The Retro Cottage-Core Kitchen Trend That's Making A Comeback In 2025

If you think cottagecore decor is out, think again. The aesthetic may have hit its stride during early Covid-19 pandemic days, when people were pining for ways to find fulfillment in their slower routines at home. Suddenly, learning to embroider, starting a garden, or maintaining a sourdough starter seemed like reasonable goals — and people started wanting their home decor to match their renewed appreciation for more old-timey hobbies. Interior fixtures like wicker baskets, rustic vintage furniture, botanical prints and other charming items made their way into popular interior design aesthetics. While many have set aside their pandemic projects and resumed their busy routines, the simplicity of cottagecore decor is still appealing to many. 

There's one retro kitchen trend in particular that's making a hard comeback: applying curtains rather than cabinet doors under the kitchen sink. This simple but impactful trend is undeniably vintage-y, but it can be easily adapted to suit a just-modern-enough cottagecore style. In addition to being affordable and easy to DIY, the under-sink curtain trend is a fun way to keep give any kitchen a little cottagecore flair.

Sink skirts go back decades, to a time when under-the-sink cabinets weren't necessarily popular in rustic homes, but people still wanted to hide gritty plumbing details with a bit of charm. Sink skirts also offer some practical benefits; in winter, they allow for warm airflow so pipes are less likely to freeze. If pipes do leak, a skirt is also much easier to clean or replace than wood cabinetry. Today, people turn to sink skirts not just for practical reasons — a cabinet can hide your pipes and cleaning products just as well — but to add some quaint nostalgia to the space. Plus, it's one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ideas for your kitchen remodel!

There are a few things to consider before adopting this cottagecore trend into your kitchen. First, figure out what pleat style works best for you. Tightly tailored box pleats give off a more formal vibe, while loosely gathered skirts can help you achieve the ultimate shabby chic decor. However, avoid excess fabric towards the bottom of the skirt, as this can be a trip hazard and may be dirtied quickly.

When you're deciding on the best fabric for the curtains under your sink, consider using fabrics with vibrant colors, rich textures, or unexpected prints instead of stuffy or retro materials. Newer patterns will strike a balance between contemporary elegance and old world charm in your modern kitchen. One more bonus of the sink skirt? It's perfect for people who love to switch things up. Rotate a few different designs according to the season — or whenever you feel like you could use a bit of a refresh! You can even make your own curtains by repurposing festive fabrics like holiday tea towels or an old summer dress.