your kitchen functional, beautiful, and effortlessly connected. If you’re looking to integrate charging solutions into your new kitchen, set up a time to talk to Ashley about creating a space that inspires you. Looking for more design ideas or inspiration? Click through our photo galleries. Prefer a daily dose of design? We share ideas, photography, and projects on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Follow along. To get the latest design ideas and tips, subscribe to our newsletter.