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The Modern Design Trend That’s Taking Over
This may be one of the most “Jess” posts I’ve written in a while (outside of my personal reveals, of course). Now, this trend isn’t “new” but has really taken flight in a big way more recently. Which modern design trend am I talking about?? Circle cut-outs. The way this shape-inspired detail has my heart. It’s playful and chic, and dare I say a little timeless with its art deco/midcentury modern roots. With some of the examples I’m going to show you, there’s that vintage essence, and I can’t get enough. So while this trend is more in architectural features (i.e., doors, walls, shutters, etc), they can also be found in furniture and decor, making this trend FULL of options and potential 🙂
I remember the first time I saw this baby blue console table in Sarah Sherman Samuel’s first Michigan home. It was love. Now, I know not everyone loves the multiple circle look, and there’s a real phobia called Trypophobia. If that’s something you deal with (like my best friend), this post may not be for you. But personally, I can’t get enough, and this is what inspired my circle cut-out cabinet I made with my dad…
She may not be completely perfect, but she is to me:) And in terms of what it adds to the overall look and feel of my space is huge. It adds an incredible pattern, texture, and a modern contrast to the traditional architecture of my apartment. Despite it having a “trend-forward” look, to me, it only adds visual richness. Let’s look at some more examples…
These shutters, designed by The Northwest Home, STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS. The warmth and grain of the wood are perfection. The modern, flat panel with the vertical line of circle cut-outs feels so fresh yet simple. It takes what is a lovely, well-designed living room to another level. I’m actually considering making something inspired by these, but I’m not ready to talk about it yet.
If I ever have a home gym, it will be a version of this Ashe Leandro one. Doesn’t just feel both cool and simple? You don’t need anything else in that room to make it better. The power of a simple circle shape is clearly immense (at least to me). I think too, why these cutouts feel so good to me is because it’s a simple pattern that both excites and puts your eyes at ease. It’s a simple grid, so your brain doesn’t have to “figure it out”.
Sorry that this isn’t the best angle, but look to the far right of the first photo, and you will see the front door decked out in circle cut-outs. Hauvette & Madani describe it as “Personalized front door with an art deco vibe.” It’s a detail that’s meant to last because it’s just that special. I also love that they continued the circles to the transom window. It feels more of a statement that way.
Of course, if small circles aren’t your style, maybe really big ones are! If you don’t know Ome Dezin, their work is incredible. We featured one of their kitchens in our big kitchens trends post this year. But let’s discuss these doors. This is a restored MCM home, and those doors were made custom to play with the round skylight. See? This is what I mean when I say circle cut-outs almost always feel vintage-inspired to me.
Here is yet another door with a circle cut-out option by Wunderwall Design. I love the subtlety of them. Just a small detail that lets in light but feels extra unique with the silver trim. 1000/10.
This home, designed by Wuuu Studio, is absolutely on the very modern, midcentury-modern side, but tell me that circle wall (likely cabinet doors) isn’t cool…impossible because it just is (even if it’s not your particular style). These shapes are so bold in their simplicity. Peep the dining table too:)
So while this modern design trend lends itself effortlessly to different modern styles, it’s not exclusive to them. I love how Sarah Sherman Samuel added circle cut-outs to this nook in a more traditional-style playroom.
We love a dramatic passthrough doorway, and these cutouts are really making a visual impact. The grain of the wood with the circles that Laura W Jenkins Interiors designed is such an incredible statement. I vote for more interesting doorways, circles or not!
Actually, this bathroom passageway also kinda counts if we’re talking more doorway details. The cut-outs on these metal beams are such a cool accent.
Circles can go in kitchens too:) Here, KLH Custom Homes made these amazing cabinet fronts with, you guessed it, circle cut-outs. Even if they are currently trending, these circles will forever make a space more interesting. Plain and simple. But to be fair, custom cabinets (and doors) aren’t going to be in everyone’s homes because I would imagine the price tag isn’t small.
“Milanese Modernism” is right. That description is really what I connect most to when I think of these circle cut-outs. I LOVE those doors, the kitchen, and everything else about this stunning space by Giampiero Tagliaferri.
But let’s say that you aren’t able to customize a door or shutters (aka most of us). What are you to do if you love this look?? Well, in Sarah Sherman Samuel’s latest Lulu and Georgia collaboration, created some wonderful pieces to satisfy your circle cutout needs with these:
Reika Round Dining Table | Reika Plinth
Another great place to look for circle cut-out decor is Etsy, vintage sites, and of course, in person at flea markets and thrift shops.
Intersect Steel Swivel Stools | Art Deco Table Lamp
So this is my love letter to this trend, and chances are, whenever I do another reveal in my home, you will see more circle cut-outs. Thoughts?
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge (me!) | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Jess’ Living Room Reveal
JESS! Long time reader, first time commenter here. Your post immediately reminded me of the iconic Chipotle hole wall! Such a defining architectural feature of my youth! If you’re not familiar, I highly recommend a Google or a field trip. 🙂
I adore this trend. What a chic roundup. More extra “Jess” style posts please!
Love the cutout concept, hate the circles! I did kind of a rounded cross in my pantry cabinet at my old house
Holy trypophobia batman
I love these all!
I think they are fun, and am old enough to remember when they were hot in my MCM childhood. I think their ubiquitous-ness can be at least partially explained by the fact that it is much easier, faster, and cheaper to make all of those cute circles than it would be to make any other shape. Perhaps not now, when routers can do almost anything, but in the “beginning.” Still cute, though, an a great way to light, texture, and interest to almost any surface.
It was love at first sight when I gazed at that baby blue console table; I hardly noticed the circle pattern. After I scrolled through the next couple of pictures, I was so overwhelmed by such a sudden and severe case of trypophobia, I was forced to abandon my scrolling.
I love this!
I used to live in a house with a tiny bathroom that had a big ugly exhaust fan that was put in where a window used to be, on the wall. (An room addition was added to the other side of the wall so it’s no longer able to be a window.) I had my contractor add wood trim and make a cover panel for the fan with a 1/4″ thick piece of plywood with drilled rows of 2″ circles on the panel mounted it in front of the exhaust. The panel is removable so it can be cleaned, or the exhaust unit can be replaced if needed. Here’s a pic.
Working on circle cutout shutters for my home right now. Most examples online show straight rows and columns. We’re experimenting with where to place cutouts to let in light while blocking views of the ugly outside the window (neighbor’s trash and recycling carts) or keep peeping eyes from looking in too easily. So many possibilities, especially if you use circles (or ovals) of different sizes.
This was a beautifully expressive and inspiring post. I loved how you connected design with personal emotion, showing that circle cut-outs are more than just a trend—they add true character and depth to a space. In my view, circular elements really do feel timeless and elegant, making your design choice both stylish and meaningful.
I enjoyed this post! Been seeing this “holey” trend in Euro interiors on IG for a while now–glad to see it finally popping up more in the US. (Why do they always get the best stuff overseas? Also, tariffs are the worst.)