If you’ve been seeing charming little cutout patterns in cabinetry lately, you’re not imagining things. Cabinet vent holes—once a purely practical feature—are having a design renaissance. With inspiration from beloved British kitchen brands like Plain English and deVOL, this nostalgic detail is now showing up in stylish mudrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and beyond across the U.S.
So why is this old-world feature suddenly back in the spotlight?
What Are Cabinet Vent Holes?
Historically, cabinet vent holes were a functional necessity. Cut into cabinet doors, they allowed for airflow and ventilation, which helped keep pantry items fresh and mudrooms from getting musty. From food storage to soggy boots, these holes served a practical purpose. But today, it’s all about the aesthetic appeal.
Now, cabinet vent holes are being embraced as a decorative element that adds depth, character, and a handcrafted feel to modern cabinetry. They’re often arranged in grids, rows, or diamond shapes and typically placed in the upper third of cabinet doors. The result is a subtle touch of vintage charm that doesn’t overpower a space—but certainly gives it personality.
How to Style Cabinet Vent Holes
Interior designers across the country are putting their own spin on vent hole designs—proving there’s no one-size-fits-all look. In fact, with today’s custom cabinetry tools, vent holes can be made in any shape or motif, from traditional patterns to monograms or custom symbols.
Caitlin Creer, a Utah-based designer, used a simple three-row grid of vent holes in a Connecticut mudroom. The pattern played beautifully off a block-printed blue and white wallpaper. “We loved the idea of something a little sweet that added a subtle detail,” she said.
In Portland, Maine, Heidi Lachapelle leaned into Shaker influences with olive green cabinetry and diamond-pattern cutouts. Her goal? Blend the simplicity of traditional design with a modern twist. The effect is fresh, elegant, and totally timeless.
Yancey Seibert Shearouse took a more practical approach in Augusta, Georgia, designing a mudroom for a busy family of five. The cabinetry, styled to function like personal lockers, included vent holes that broke up the panels and added a touch of playfulness.
Where to Use Cabinet Cutouts
These decorative holes aren't just for show—they still serve a purpose, making them especially great for:
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Mudrooms: Perfect for airing out shoes, backpacks, and jackets.
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Pantries: A nod to traditional food storage, where ventilation was once essential.
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Laundry Rooms: Pairs beautifully with vintage or English-inspired cabinetry.
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Historic Homes: Adds authenticity while still feeling current.
Bria Hammel, a Minnesota designer, used diamond-shaped vent holes in a white kitchen update of a historic 1890s home. “It was a perfect way to add visual interest… without compromising functionality,” she shared. The pattern, along with soft wood paneling and understated hardware, honored the home’s roots without feeling dated.
Make It Your Own
If you're renovating or building new cabinetry, cabinet vent holes are a beautiful way to marry function and form. Whether you're leaning traditional, modern farmhouse, or European country, the versatility of this detail fits right in.
Summer Thornton designed a soothing, nostalgic laundry room in Winnetka, Illinois, using green cabinetry (Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green), brass fixtures, and classic cutouts. “We wanted something nostalgic that felt like home,” she explained. “The cutouts and open shelves give the space breathing room, pairing beauty with function.”
And in true English countryside fashion, Salvesen Graham designers added cutouts to the doors of a flower arranging room in a Cornwall estate—pairing them with bold yellow tones, scalloped shelves, and numbered doors for a whimsical, storybook feel.
Why This Trend Works
In today’s design world, where homeowners are craving warmth, authenticity, and timeless charm, cabinet vent holes hit all the right notes. They’re subtle, functional, and bring an old-world richness that fits right into both classic and contemporary homes.
Thinking about upgrading your cabinetry or planning a remodel? Consider this small detail with a big impact—your future self (and your guests) will thank you.
