skirting around

LONG BELOVED AS A WAY TO CONCEAL THE UNSIGHTLY, THE ONCE-HUMBLE SINK SKIRT IS HAVING A SERIOUS STYLE MOMENT. HERE'S HOW TO EMBRACE PRETTY PLEATS AND ROLLICKING RUFFLES IN THE KITCHEN, MUDROOM, POWDER ROOM, AND MORE.

- Anna Logan

Don't feel stuck to the sink. Here, a contrasting fabric skirt with a sweet scalloped apron trim subs in for lower cabinetry.

Find Your Fabric

From graphic gingham to ditsy florals, your print options are as endless as your design dreams. For easy and effortless gathering, go lightweight. For maximum durability, consider indoor-outdoor options. (You can also boost linen longevity with Scotchgard.)

Fabrics from top:

"Farmhouse Stripe" by Kravet, calicocorners.com; "Petite Fleur," sisterparishdesign.com; "Elton Cotton Check," fschumacher.com; "Mayfields," sisterparishdesign.com; "Kandilli" by Anna Spiro, studiofournyc.com.

Perfect the Placement

Overmount or undermount? Here, Virginia-based designer Lizzie Cox installed the skirt behind the cabinet apron. "The end result is more tailored," she says. You can create a similar look with well-placed Velcro strips and a bit of DIY ingenuity. Others opt to hang the skirt atop cabinetry, courtesy of a small rod mounted to the cabinet exterior. Tip: The "Outside Mount Cafe Rod Set" from Rejuvenation (rejuvenation.com) is available in multiple finishes and custom lengths.

Finesse Your Flounce