'So that's what they're for!' This detail, used in the most beautiful kitchens, has a clever function you may not have guessed

If you love daydreaming about the most beautiful kitchens and like me spend a significant amount of time analyzing the latest designs, you’ve probably noticed this charmingly intriguing element popping up. It’s discreet yet intricate and adds such an elegant touch to kitchen cabinet doors. 

I’m talking about small geometric shaped cut-outs arranged in various patterns across the face of kitchen cabinets. They are pretty for sure, but do they also serve a purpose? I couldn’t help but investigate this further. I spoke with one designer who loves incorporating this element in her modern kitchen designs and she gave me the inside scoop. 

What exactly is this detail?

(Image credit: Kirstin Karch. Design: The Misfit House)

'It’s actually used in cabinet design and referred to as "ventilated cabinetry" or "cabinetry with cut-outs",' says interior designer and owner of The Misfit House, Monica Stewart, who specializes in creating meaningful, timeless homes. ‘The functional purpose would be to allow air flow inside the cabinet in areas like under a sink, pantry, appliance garages or mudroom lockers. However, I don’t confine the design strictly to those areas, they can be used anywhere,’ adds the designer. 

What’s more, they’re a perfect compromise when the need for very practical solutions negates purely style-led options. ‘It’s a great way to add character or interest to kitchen cabinets yet still offer concealed storage. Glass and wire mesh cabinets are beautiful but there are times when a client’s need for storage trumps the design,’ tells me Monica.

From an aesthetic point of view, they allow for creative expression as all patterns can be custom made. They can also help to visually break up a tall cabinet door that might otherwise look too plain. Isn’t that a nice personal touch to add to your kitchen?

Is it a passing trend, or does it have timeless appeal?

(Image credit: Kirstin Karch. Design: The Misfit House)

Trends come and go but there are just some things that look so good they become instant classics. So where does this leave our cabinetry with cut-outs then? ‘My hope is that the cabinetry we design today will still be in place 50 years from now, and feel as though it’s always been there,’ tells us Monica. 

‘I always look to incorporate unique cabinetry in each project to set it apart from the next. It’s a great way to make new cabinets feel original to an old house,’ says the designer and I couldn’t agree more. This makes ventilated cabinetry less about trends, and more about function mixed with personal expression – a winning combination which never goes out of style. I’m all here for it!