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Super Simple Sink Skirt DIY

May 12, 2020

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Sink skirts are an easy way to add charm to a kitchen or bathroom.

They're also a super simple way to redecorate just by changing the fabric. One quick swap and my kitchen is refreshed.

Come see.

Red and white fabric with white ball fringe draped over chair with a white plate and apples on top

Hello friends! I hope you're all doing well.

I've been spending my days looking for silver linings...family dinners, game nights, virtual conversations with friends and a lot less internet.

I'm going to try to get back to answering my comments right away and posting on my normal schedule.

If I can remember what that was!

Anyway...the last time we spoke, I was itching to redecorate.

I was growing weary of my surroundings and decided to pick up where I'd left off a few months ago and continue with my plans to update my decor.

Just a bit.

Nothing expensive or major, just a few smallish touches to revive this place.

My home. The one that hasn't had a real redo since we moved in and renovated back at the beginning of this decade.

So last week, I officially dug in again.

And started with a new sink skirt.

You can peek at the entire easy sink skirt tutorial for full details if you like. 

This old one had been up since June of 2018 and after almost two years the upholstery needed a good cleaning.

Cottage style floral kitchen sink skirt in off white kitchen with flowers in vases

When I took it down, I thought it was a great opportunity to put up something fresh in its place.

The cream colored cabinets inspired me to go with something a little less colorful.

Bisque Kitchen Cabinet base under white kitchen sink

A little more elegant and a little lighter for the warmer months.

At first I wasn't sure what that would be, but as soon as I opened my fabric bin, I knew the fabric I used to make my new kitchen curtains would be perfect.

Now, I know. I know.

I'm not usually a matchy-match type of girl, and some would argue that true cottage style is defined by the layering of different patterns, but somehow this pairing just felt right.

Cottage style kitchen sink area with red and white sink skirt and plants.

The trees are blooming, the pool is open and with so much going on in the garden outside my windows, I've been craving less inside.

I wanted a room full that felt spacious, simple and almost minimalist, yet warm, cozy and full of soft touches. It was a tall order for sure.

And a coordinated palette seemed like the best path to it.

Once I was set with the idea, I got to work.

This time around the process was much easier. I'd already worked out the kinks on the original skirt.

Plus with only one fabric, creating two rod pocket panels was done in minutes.

No kidding.

I used the old sink skirt as my pattern and cut my fabric to the same size, leaving about an inch for seam allowances for the side and bottom hems.

Red and white floral fabric to make a sink skirt.

I ironed them first to make it easier to pin and then I stitched them up on my very well behaved machine.

Sewing a red and white sink skirt on a machine

Next. I created a rod pocket on each panel, by leaving two inches to fold over and stitch.

Creating A Rod Pocket Skirt For A Sink Skirt

When I was done, I slipped the wooden dowels into the rod pockets and secured them to the cabinet doors with small finishing nails.

You can also take a peek at my latest, and dare I say greatest, sink skirt? It's red toile for all your French Country lovers.

Of course, this sink skirt pattern will also work on a traditional tension rod or rope if that's more your style. I've used and rod and nails, so the cabinets still open and close the traditional way.

Once the panels were up, I loved them, but since I only used one fabric this time, and not a mix like on my first one, the skirt looked kind of bland.

At the risk of being over the top cutesy and matching, I toyed with the idea of adding the same ball fringe I had on the matching valances.

I figured why not.

A red and white sink skirt with pom pom fringe in process.

It took me no time to do, since I used an iron on tape. I figured the fusible web was strong enough for my upholstered chair, so it was definitely strong enough for pom pom fringe.

I have added pom pom trim with a sewing machine, too, but the tape was perfect for this DIY.

When I was done, I was so happy with the clean, unified look that I decided to get rid of all other visual distractions in the area.

Including the lace valance and the rooster sign that usually hangs above the window.

I thought it would feel too empty, but it doesn't.

The room feels so much more open now. Clean and spacious.

