In 2025, the ever-popular farmhouse kitchen is getting a nostalgic twist. While the sleek, modern rustic style made famous by shows like Fixer Upper still holds appeal, designers are now revisiting one specific feature that embodies warmth, tradition, and connection — the stove cove.
A far cry from just another design trend, the stove cove is a nod to the past, offering a heartfelt focal point in the kitchen that prioritizes function, charm, and coziness. Think of it as a modern revival of the old-world hearth — a space where meals are prepared, memories are made, and comfort is key.
Interior designers describe the stove cove — also known as a cook’s nook — as a recessed area in the kitchen where the stove or range is nestled between three walls. This setup often includes built-in shelves or niches for storing oils, spices, and utensils, and is usually topped with a large, concealed range hood framed with decorative elements.
The result? A cozy and visually distinct cooking zone that becomes the heart of the kitchen, reminiscent of a warm fireplace in a country home.
A Glimpse Into Its History
The stove cove takes inspiration from traditional European homes, particularly the kitchens found in English cottages and rustic farmhouses across France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Originally, these hearth-style setups were practical — offering warmth, shelter from drafts, and a central space for cooking and even washing.
Though exact origins are hard to trace, these kitchen coves date back to medieval times, with more refined versions emerging in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their three-sided design helped concentrate heat and guide smoke into the chimney, while creating a snug, sheltered environment for cooking.
Why Stove Coves Are Trending Again
In today’s world, where digital overwhelm is real and many long for a slower pace of life, the stove cove trend speaks to a craving for authenticity and comfort. The materials typically associated with this design — aged plaster, exposed brick, antique wood, and weathered stone — reflect a longing for timeless textures and tactile warmth.
Beyond the aesthetics, stove coves are also incredibly functional. They provide extra storage within arm’s reach, help retain warmth while cooking, reduce kitchen noise, and funnel smells more effectively into the range hood. It’s a perfect fusion of charm and practicality.
Bringing the Stove Cove Look Home
While installing a true stove cove usually involves a renovation — and may not be feasible in rental homes — there are still creative ways to capture the vibe:
- Decorative framing: Add wooden or plaster corbels to visually frame your stove area.
- Retro-style appliances: Choose a stove or range with vintage details if you’re able to upgrade.
- Warm colors and textures: Try painting cabinets in earthy, old-world hues or adding faux plaster finishes to your kitchen walls.
- Vintage accents: Install a copper or brass utensil rail, or use framed Delft tiles or antique trivets as decorative touches.
For renters or those not ready to renovate, these simple swaps can still offer a taste of the stove cove’s soulful energy without structural changes.
The Takeaway
Kitchen styles may come and go, but designs rooted in heritage — like the stove cove — have a way of circling back with renewed charm. As more people seek to make their homes feel like sanctuaries, this age-old kitchen feature is proving that sometimes, the past offers the coziest inspiration for the future.
