10 Southern Kitchens We Love

Nothing says “comfort” like a Southern kitchen. And these days, Southern kitchen design is branching out way beyond the typical gingham and country store look.

Check out 10 of our favorite spaces, from sleek and sophisticated to cute and cozy.

This newly renovated kitchen stays true to the 150-year-old house it lives in, thanks to an understated color palette, traditional finishings, and thoughtful touches. We love that the upper cabinets are a touch lighter than the ones below, and the colorful rug adds a modern pop of fun. Built-in glass shelving and exposed beams make this kitchen even more stunning.

See the rest of the house: Historic Meets Modern in Charleston at Apartment Therapy

This kitchen is a perfect example of how accessories can make the space. Just look at how the towels and random dishes bring out the striped accent wall — they provide a cohesive, much-needed pop of color in this modern space. And there’s an idea for you to steal: The owners painted the blinds to match the cabinets, giving the room a custom, high-end feel.

Take the rest of the tour: A Contrast of Glamorous & Classic Elements at Apartment Therapy

The minimalist color palette of this renovated kitchen is timeless and sophisticated. (Yes, we realize that Texas is questionably Southern, but we count it in our book.) The understated tiled backsplash adds some textural interest, and the space itself ticks most of the boxes on our dream kitchen wish list: glass cabinets, a farmhouse sink, an eat-in island, and hardwood floors.

Prepared to be wowed: Understated Elegance & Clean Lines in Houston at Apartment Therapy

This space has all the upgrades it needs (custom wooden counters, a large marble-topped island, and stainless steel appliances) without sacrificing the house’s authenticity. We love the large wooden cabinet, which holds a collection of Arts and Crafts pottery the family has collected over the years. The kitchen and breakfast nook are full of items with sentimental value.

See even more personal touches: A Sunny 1923 Spanish Revival in North Carolina at Apartment Therapy

During the kitchen renovation, the homeowners were able to hold on to some of the original character of this home, originally built in 1868: The beautiful wood cabinets were built from pine salvaged from another part of the house. The simple black countertops modernize the space, and vintage, personal touches make this Southern kitchen feel like home.

See the 2,300-square-foot home: “Decay on Display” in a Grand Historic New Orleans Home at Apartment Therapy

Open shelving is always a win in our book — especially if you happen to have beautiful dinnerware. We’re also loving the timeless white cabinets, light wood countertops, and colorful backsplash. The homeowners found the 1940s framed bird prints in Savannah, adding both history and character to a renovated kitchen.

Take the tour: Goodbye Brooklyn, Hello Savannah: A Scandinavian-Meets-Craftsman Style Bungalow Renovation at Apartment Therapy

A mix of flea-market finds, salvage items, and personal touches, this kitchen has tons to love. For one, the long countertop base was built from the doors of an old church. The home’s original brick chimney still stands. And all that light you see coming in? There’s a 42-pane window over there.

Read what the homeowners have to say about the room: Alicia & Adam’s Southern Victorian Kitchen at Apartment Therapy

Let’s talk contrast — specifically, the black hardwood and white cabinets that instantly modernize this space. Plus, any time you add marble and subway tile, the room is going to end up looking custom and high-end. The bright (but not too bright!) rug and potted plants breathe color and life into this kitchen.

See more thoughtful details: This Treasure Hunter Filled a Sixties Home with Fantastic Finds at Apartment Therapy

Even though this kitchen is on the small side, it packs a design punch with statement-making elements — check out the palm print wallpaper on the ceiling and the distressed brick pillar. We’re also loving the glass-paneled cabinets and mix of wood and granite countertops.

Check out more pics: An Adventurously Dreamy Home with a Touch of Golden Glam at Apartment Therapy

We love the rustic, lived-in feel of this Southern kitchen. