The classic elements are all here: heart-pine, paint colors with a rich past, an impressive collection of Southern antiques. But how this homeowner uses them is a stylish surprise. Pat Wheeler found inspiration in the wonderful historic houses in her hometown of Columbus, Mississippi, but by rethinking tradition, she creates a kitchen for herself and husband Doug that echoes the past in a thoroughly modern voice.

Provincial Perfection
Heart-pine flooring salvaged from an old home is repurposed as countertops. "They were more than 115 years old and black when we got them," Pat remembers. The 14-inch-wide boards were remilled before simply being rubbed with tong oil and coated with polyurethane. No stain. The time-toughened soft wood has proven to be pretty and hardworking in its 10 years of kitchen duty.

The color of the cabinetry is a take on Williamsburg green, which was wildly popular during the restoration frenzy of the mid-20th century. Pat tweaked this hallmark hue with a touch of gray to soften the contrast with the white walls. The walls themselves are plain horizontal boards. "I had the hardest time getting my carpenter to understand that I didn't want all the boards to match up perfectly in the corners," Pat explains. "I wanted the cracks to be staggered and irregular. It's difficult to teach imperfection."

Timeless Treasures
Pat has collected Southern-made primitive antiques for more than 15 years, and her artful displays spice up her nouveau-country kitchen. "People always go for the grand, elaborate antiques, but primitives are sometimes easier to find and less expensive because people don't realize how important they are," she says.