Long beloved as way to conceal the unsightly, while also adding a decorative touch, the once-humble sink skirt that dressed cottage and farmhouse-style kitchens in the 1930s through the 1950s is having a serious style moment. The best part? It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that offers major visual impact. And while the original and most popular version of a sink skirt is below an apron-front farmhouse kitchen sink, skirting is a a design idea you can personalize to almost any room and situation you’re hoping to add a little softness and style. Designers such as Leanne Ford, Lilse McKenna, Lizzie Cox, and more have fully embraced the trend, skirting everything from laundry room sinks to kitchen cabinetry. Below, I’m breaking down all the designer-approved ways to embrace pretty pleats and rollicking ruffles in the kitchen—and all around the house. MORE ON KITCHENS:Pick Your SpaceErin LittleSkirted sinks began to grow in popularity during the 1930s, as homeowners looked to break out of the all-white, somewhat sterile look that was the standard for kitchens at the time. A “skirt” of fabric could be easily added to the base of a farmhouse-style sink to bring the room a little color and femininity with fabric. Courtesy of Louise RoeLouise Roe, creative force behind Sharland England, added this floor-skimming skirt to her pretty and prim powder bath. Skirts aren’t just for kitchen sinks, though. Some of the favorite skirted sinks we’ve featured recently have been in bathrooms, and specifically powder rooms. Adding a skirt to a pedestal sink is the perfect was to gain a little under sink storage while also upping the style factor in a big way. Skirting—both of sinks and cabinetry—is also quickly becoming a favorite trick of designers to upgrade laundry rooms. Find Your FabricDavid Tsay for Country LivingA simple gingham fabric panel on a brass rod adds color and pattern to textile designer Heather Taylor’s woodsy cabin kitchen, while also hiding under-sink clutter. 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, like what you would need in a laundry or mudroom, consider indoor-outdoor options. Direct-to-consumer fabric sites like Spoonflower are a great source in this post-JOANN age for affordable, stylish choices. They even have performance fabrics, but don’t worry: You can also boost linen longevity with Scotchgard.Related StoryFinesse Your FlounceMax Kim-BeeIn this former schoolhouse-turned cottage by the Madcap Cottage design team, a flouncy skirt brings a touch of English cottage charm to the bath. Differing pleat styles can evoke distinct looks. Tightly tailored box pleats feel a bit more buttoned-up, while a full-flowing skirt veers more playful. If you’re unsure what dose of design your space needs, take inventory of what’s already there. “If the rest of the room feels frilly, go with a more simple style,” says New York-based designer Ariel Okin. “Conversely, if it’s a modern kitchen, a fancy skirt could be just the off-kilter addition needed.” Also, consider how much “puddling” you desire. A skirt that’s generous in length looks more casual; a skirt that just skims the surface tends to feel more sophisticated. Location may also dictate how much puddling is reasonable. If you’re skirting a pretty powder room sink, a little puddling adds a touch of easy elegance, but if you’re skirting a cabinet in a kitchen, additional fabric skimming the floor can just get in the way. Below, find the most popular curtain header styles to make sure your skirt looks great from top to bottom. Pleat Styles to KnowRod PocketMelinda JosiePinch PleatMelinda JosieGathered PleatMelinda JosieBox PleatMelinda JosieTry Secondhand SkirtingGridley+Graves PhotographersSkirted spaces are already an economical alternative to cabinetry, but you can double down on savings by creatively repurposing vintage textiles like large tea towels, accent rugs—you name it. All you need is a tension rod paired with curtain ring clips—no sewing machine or seamstress required! Or, if you prefer a cleaner line, fold over the top edge and sew a simple rod pocket. Below, find some of our favorite vintage items you can use to create a one-of-a-kind skirt of your own. Secondhand Skirt Ideas to TryPieced QuiltMelinda JosieFeed SackMelinda JosieApronMelinda JosieThink Beyond the SinkIf skirting your sink isn’t an option, there are other ways to bring the nostalgic look to your kitchen or laundry room. A below-the-counter skirt is an easy way to hide sterile appliances like the dishwasher or washer and dryer. They can also be used in place of cabinet doors to give a kitchen a more cottage-style look. Below are some of our favorite skirted applications.Rikki Snyder for Country LivingDesigner Christina Salway opted for a bold red fabric to hide the washer and dryer in her New York farmhouse’s pass-through laundry room. Simon UptonDesigner Amy Morris installed a petite skirt in this butler’s pantry as a way to hide unseemly appliances. Simon UptonIn this laundry-meets-bloom room, designers Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, the duo behind Salvesen Graham, fabricated a skirt to run the length of the scalloped counter. Related Stories@KITANDCO_Butter yellow cabinetry pairs perfectly with this simple gingham skirt that conceals the dishwasher. Nicole FranzenIn this collected kitchen, designer Leanne Ford opted for a simple striped skirt to cover her cabinets. Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.