Options to add power and light under kitchen cabinets

Smart use of space is a goal in most homes, but the space between the upper cabinets and countertops is precious. You need to plug in the mixer, keep the iPad close to follow that recipe, and be able to grab the cumin and chili powder. Never mind square feet — inches matter here.

And now there are attractive and innovative ways to free up counter space and make the most of every inch, whether you're remodeling or updating.

Among the options are smartphone and tablet docks, backsplash storage systems and power strips that can add receptacles, lighting and other items.

"With all our clients, increased counter space is usually their primary interest," said kitchen designer Carol Lindell, owner of Design Centers International in Charlotte, N.C.

Clutter steals space, so she sometimes tucks a power strip under cabinets or under the lips of islands to provide power where it's needed, eliminating tangles of cords.

Other times she might place the power strips against the wall under the back edge of the upper cabinets, then add LED lights beneath the front edge.

Hiding the power outlets up under cabinets means you won't have wall plates breaking up the backsplash area. Suddenly, residents have a clean surface for the glass or metal tiles they've had their eyes on.

Backsplash storage system: The designs from Hafele America Co., a German company, feature a bar that mounts to the backsplash just beneath the upper cabinets. Individual storage components — made of plated steel in nickel matte finish — hang from the bar and can be moved and rearranged. Get a sleek European look along with the spice rack and knife block.

Bars are available in four lengths, priced from about $70 to $110 at www.kitchensource.com, one of Hafele's online retailers. The multipurpose shelf is $105; cookbook holder, $120; spice rack, $127; knife holder and block, $135; wine bottle and glass holder, $143.

Download a kitchen idea book at www.hafele.com/us.

Angled power strip: Standard lengths for these systems from Task Lighting are from 9 to 72 inches in brushed nickel, black, brown and white finishes. Get up to two receptacles for the shortest and eight for the longest. Custom sizes and tamper-resistant models in designer colors also are available at www.tasklighting.com.

You'll also find Angled Power Strips online. The 24-inch strip is about $200; the 48-inch model, $275.

You can choose linear lighting bars or individual pucks. The system is available in a style that can be plugged in or one that is hard-wired to your home's electric system.

Some components can be ordered from Lowes.com. The basic 27-inch track is $99.98, a dimmable LED light bar is $54.98 and a puck light is $44.98. The tablet cradle is $19.98, while the mobile phone dock is $14.98.

There's an online tool at www.legrand.us that helps you measure your kitchen space and design the system you want. A retail locator can be found at www.adornemyhome.com.

Before you choose any lighting and gadgets, talk with an electrician. You must have appropriate power if you want to add receptacles and ultimately flip on several countertop appliances simultaneously. Also, you might need to accommodate transformers or drivers for LED lighting.

A TV or other electronic component installed under a cabinet needs to flip up out of the way and rotate for convenience. Look for a separate place to permanently mount a tablet; it can be used to operate music, lights and other systems. Usually that's in a niche a few steps away from the main cooking area.