This may be one of the most “Jess” posts I’ve written in a while (besides my personal revelations, of course). Now, this trend isn’t “new”, but it’s really taken off in a big way recently. What modern design trend am I talking about?? Circle cut-outs. The way this shape-inspired detail is in my heart. It’s playful and chic, and dare I say it, a little timeless with its Art Deco/Mid-Century Modern roots. Some of the examples I’m going to show you have that old essence, and I can’t get enough of them. 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 brimming with options and possibilities 🙂
I remember the first time I saw this baby blue console table in Sarah Sherman Samuel’s first Michigan home. This was love. Now, I know not everyone likes the multiple circles look, and there is an actual phobia called trypophobia. If you do something like that (like my best friend), then this post may not be for you. But personally, I can’t get enough, and that’s what inspired me to create this circle cut-out cabinet with my dad…
It may not be completely perfect, but it is for me 🙂 And it’s huge in terms of what it adds to the overall look and feel of my space. It adds an incredible pattern, texture, and a modern contrast to the traditional architecture of my apartment. Despite its “trend-forward” look, for 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 texture of the wood is perfection. The modern, flat panel with the vertical line of circle cut-outs looks very fresh yet simple. It takes a beautiful, 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 the Ash Leandro gym. Doesn’t this sound both nice and simple? You don’t need anything else in that room to make it look better. The power of a simple circle shape is clearly too much (at least for me). I also think the reason I like these cutouts so much is because it’s a simple pattern that both excites and comforts your eyes. It’s a simple grid, so your brain doesn’t have to “figure it out.”
Sorry it’s not the best angle, but look at the far right of the first photo, and you’ll see the front door decorated with circle cut-outs. Howett and Madani describe it as a “personalized front door with an Art Deco vibe.” This is a detail that will last for a long time because it is absolutely special. I also liked that they continued to circle up to the transom window. It feels more like a statement that way.
Of course, if small circles aren’t your style, maybe really big circles! If you don’t know Ome Dezin, his work is incredible. We featured one of their kitchens in our big kitchen trends later this year. But let’s discuss these doors. It’s a restored MCM home, and those doors were custom made to play with the round skylight. Look? This is what I mean when I say that circle cut-outs almost always look vintage-inspired to me.
Here is another door with circle cut-out option Wonderwall Design. I like their subtlety. Just a small detail that adds light but looks extra unique with the silver trim. 1000/10.
This house, designed by vuuu studioDefinitely on the very modern, mid-century-modern side, but tell me the circle wall (possibly cabinet doors) isn’t good…impossible because it just is (even if it’s not your particular style). These shapes are very bold in their simplicity. Peek at the dinner table too 🙂
So while this modern design trend lends itself effortlessly to a variety of modern styles, it’s not exclusive to them. I love how Sarah Sherman Samuel added circle cut-outs to this corner of a more traditional-style playroom.
We love a dramatic passthrough door, and these cutouts are really making a visual impact. The wood grain with circles designed by Laura W. Jenkins Interiors is such an incredible statement. I vote for more interesting gates, circles or not!
In fact, if we are talking about more details of the door then this bathroom passage also matters to some extent. The cut-outs look great on these metal beams.
Circles can go to the kitchen too 🙂 Here, KLH Custom Homes Made these amazing cabinet fronts with, you guessed it, circle cut-outs. Even if they’re currently on trend, these circles will forever make any space more interesting. plain and simple. But to be fair, custom cabinets (and doors) won’t be in everyone’s homes because I guess the price isn’t small.
“Milanese modernism” is correct. When I think of these circle cut-outs this is actually the detail I connect with the most. I love those doors by Giampiero Tagliaferri, the kitchen and everything else in this amazing space.
But let’s say you’re not able to customize a door or shutter (most of us are). What will you do if you like this look?? in then Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Latest Lulu & Georgia CollaborationThese created some wonderful pieces to meet your circle cutout needs:
Rika Round Dining Table | rica plinth
Another great place to look for circle cut-out decorations is Etsy, vintage sites, and, of course, in person at flea markets and thrift shops.
INTERSECT STEEL SWIVEL STOOL | art deco table lamp
So this is my love letter to this trend, and chances are, you’ll be seeing more circle cut-outs whenever I make another reveal in my home. Idea?
I love you, it means it.
Opening Image Credit: By Design jess bunge (I!) Styled by Emily Bowser | photo by sarah ligoria-trump | From: Jess’s Living Room Reveal
