interior design by Los Angeles based studio Shamshiri

Under-the-sink skirts are making a comeback as a stylish and functional element in the world of interiors design, especially in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. These versatile coverings not only add a touch of whimsy and personality to your space but also offer practical solutions for hiding unsightly plumbing and storage areas. In this interior design blog, we’ll explore the various applications of skirted counters, empowering you to incorporate them into your upcoming project – consider these interior design ideas for your home remodel and new built home alike.

We hope this article inspires you. If you have any questions about this topic or want to explore the opportunity to work with a small but dedicated team of interior designer, please take a couple of minutes to complete our contact form here. Now let’s dive into the topic of undercounter skirts.

Under-The-Sink-Skirt create a focal point in the kitchen

In the kitchen, skirted counters or under-the-sink skirts can be used as an unexpected alternative to traditional cabinets. The fabric panels not only add visual interest, but they also provide an easy access point for frequently used items. You can store pots and pans on shelves or hang them from hooks behind the fabric skirt, thereby creating a more open and inviting feel in your kitchen.

But it doesn’t stop there – skirted counters are also perfect for concealing unsightly appliances such as microwaves or mini fridges. Simply measure the dimensions of your appliance and have a custom panel made to fit over it. This will help maintain a cohesive look in your kitchen while still keeping functionality at the forefront.

Mediterranean home – A dreamy Tuscan villa designed by Marco Pasanella

A few notes about the kitchen (it could even be part of a mudroom or laundry or even bathroom) with the yellow and white striped tiles: captures the essence of historic charm while integrating subtle modern elements. The earthy tones of the walls and open shelving, filled with vintage pottery, create a warm, lived-in atmosphere reminiscent of centuries-old kitchens. The under-the-sink skirt in a sunny yellow fabric adds a nostalgic touch, evoking a sense of rustic simplicity. Meanwhile, the use of striped flooring and the carefully curated artwork bring a touch of contemporary flair, blending old-world aesthetics with a fresh, modern sensibility. This space beautifully showcases the potential of historic renovations to celebrate the past while embracing the present.

modern interior design Steve Giannetti

photo source neptune

A modern rustic kitchen design by INterior DesIgner Jill Pallante-Egan

Manhattan kitchen design by Jeremiah Brent // photo source abc world wide stone

Above: Vintage 1940s Italian glass lanterns and a linen skirt beneath the sink add traditional touches that contrast with the modern lines of sleek stainless steel kitchen appliances. We love exploring unexpected combinations, mixing traditional interior design with modern elements. I am an interior designer who believes this approach leads to the most unique and beautiful designs. In the office kitchen at Jeremiah Brent’s Manhattan design studio, the contemporary appliances are paired with classic architectural details, demonstrating that a space can be both technologically advanced and rich in warmth, history, and texture.

A General Note from an Interior Designer: Make Bold Choices

Advantages of using bold design choices, such as under-the-sink skirts, in small rooms as opposed to larger, open spaces in a home:

Create Enhanced Visual Impact

In small rooms, bold design elements like a checkered wall or a unique under-the-sink skirt make a more concentrated visual impact. An interior designer can use these compact spaces as a canvas for creativity without overwhelming the entire home. In larger, open rooms, bold designs can sometimes get lost or clash with surrounding areas, whereas in a small room, every detail stands out and becomes a key feature.

The Beauty of Controlled Experimentation

Small rooms, particularly ones that aren’t central to daily life, offer homeowners a chance to experiment with more daring colors, patterns, and textures. An interior designer might find it easier to convince clients to take risks in these areas since they are contained spaces, as opposed to larger rooms that are connected to high-traffic or communal areas, where cohesion with the rest of the home’s design is often more critical.

Achieve a Personalized Intimate Space

Bold design in small rooms creates an intimate, curated feel that can be harder to achieve in expansive, open areas. For example, adding an under-the-sink skirt in a powder room gives the space a vintage, customized touch. In larger rooms, such detailed design features might fade into the background, while in small spaces, they add to the overall charm and character, making a strong, personalized statemexfnt.

Soft Curtains Instead of Solid Cabinet Fronts

Under-the-Sink-Skirts as a Savvy Choice in Interior Design

Skirted counters in pantries provide a smart solution for maintaining a clean and organized space. By using fabric to cover the lower shelves and storage areas, you can easily hide bulk items, cleaning supplies, and other essentials while keeping them accessible.

This method keeps your pantry organized while ensuring easy access to commonly used items. Opt for fabrics that match your decor for a cohesive look and enhanced pantry aesthetic.

Under-the-sink-skirts offer versatility with a variety of fabrics and patterns available. Additionally, this allows you to update the look of your pantry easily. Moreover, the fabric can be removed and washed, ensuring your pantry stays clean and hygienic.

Additionally, skirted counters are a cost-effective alternative to custom cabinetry. You can achieve an organized and customized look without the higher expense, making it a practical choice for improving your pantry’s functionality and appearance.

