If there is one universal truth about modern Sydney households, it’s this: everyone has too many gadgets and absolutely nowhere neat to charge them. Phones, iPads, earbuds, watches, portable speakers… plus all the chargers, cables, adaptors, and dongles that magically multiply when you’re not looking.

So when homeowners ask MB9 during a kitchen renovation consultation:
“Can I include hidden compartments for gadgets and chargers in my new kitchen?”

The answer is a loud, proud, design-friendly YES — and you absolutely should.

Hidden compartments for tech are no longer a luxury; they’re quickly becoming a must-have addition in many of Sydney’s renovated kitchens, especially in suburbs like Strathfield, Burwood, Chatswood, Ryde, Parramatta, Kellyville, Pymble, and the Eastern Suburbs. If you’re aiming for a clean, uncluttered, functional kitchen that keeps up with today’s tech-heavy lifestyle, this upgrade is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Let’s explore how they work, why they’re so popular, where they’re best placed, and which features Sydney homeowners are choosing most.

Why Are Sydney Homeowners Adding Hidden Gadget Compartments?

Hidden gadget storage solves a very modern problem: visible mess.
Cables everywhere. Batteries charging on the bench. Appliances left out. Tablet leaning against a fruit bowl. You get the picture.

Here’s why hidden compartments are booming across Sydney:

1. They Keep Your Kitchen Looking Clean & Modern

Open-plan living is extremely popular in suburbs such as Concord, Five Dock, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, and Epping. When the kitchen blends into the living and dining areas, clutter stands out even more.

Hidden gadget storage:

• keeps benches tidy

• hides electronics from sight

• protects the minimalist or designer aesthetic

• creates a premium look that buyers love

2. They Make Charging Safer and More Convenient

Cables and sockets mixed with water, cooking, and kids running around? That is a recipe for chaos.

Hidden charging compartments:

• reduce the risk of spills on devices

• keep cords organised

• prevent tripping hazards

• keep kids away from exposed power sources

This is especially valuable in family-heavy suburbs like North Ryde, Glenwood, Baulkham Hills, Schofields, and The Ponds.

3. They Support the Way Sydney Families Actually Live

Let’s be real: today’s kitchen isn’t just for cooking. It’s:

• the homework zone

• the WFH backup desk

• the device drop-off point

• the family planning hub

• the “tell me how to cook this recipe” Google station

Hidden charging and gadget zones make everyday life smoother and more organised for busy households in St Ives, Hornsby, Hurstville, and Kogarah.

4. They Increase Property Appeal & Value

Buyers love anything that screams:

• modern

• organised

• thoughtful

• tech-ready

Hidden gadget storage ticks all those boxes. It’s a high-impact, low-effort upgrade that catches the eye of potential buyers across Sydney’s North Shore, Inner West, Northern Beaches, and Hills District.

What Kind of Hidden Compartments Can You Include?

You’d be surprised how many clever, practical options exist today. Here are the most popular choices MB9 installs in Sydney kitchens.

1. Charging Drawers (The Most Popular Choice)

These drawers come with built-in:

• powerpoints

• USB/USB-C ports

• dividers for gadgets

• cable management systems

• ventilation gaps

• anti-slip mats

Open the drawer → drop your device → close the drawer → charging begins.
No clutter. No mess. No visible cables.

Perfect for homes in:

• Newtown (terraces with compact kitchens)

• Mascot & Zetland (modern apartments)

• Carlingford & Ryde (family homes with lots of devices)

2. Concealed Appliance Garages With Powerpoints

These are usually hidden behind:

• pocket doors

• bi-fold doors

• sliding cupboard panels

Inside, you can store:

• iPads

• portable blenders

• baby bottle warmers

• Bluetooth speakers

• rechargeable appliances

These are extremely popular in renovated kitchens in Marrickville, Leichhardt, Bondi Junction, and Cremorne.

3. Pop-Up Power Towers (Benchtop Solutions)

These towers disappear into the benchtop until you press down to reveal:

• multiple power plugs

• fast-charging ports

• sometimes wireless charging pads

Great for large island benches in:

• Kellyville

• West Pennant Hills

• Gledswood Hills

• Cherrybrook

4. Wireless Charging Built Into the Benchtop

Modern engineered stones and some laminates can integrate wireless charging pads underneath the surface.

No visible hardware.
No cables.
Just place your phone and walk away.

This is becoming a trend in premium kitchens in Mosman, Rose Bay, Double Bay, and Wahroonga.

5. Under-Cabinet Recessed Charging Shelves

Slim, elegant, and perfect for:

• tablets

• phones

• kitchen timers

• small gadgets

These shelves often include LED strip lighting, making them a practical addition for kitchens in:

• Neutral Bay

• St Leonards

• Lane Cove

• Chatswood

Where Should You Put Hidden Gadget Compartments?

Placement matters just as much as the storage design itself. MB9 customises this based on how each household functions.

1. Near the Entry Point (“Drop Zone Layout”)

Many families walk in and drop their devices immediately in the kitchen.

Ideal for:

• Blacktown

• Granville

• Lidcombe

• Bankstown

2. Inside the Pantry

A favourite for clients who want everything truly invisible.

Great for:

• walk-in pantries

• butler’s pantries

• compact galley kitchens

Common in suburbs like Pyrmont, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, and Meadowbank.

3. Inside a Dedicated Tech Drawer

Perfectly blends into the cabinetry façade.

Works beautifully in:

• Epping

• Eastwood

• Beecroft

• Pennant Hills

4. Under the Overhead Cabinets

Keeps devices close but off the bench.

5. At the End of the Island Bench

Convenient and discreet.

Great for social homes in:

• Kellyville Ridge

• Glenhaven

• The Hills District

Are Hidden Gadget Compartments Safe?

Yes—when designed correctly.

MB9 uses:

• Australian-certified power hardware

• licensed electricians

• safe cable management systems

• proper ventilation to prevent heat build-up

• cabinetry hardware from Blum, Hettich, Häfele

All installations comply with NSW standards and strata requirements.

How Much Do Hidden Compartments Cost?

Costs depend on:

• number of outlets

• type of compartment

• drawer size

• wiring requirements

• cabinetry customisation

But the best part?
It’s generally affordable relative to the overall renovation and has a huge lifestyle payoff.

Across Sydney, most homeowners consider this a “small investment, big upgrade”.

Will This Increase My Kitchen’s Usability and Convenience?

Absolutely.

With hidden compartments, you will:

• stop losing chargers

• reduce visible clutter

• protect your devices

• free up bench space

• enjoy a more organised daily routine

• maintain the aesthetic value of your kitchen

Clients in suburbs like Lane Cove, Killara, Randwick, Burwood, and North Sydney consistently rate hidden tech storage as one of their favourite upgrades.

Final Thoughts: Should You Add Hidden Gadget Compartments?

If you love:

• clean benchtops

• smart design

• modern living

• practical convenience

• tech-ready storage solutions

Then YES—hidden gadget and charging compartments are absolutely worth including in your kitchen renovation.

Whether you live in a terrace in Surry Hills, a coastal apartment in Coogee, or a spacious family home in Cherrybrook, MB9 can design a storage solution that fits your kitchen layout and your lifestyle perfectly.

For more details, design ideas, and renovation insights, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.