The new 22 electrical outlet by Bocci, pictured up top, got us thinking about flush trim and how desireable (and laborious) it is in modern architecture. We know we would love flush trims in our own home; from the base of the wall to the frames on the doors. But we also know that the trim in older spaces was often beautifully embellished and for this we treasure it even today. So, we wanted to round up a comparison between the best of the trimmed and trimless worlds of modern and traditional architecture. Today, we start with electrical trim, from switches to power outlets...
What's your preference - from an aesthetic or practical point of view - trimmed or trimless?
Apartment Therapy's Sofa Shopping Guide
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Stanley Console by ...
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
That Lutron dimmer switch is hardly trimless - all Lutron switches, outlets and control pads use simple screwless trim plates which snap into place and are available in a wide variety of colors and metals.
That said, I'd never specify trimless outlets or flush baseboards - the costs for drywall installation and finishing would easily double and be prone to mistakes (most drywall installers aren't accustomed to the detail and craftsmanship necessary to make this asthetic work) plus you'd never be able to replace a faulty outlet without ripping out the wall.
I'd rather have simple white Lutron switches and outlets, and flat/square edged MDF base trim painted white.
In each case, the practicality of the trimmed version far outweighs the smooth look of trimless. Think of all the tape you'd use when you repaint the walls. Think of groping for a switch in the dark. Joanne
Leviton's Acenti line is a nice alternative to the Decora style (e.g. Lutron)
Yes, they do fit in standard width electrical boxes, but Leviton recommends the deeper 3.5" type.
While it aesthetically is pleasing the fact that you have a multitude of steps and no easy way of ever "fixing it." That is a turn off for me.
that is the sexiest smoke detector I've ever seen
Um, if you want to pass an electrical inspection, you definitely don't want to go with trimless switches or outlets!!
my switch plates are always so dirty from fingers on them/groping for the switch...why would I want that on my wall? and the outlet cover prevents scratches from whatever is being plugged in.
Totally trimless (the upper left) is a downright bad idea. Unless your walls are painted the EXACT same color as the little plugs, they're going to stand out just as much, if not more so. Actually probably more so because we're accustomed to seeing the trim and therefore it doesn't register in our minds. But seeing two round items in the wall of a different color from the wall will just make them "pop out" of the wall.
Trimless is probably a bad idea, but it does look nice!
The anthropocentrist in me sees the outlet as a pair of surprised and disappointed smiley faces.
These might be worth the headaches mentioned above if the space is exceedingly minimalist and austere, but otherwise I think the drawbacks outweigh the aesthetic virtues.
That said, I really love that smoke detector!
I have to admit I really love the look of the two round electrical sockets flush with the wall. Seems to me in Europe the "faces" smile, don't they?
One other thought...there should be ultra-thin plates that one can use to "fake" this look. Ideally they would be clear with the option to put wallpaper on the back or paint the back to match the wall. Not a perfect match for the flush look but I'd try it.
If you read the installation instructions for the Bocci trimmless outlet, it doesn't seem that complicated. It uses a regular switch box installation, with a sticker & plate that you mud over. You wouldn't need to tear out the wall to fix anything, just cut out the area around the outlet with a knife, fix, re-mud and paint. Of course this would work best if you have a smooth or a trowelled-on finish so you don't have to match orange peel texture.
Also, electrical inspections are done before the outlets are installed, and a final inspection afterward. Just make sure it works with correct polarity and ground before final inspection. A simple electric plug tester will tell you. Think I'll try it!