6 Cozy Covecore Makeovers That Are Straight Out of a Homebody’s Fantasy
If you’re spending a lot more time indoors during fall and winter, it’s the perfect time to make your space feel extra cozy (think: fluffy blankets, soft pillows, and warm lighting). One other way you can make your home feel extra inviting is with architectural details — specifically, built-in nooks that invite you to curl up and relax.
Nooks, alcoves, cubbies, and coves aren’t new, but they are having a moment this year (we’ve dubbed them “covecore,” and they’re one of the major design trends of 2025). Think of covecore as the opposite of open-concept design: It’s all about tucked-away corners and little pockets that create cozy sanctuaries for reading, dining, or simply slowing down.
Want some inspiration on how to bring cozy covecore style to your home? Below are six quintessentially covecore makeovers from our Before & After archives that celebrate the art of the nook in living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms for maximum cozy vibes.
A BILLY Bookcase Hack with Curvy Cutouts
Renter Juliana (@joujee) couldn’t paint or renovate without losing her security deposit, so she had to get creative in turning a bedroom into a storage- and personality-packed home office and craft area. Her solution for storage was two IKEA BILLY bookcases. As for the personality, she customized the shelves with wavy cutout frames made of MDF.
After sketching wavy shapes onto the MDF and cutting them out with a jigsaw, Juliana glued and nailed the pieces onto the bookcases, then used caulk to fill the seams and make everything look smooth. Finally, she painted the frames electric orange. The result is a renter-friendly “garage” that keeps all her craft supplies within reach and delivers that cozy covecore look.
A Dining Room Makeover with Arched Built-Ins and Green Paint
Matheus (@matheuslit) and Célio (@celiolizar) transformed their mid-century dining room by turning a once-blank wall into a row of arched built-ins that feature both storage and seating.
Matheus started this project by building wall-to-wall cabinetry. Next, he covered the openings with thin MDF sheets cut to create arched shapes. While the framed openings are white to match the surroundings walls, a pretty green inside the cabinets helps the details pop. The highlight is the bench seating, which feels cocooned and intimate in its new arched surroundings.
A Kid’s Bedroom Makeover with Custom Bunks and Patterned Wallpaper
DIYers Faye and Morgan Hurley (@themaryhouserevival) transformed their daughter Olive’s bedroom into a dreamy, pattern-filled retreat. Wrapped in bird-filled wallpaper, teal checkered bedding, and diagonally striped curtains that can close for privacy, the built-in bunk bed feels like the coziest little nook. Between scalloped trim, layered textures, and joyful color, this playful makeover is like a little storybook hideaway.
A Hall Closet Makeover with a DIY Archway
Design duo Chica and Jo gave Jo’s builder-grade closet a stunning, budget-friendly upgrade by trading a standard rectangular shape for a soft, arched opening.
Using an arch kit like this one, Chica and Jo reframed the doorway to create an elegant curved edge before adding fresh drywall. Then, they finished the look with green paint (Benjamin Moore’s Tate Olive) and fantasy-inspired wallpaper from House of Hackney. The result is a functional, artful cove that turns storage into a statement.
A DIY Coffee Bar Makeover with Arched Shelving and Quartz Counters
Designer and DIYer Yoori Koo (@handwerkstudioatx) and her fiancé, Dan, transformed a standard double-door pantry into an arched coffee bar that instantly brings covecore warmth into their kitchen. By relocating the original pantry and framing a new arch in its place, they created a tucked-away coffee bar that feels both vintage and modern at the same time. The arched opening is the crown jewel of this makeover, giving it a completely custom sculptural look.
A 1950s Kitchen Makeover with Green Cabinets and Vintage Charm
Morgan and Faye Hurley also gave their 1950s kitchen a $60,000 renovation that’s a love letter to color, craftsmanship, and covecore charm. The coziest spot in the whole kitchen is this built-in breakfast nook, which is framed by a curved doorway that makes the corner feel like a private little cocoon. It’s the kind of spot where I’d love to sip my morning coffee.