DESIGN

Ever wondered why some cabinets and cupboards have charming little cut-out holes in their doors?

There’s not a ton of information about the exact origins of this style of decorative/geometric vent hole (when you Google anything like “cabinet door with cute little holes,” most of the search results are people asking how to fill screw holes), which is probably a result of how long vent hole cutouts have been around. Up until the advent of HVAC and modern food preservation, air circulation was crucial for preventing moisture buildup and mold growth anywhere perishables were stored (i.e. pantry cupboards and larder cabinets).

While we may not rely on these cutouts to keep our butter fresh, they still add heaps of charm and whimsy to cabinet fronts.

If you’ve ever been on the deVOL Kitchens website or watched their amazing TV show For the Love of Kitchens, you’ve definitely seen these cutouts before. deVOL Kitchens is a renowned British design company specializing in handcrafted kitchen furniture that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. Per their Instagram: “we add these cut-outs for a little extra ventilation, but mostly because they bring that cool country charm that we love.” Below are four of their spectacular bespoke kitchens featuring vent cut-outs.

This style of geometric cutout looks best when used on simple, understated cabinets (like shaker, for example) that are on the taller side, like in the above examples.

On a simple cabinet face with a large surface area, they add the perfect amount of visual intrigue. They give a space an element of vintage gravitas and charm with a country or cottage tilt.

Interested in adding vent hole cut outs on your next project?

If your favorite style is the circular vent holes, all you need is a drill and a set of spade bits. More complex shapes require a router tool—Laura (@theaveryhome) has an excellent tutorial on how she used a router to make such uniform, precise cut-outs on her entry built-ins here.

If you love the look but don’t want to commit to drilling into your cabinet doors, check out the stencils linked below.

Cut-out vent holes are more than just quaint details; they are a testament to the clever and practical design solutions of the past. So, next time you see those cute little details, you'll know they're a small but fascinating part of kitchen history, and a delightful addition to an understated cabinet front.