An inglenook (Modern Scots ingleneuk), or chimney corner, is a small recess that adjoins a fireplace. Inglenooks originated as a partially enclosed hearth area, appended to a larger room. The hearth was used for cooking and its enclosing alcove became a natural place for people seeking warmth to gather. With changes in building design kitchens became separate rooms, while inglenooks were retained in the living space as intimate warming places, subsidiary spaces within larger rooms. (1) (1) Holt, Stephen. "The Inglenook: A History of Hearth & Home". This Old House. Retrieved 17 January 2012