And I'm in love with that kitchen sink all over again.

A red and white skink skirt with fringe in a cottage style off white kitchen.

It flows seamlessly with the breakfast area...which by the way, is getting its own mini makeover.

There have been some bumps in that road, but it's all par for the course. Psst...it's done!

I'll try to share that tale with you next week.

Red and white cottage style kitchen nook with round table.

In the meantime, I'll be staring at my new sink skirt with its charming ball fringe.

Playing games, chatting with my family and dreaming up my next decor swap.

In my teeny, tiny cottage.

Fabulous.

What's changed in your view?

By now, you've probably noticed that the view around here is new, too! Redecorating my virtual home has been on my list for a very, very long time.

Besides the aesthetics, the bones of the site desperately needed an update, as well.

Technology changes and to keep this place looking and functioning its best it required a little renovation...and since it only cost me $10.50 to do it, I figured why not!

Gosh I love a bargain!

Happy Decorating, Friends!
Kim Signature


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  1. Ahhhh love this Kim. I love the new skirt and it looks great with your valances. I know you loved that material and rightly so. Looks great. Glad you are hanging in there and hopefully someday soon we will be able to walk outside our doors and feel safe again. Glad New York is seeing better numbers. Have a good rest of the day.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! I really like the unified look. It isn't really my normal decorating pattern, but this time it worked! And thanks for the well wishes...I'm dreaming of summer sun and days spent outdoors. Here's to them! Hugs!

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  2. I love your new sink skirt, and I like the old one, too. But you know how much I love red! Your blog looks fantastic! I love the new look. I have not been in blogland much lately. I probably need to update everyone about what's going on around here (nothing exciting or pretty, LOL).

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    1. Thanks Ricki! I love the red, too. I keep trying to “tone it down” around here, but then I miss the color and the pop. This was a way to get a little of both. And thanks…I do love the new site look, too. It was time. Hoping you are well and safe.

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  3. Hi Kim! The ball fringe was just the ticket. Your kitchen looks ready for warm weather. Nice job. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Thanks Nancy! I have to confess, I'm smitten with that fringe. Hugs!

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  4. I love the soft elegant look the new sink curtain gave to your kitchen Kim! It is amazing how just something simple really changes the look and feel of a space. It's always nice having a bit of a change. Your kitchen always charms my heart :) Many blessings to you!

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    1. Thanks so much, Marilyn! I agree with you, this pattern is softer and I like the elegant feel. It was also free, which is huge in my book! 😉 Hoping you are well and safe!

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  5. Oh Kim,

    Missed you, love the new skirt and the trim made it perfection!

    I have been on a painting tear and posting tear. Posting something I finally have the health for constantly.

    Love your update.

    Cindy

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! It's nice to be back interacting again. I have a lot of catching up to do and it's wonderful to hear that you're feeling so well! Fabulous!! Stay safe my friend!

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  6. Oh the trim just MAKES these curtains! You've changed your theme since I've been here last and it looks fantastic!
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks so much, Brenda! I adore that little pom pom trim. It's so cute. And yes, I changed my theme today as a matter of fact. I am very happy with it. So far...

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  7. I love it. And agree with Brenda, I love the trim, it makes the curtains.
    Your site looks fantastic.. crisp and fresh!
    Carla

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    1. Thanks so much, Carla! I keep staring at that fringe…☺️

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  8. I love the new skirt and that fringe is just the cutest!
    I like the look here too!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mari! I think I'd put fringe everywhere if I could. 🥰

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  9. Your sink skirt turned out really cute. Very nicely done and glad your machine was cooperating.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lorri! I was pleased my machine was working, too. It really does make a difference.