Incorporating under-the-sink-skirt into your pantry design combines practicality with style, providing an efficient and visually appealing storage solution. Whether your taste is classic, modern, or somewhere in between, skirted counters can be tailored to fit your personal style and the specific needs of your pantry.

interior designer: Alibon nord studio

interior design by jake arnold

Laundry rooms Are enjoyable spaces too

Laundry rooms, often overlooked in home design, can be transformed into stylish and functional spaces with the use of skirted counters. Skirted counters offer a unique storage solution, ideal for concealing laundry essentials and cleaning supplies while keeping them within easy reach. By selecting from a variety of fabrics and patterns, you can customize the skirted counter to complement your existing decor, adding a personalized touch to your laundry room.

The hidden storage provided by skirted counters allows you to maintain a tidy and organized space, free from the clutter of detergent bottles, baskets, and other items. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic of the room but also creates a more efficient workflow, making laundry tasks less of a chore.

In addition to their practical benefits, skirted counters bring a touch of elegance to the laundry room. Soft fabric folds create a cozy vibe, turning a plain space into a stylish area. Skirted counters, whether classic or modern, enhance your laundry room’s functionality and beauty.

laundry room – interior renovation source known

interior designer joanna plant

Interior photography Owen Gale

The charming laundry nook highlights the beauty of skirted counters, which blend traditional design with a modern rustic appeal. The striped fabric skirt is playful and shows how well this can work in a low budget interior design project – it does not always have to cost a fortune. This design approach not only maximizes functionality by hiding clutter but also adds a personalized, artisanal touch to the laundry room. The combination of materials and finishes creates a welcoming, lived-in feel, perfect for a cozy, functional, and stylish cooking space.

KAT LAWTON interior design studio

Rethink Bathroom Storage

Moving on to bathrooms, under-the-sink-skirts or skirted counters offer a unique storage solution that is perfect for small spaces. Thanks to various fabric colors and and pattern options, you can effortlessly coordinate the skirted sink with your bathroom decor. Moreover, hidden storage keeps essentials handy without cluttering countertops. Ultimately, under-the-sink-skirt counters offer practicality and elegance, enhancing both function and style in your bathroom. They can provide a great glow-up for a pedestal sink without having to invest into a whole bathroom remodel.

Embrace the Elegance of Skirted Bathroom Vanities…

Creative bathroom renovation by Interior Designer constanze ladner

In Interior Design, Embrace Small Rooms as an Opportunity to be Bold.

Small spaces, like powder rooms, offer a perfect opportunity to step outside of typical design comfort zones and make bold, impactful choices. The image shown beautifully demonstrates how even compact rooms can embrace drama and sophistication with thoughtful design elements. Here, the combination of a striking black-and-gold checkered wall pattern contrasts elegantly with the softness of the under-the-sink skirt, adding both texture and character. This layered approach brings warmth and charm, softening the overall aesthetic while making a design statement. The skirt not only conceals storage but also introduces a playful, vintage flair that creates a sense of coziness and personalization. When working with small spaces, don’t be afraid to push the envelope—bold choices can elevate the room from a simple necessity to a curated, memorable experience.

a moody Powder ROom re-imagined by Interior Designer Jessica Schuster

Custom Shelving with Skirted Counters for Function and Style

Open shelving in the living room can often feel cluttered if not perfectly styled at all times. However, by incorporating a skirted section at the bottom of your shelving, you can achieve a perfect balance of style and practicality in your interior design project. This combination allows you to maintain a visually appealing space while enjoying the hidden storage for all your essentials.

The below example is a beautifully styled living room space that showcases a unique use of fabric skirts under built-in shelving, adding softness and texture to the otherwise structured and geometric shelves. The neutral-toned fabric subtly conceals storage, offering a practical yet stylish solution that enhances the room’s overall aesthetic. The skirts introduce a vintage-inspired element, complementing the warm, earthy tones of the furnishings and accessories. The blend of natural materials, curated art pieces, and the plush texture of the velvet daybed creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, proving that functional design can also be elegant and tailored. This example demonstrates how under-shelf or under-counter skirts can be both decorative and functional, perfect for concealing clutter while maintaining a cohesive, refined look.

interior design photo source 1st dibs for Dusty Deco

To wrap up…

consider the various methods for integrating skirted counters into your upcoming interior design project..

In conclusion, skirted counters or “under-the-counter-skirts” are a fantastic statement piece for any home. They not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room, but they also offer endless opportunities for creativity with color and pattern. With their versatile nature, skirted counters can be incorporated into various areas of the home, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and bedrooms. Whether it’s using bold textile pattern or color, there are multiple ways to make these counters stand out and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. So if you’re looking to elevate the look of your home, consider adding a skirt underneath your counter as a stylish and functional addition.

Are you located in (or around) Sacramento or the San Francisco Bay Area and interested in hearing about our interior design services? Feel free to arrange a conversation with Christin, our founder and principal designer at Haven Studios. Just click here to set it up. Or, if you’re more comfortable starting with an email, simply fill out our contact form. We’re here to help in the way that suits you best.

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