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A Luxurious Outlet Alternative: Kula Cover
Kula Cover, a high-quality outdoor outlet and light switch cover – with a design inspired by luxury architecture – has arrived on the market, offering artisanal finishes and impressive durability.
It seems so simple: a beautiful outdoor outlet or light switch cover that complements the thoughtfully designed alfresco space it’s installed in. Instead, until recently, options have been limited to cheap-looking, clunky plastic covers that make an impact in all the wrong ways. Enter US company Kula Modern, which has recently launched a high-quality outlet and light switch cover that is as functional as it is attractive.
In fact, the lack of alternatives was the prime motivator for launching Kula Modern in the first place. The company’s founder, Quincy Dein, was wrapping up the construction of his photography and design studio in Maui, Hawaii – but when it came time to install the covers for his outdoor electrical outlets, he couldn’t find one to match the aesthetic. “Money could not buy a quality cover,” Dein says. “People spend a fortune on an architect, meticulously designing every detail, and then they put on a four-dollar plastic cover because it’s the only option available.”
Dein then set out on a multi-year journey to build a better outdoor outlet cover. He experimented with materials capable of withstanding Hawaii’s salty air, ultimately choosing marine-grade brass and stainless steel. He had the covers forged and CNC milled with minimalist lines, inspired by the work of German industrial designer Dieter Rams. The sharp lines of the cover were designed to contrast with the warmth and natural character of the organic patina finish.
The architectural-grade cover, which is available in vertical, horizontal and 2-gang configurations, protects both outlets and light switches. It comes in three finishes – Brushed Black, Aged Brass and Matte White. The Brushed Black and Aged Brass finishes are crafted using natural compounds to oxidise and darken the brass. In time, they will develop a warm patina that’s rich in character.
“The natural order of the universe is that things change over time,” Dein says. “We embraced materials that would age and patina beautifully without breaking down.” Backed by a lifetime warranty, Kula Modern’s covers are built to endure.
The reception from the architecture community to the range has been overwhelmingly positive, and Kula Modern has multiple new products in development. “I built these covers for my own project but I quickly realised there were other people with similar frustrations and a desire for a more elevated product.”