Simple Kitchen Decor

Ditch the Doors!

Many turn-of-the-century country kitchens had fabric panels instead of cabinet doors to hide pots and pans, and the colorful materials added texture and warmth to the room. To create old-time charm in your kitchen, remove the cabinet doors beneath your sink and skirt the open area as shown with a floral or check tablecloth.

Materials and Tools:

thin wire
2 small eye-bolt screws
tablecloth: 1-1/2 to 2 times the width of the cabinet's opening and slightly longer than the opening.

Steps:

1. Top of the cabinet curtain: Create a channel for the wire, by folding and pressing a 1-1/2" hem at the top of the fabric or tablecloth (wrong sides together). Measure 1" from the fold and sew with a straight line of stitching from one end of the fabric to the other. String the wire through the pocket of the fabric.

2. Attach the screws to the cabinet directly below the sink. Measure from the screw on the front of the cabinet to the floor, subtract one inch from the measurement and mark and hem the cloth. Thread the wire through the eye-bolts and twist the wire to hold the drape securely in place.

Designer's Note: To give instant age to lace or new fabric, pour strong coffee into an old tub or kitchen sink and soak the fabric until you achieve the look you desire. Test a small sample of your fabric first to make sure you like the effect.