As Country Living’s senior homes and style editor, I field a ton of questions from friends and colleagues about a variety of topics from how to style a coffee table to whether the latest micro-trend is here to stay. Earlier this week, I was asked one of my favorite types of questions from our resident HGTV expert on staff, our digital director, Katie Bowlby: “Is a stove cove a thing in real life or just on HGTV?” These questions are always my favorite because they’re valid! Spoiler alert: Not everything that looks so great on HGTV is going to translate to real, everyday life. While the answer is more often “no, that’s not a real thing,” this time that isn’t the case. While some may call it by a different name, a stove cove is a real thing, and it’s a design trend definitely worth considering for your own kitchen. Get the full scoop below:FOR MORE ON KITCHENS:What Is a Stove Cove? As the name suggests, a stove cove, sometimes called a “cooks nook” or “stove nook,” is a recessed nook in a kitchen that houses the stove or range. While many stoves have vent hoods that are supported by corbels or flanked by cabinetry, stove coves are distinctly different in that they rely on being framed by three complete walls to be classified as a stove cove. While wood is a common material used to construct the enclosure, brick or tile is usually preferred. Are Stove Coves Trending?If it’s making an appearance on HGTV, there’s a good chance it’s trending. Stove coves are a favorite of designers looking to add architectural interest to a kitchen. Brick stove coves add a traditional flair to a kitchen, making it a perfect material for Colonial- or Tudor-style homes, while wood surrounds bring cottage- and farmhouse-like warmth.Related StoriesAre Stove Coves Safe? Yes, stove coves are definitely safe, especially if you’re using an electric or induction cooktop. However, if you do have a gas range, make sure that there are no directly flammable items near the stove just as you would with any open flame.Examples of Stove CovesBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingA beadboard backsplash adds humble charm to this farmhouse kitchen designed by Trinity Holmes. Sara Ligorria-TrampAn antique accordian lamp brightens this Washington barn home’s stove cove. Courtesy of Christopher Horwood/Artichoke LTDSweet blue-and-white tile serves as the backsplash for this grand stove cove from British kitchen design firm Artichoke Ltd.Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.