The Cute Cottagecore Cabinet Trend Taking Over Kitchens

Sometimes, once a design is no longer needed, it starts to fade out of popularity. However, on rare occasions, they may come back as a decorative option instead of a practical one. This is the case for one particular design in kitchens, known as cabinet vent holes. These were once purely practical for airflow, but they've now evolved into a charming detail that instantly makes your kitchen look more cottagecore. And while the name "cabinet vent holes" doesn't exactly inspire a traditional feel, the appearance is much more adorable than its description. Even if cottagecore isn't the final look you're going for in your kitchen, cutting a few decorative holes in your cabinet doors is guaranteed to elevate the space.

The most common designs generally feature cross or diamond shapes, with some sort of cutout at all four points. However, long vertical lines or a series of holes at the top are also commonly found. Of course, you can go with any shape or number of holes you want. "There are so many different variations and styles of this that influence the overall look of a room," said interior designer Caitlin Creer when talking to Better Homes & Gardens. "With the machine most cabinet makers use to achieve this, you can create pretty much anything from a monogram to a very specific motif."

Cut-out vent holes were originally for more than just looks. Before modern ventilation systems were a norm in homes, air was more prone to becoming stale. It was somewhat common for humidity to build up in cabinets, leading to a higher chance of mold. To help prevent this, small holes were cut in the front panels, particularly where food was stored. It was common in homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and if you have original cabinets from that time, you might come across them. 

While the designs are no longer as necessary today, they still offer a beautiful charm that nods back to more cottage-like and classic designs. Plus, a little extra ventilation never hurts — especially in spots that tend to get a bit warmer and more humid than others, such as by the stove or dishwasher. It's also good to help reduce odors in cabinets you rarely open.

In addition to their practical purposes, these vent holes provide visual appeal. They can add a bit of whimsy to a more simplistic design. Not to mention, they're equally at home in both traditional and modern interiors and can suit different kitchen cabinet styles, but even more so shaker-style ones. These decorative holes don't have to be restricted only to your kitchen, either. You can add them anywhere in your home, including laundry rooms and mudrooms with cabinets.

Cabinet vent holes are relatively easy to do yourself –  as long as you have a drill and spade bits (or a router if you're carving out intricate patterns). There are also stencils to help you get more accurate measurements for the shapes. Use these vents alongside one of the colors to decorate with for a cottagecore aesthetic on your cabinets, and you'll have a charming kitchen in no time. 

If you like the idea but want something a little more modern, there are a lot of solutions nowadays. For example, you can opt for cabinet doors with metal grille panels in the center or ones with woven rattan. Either adds a decorative, tasteful detail to your kitchen but might fit your decor better than classic vent holes would. Just note that both of these options have the downside of collecting dust and being harder to clean.

Another option is to use the stencils mentioned above, but instead of cutting out holes, you can mimic the look of the vents. Just use a little black paint to paint the patterns. For an even more renter-friendly option, simply print out some black shapes, cut them, and stick them onto your cabinet where desired.