Kitchen Island Skirts Are Trending: Here's How To Make Them Not Look Messy

Recently, the interior design world saw the sink skirt making a comeback after it was quite popular between the '30s and '50s. The return helped soften utilitarian and minimalistic kitchens by adding a nostalgic, cozy aesthetic. Now, the island skirt is having a big moment, and it may be even more enticing to try out than its sink counterpart. Adding fabric around your island is certainly different, but it gives you a unique decorative opportunity and can bring an inviting air to your space. To avoid a messy or dated look, create a flow between the skirt and other elements throughout the kitchen. For example, put out dish towels and window treatments with patterns and colors similar to your island skirt to create a cohesive palette.

This trend is a great way to refresh your kitchen by adding texture. It's also worth considering if your space needs a little boost to make it less bland. Before you try it, though, review your kitchen's design style. A modern, minimalist aesthetic, for example, might clash with the skirt's softer look, especially if you don't keep any other similar fabrics or materials around. However, this isn't to say that you can't add some accent pieces to make your island skirt a more coordinated element. Instead, just make sure you're thinking about the space's finished design.

It's important to avoid visual clutter in your kitchen, even in the form of fabric. Adding a skirt to your kitchen island is a great way to soften sharp edges and add a little more style to the room. However, you should take into account what patterns or palettes will elevate the space rather than causing it to clash. Once you've determined if this trend will work, you'll have a few tasks ahead of you. 

You can either remove your island's cabinet doors and drawers, if there are any, or just attach the skirt to the outside with velcro. Leaving the doors on, however, could make it tricky to pull items out from inside the cabinets. If your island just has open shelving, then you can focus on how you want to attach your skirting first. Curtain hooks and rods are a good option, or you could sew or buy fabric that already has a rod pocket or eyelets, and then use a tension rod to hang the curtain. Make sure to measure the entirety of your island before purchasing any fabric, and keep in mind the ideal length is just barely grazing the ground. Where the top of your skirting starts will be up to you as well. Since some islands have a thicker countertop, it may be more beneficial to position the rod or hooks below this. Length makes a big difference, and can affect the overall finish of this decor element. Too long, and the result will come across sloppy. Too short, and it will seem awkward.

When it comes to creating a kitchen layout with your skirted island that doesn't create a messy design, you want to focus on the other fabric materials in the room. Dish towels should be swapped to match either the color scheme or the pattern of the skirt. If you have a window in your kitchen try finding matching or similar curtains to the material on your island. Also, try to find a pleat similar to your skirt for your window curtains. Not every fabric has to match exactly, but similar elements will make everything more cohesive. Essentially, you want to stick to a basic three-color palette to avoid overwhelm and a cluttered look.

You can opt for a statement piece as your island skirt, it's just important that the entire thing is creating flow and fluidity in your cooking space. Rugs are another way to help complement the fabric you've chosen for the island, as are upholstered stools or even your kitchen chairs. If you have a breakfast niche, you could even DIY a stylish brunch nook backrest using the same fabric you used for the skirt. Consider using material that is easy to care for and maintain, since food, moisture, and of course, friends and family will come into contact with it. A removable skirt might be worth considering since it will be easier to clean.