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  10. Kim,
    Love the new skirt!! And It looks great with the valances in your sweet little breakfast nook!! I use a skirt to cover the bottom shelves on my counter bar... I have been making them out of tablecloths along with the valances to match and changing them for the Seasons... Fun in retirement.. I have been busy doing a lot of outside work and have my front porch and yard ready for the Summer along with the back yard and patio. I waited to plant my annuals and it was a good thing because we have frost this morning!!Good to see that you posted....
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbie!! I really have enjoyed a little puttering and a fresh view. I can't wait to get out in the garden, too. I have a porch and patio that needs a little flair, but it snowed here on Saturday. Crazy!! Stay safe!!

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  11. You did a great job sewing your new sink skirt Kim. It looks great and it is such pretty fabric. I hope you enjoy your new blog theme as I love it’s new look.

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    1. Thank you, Julie! I really like it and the new theme. It makes me smile that you like them both, too!

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  12. I just adore your cozy cottage, Kim - I could move right in in a heartbeat and not change a thing!!

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  13. I love your cottage and the new you have done, we women need a change and yours is so pretty.

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    1. I agree, Marlene, I needed a change for sure!! And thank you so much!

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  14. Oh I love it, Kim! And the little pompoms are so charming! It's so great you are able to make things and change it up...it really has a fun, fresh look!

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    1. Thanks Linda! I'm not the greatest seamstress, but I have just enough skills to fake my way through most sewing projects. 😉

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  15. I love your sink skirt! The fabric you used is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! It's a favorite of mine, too.

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  16. You had me at the BALL FRINGE!!!! I loooovvvveee ball fringe! I have 2 or 3 tops trimmed in it that I love to wear:) Sadly I can't sew a stitch so I couldn't do this project, but your skirt is such a cute idea. And the red gingham check pad? also caught my eye. That's another thing I love...gingham!!!! Your kitchen is so light and airy. And this post has made me want to do some redecorating too, but that will have to wait awhile!!! Until then I will just have to live vicariously through your lovely place:)

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    1. Oh Cheri, I’m a sucker for ball fringe and gingham. I don’t have any in my stash, so I have to wait until I can get back in the store to grab some. Or not. Maybe I’ll cave and buy some online…even though I have so much fabric here, I have no business buying anymore. It’s an obsession. And thank you for your sweet words!

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  17. Kim I love the fact that you have put your sink skirt back to work again and the new fabric is really pretty and looks so good. Your new look is great and I'm glad you are keeping busy and not getting bored. It must be wonderful to look forward to summer and the enjoying of your beautiful garden and pool. Take care and stay well, my good friend..xxoJudy

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    1. Thanks Judy! It's been the perfect pick me up during a very dreary time!

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  18. Kim, the new one is pretty too! The pompoms convinced me! xoxo Su

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  19. How lovely your new sink skirt matches the curtains. I love your creativity and your talents for sewing. Happy Sunday.

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    1. Thanks Linda! Not the best seamstress, but I certainly give it my all!

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  20. I'm back form my hiatus and saw your S. S. S. S. project!
    I'm inspired!
    I'm going to try one, too!
    Even the ball fringe!

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    1. Oh I'm so glad you're inspired and I hope you do try it!! So easy...

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  21. Hi Kim, I am making under sink curtains for my kitchen following your instructions. Your installation idea is brilliant and the drape/pleating is just perfect. How wide did you make each panel?

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    1. Hello!! SO glad you like it. My panels are each 24 inches wide. That is 1.5X the width of the cabinet door. It gave me enough fabric to pleat nicely and a tiny bit more to extend past the cabinet to cover the gap between my doors. It also gave me the extra to glue down on the opposite ends. If you don't have that gap between your cabinets you might not need that much. Hope that helps! And I hope you share your skirt with me! Kim@exqusitelyunremarkable.com I'd love to see it!

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  22. Your design was exactly what I was looking for - beautiful, functional and reversible. I have the dowels and material. The pleating is perfect. How wide is each panel?

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    1. Wow...so happy you like it! I'm flattered and happy I can help someone else get the look in a functional way. As you can see in the comment above each panel is 24" wide. Hope that helps and please share your DIY with me!! Kim@exqusitelyunremarkable.com

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