Retailers Such as Switch Hits Elevate the Switchplate to an Art Form

HAMBURG, N.Y., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Switchplates - those white or off- white plastic covers around light switches - could hardly be considered attractive. Or could they? If the array of decorative switchplates available online is any indication, switchplates have evolved into sophisticated design elements in their own right - and some savvy homeowners are even planning their home decor around these formerly drab pieces.

Changing out tired, dingy switchplates for newer models makes sense economically: Even the most striking handcrafted metallic switchplates typically cost less than a new lamp or a piece of framed art, yet updating switchplates can transform a room's look and feel. And with bold colors no longer off-limits for walls, many homeowners discover their old switchplates look cheap and passe against the rich tones of their homes.

So just how different are the switchplates of today? A quick glance at the offerings of switchplate retailers like Switch Hits (http://www.switchhits.com/) reveals a switchplate design for every taste and decorating style. Next-generation switchplates incorporate images of nature and culture, history and contemporary design, abstraction and realism. There are jeweled copper art deco models, as well as Corian(R), marble and travertine switchplates designed to match a home's countertops. The arts and crafts period is well-represented, along with funky modern designs in ceramic, chrome and stainless steel. Those looking for a western influence will find it in hand-tooled leather, bronze, birch bark and even log switchplates. And, of course, switchplate retailers still carry plenty of children's designs.

In fact, interior designers are shedding their perceptions of switchplates as unattractive-but-necessary items, and most now include switchplate options in their presentations to homeowners. That's thanks to the highly specialized artists and craftspeople who have turned their attention to switchplates and other traditionally overlooked items, reworking them for maximum decorative impact. The resulting designs bear little resemblance to their utilitarian predecessors.

Those interested in complementing their home decor with switchplates can get a feel for what's available by browsing sites like SwitchHits.com. In selecting new switchplates, it is a good idea to consider a home's current style, but homeowners should not be afraid to experiment a little: Try on new decor styles. Update colors or make the switchplate the focal point of the room. Change the switchplates with the seasons. Now, who says switchplates can't be fun?

To learn more about decorating with switchplates and to view a wide variety of switchplates, visit Switch Hits at http://www.switchhits.com/. High- resolution (300 dpi) images of selected Switch Hits switchplates are available for download at http://www.switchhits.com/photo-links.html.

  Contact:
  Jimmy Hilburger
  Switch Hits
  716.312.7868
  jimmy@switchhits.com
  http://www.switchhits.com/

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Source: Switch Hits

CONTACT: Jimmy Hilburger of Switch Hits, +1-716-312-7868,
jimmy@switchhits.com

Web Site: http://www.switchhits.com/