It was believed to be reserved for old furniture. However, this decorative detail from another time can now be found in the most modern kitchens. And if he comes back, it’s not just for style.
In recent years, kitchens have become more sober with cleaner lines. Handleless fronts, matte surfaces and continuous lines have conquered contemporary interiors. But in wanting to smooth everything out, we sometimes forget that the kitchen is above all a living place where heat, humidity and odors are constantly circulating. Many designers are therefore returning to solutions inspired by the past, simple and intelligent, which improve everyday life without breaking the decorative style.
Among them, an old decorative detail once again attracts attention. It is occasionally found in custom projects or among DIYers curious to give a little relief to their furniture. This small, discreet, almost imperceptible addition solves a problem that all kitchens experience: lack of air.
Because despite modern hoods and materials, steam and grease get everywhere. In closed cupboards, air remains trapped, humidity accumulates, and odors eventually take hold. This is where this idea from the past comes in: cut-out closet doors. These openings, often circular, replace the traditional handle and allow air to circulate naturally inside the storage. A simple, discreet, but extremely effective solution.
The idea is not new. In the 18th century, craftsmen were already drilling pantry doors to let air through and prevent mold. There was nothing aesthetic about these cutouts: they responded to a concrete need for ventilation. Today, they are finding their usefulness in modern kitchens, where they help reduce humidity and preserve materials.
And there’s no need to change the entire kitchen to take advantage of it. Simply add an openwork handle, a perforated insert or a simple hole to an existing facade.
A discreet, economical and common sense idea – which proves that when it comes to cooking, the oldest solutions often remain the most effective.
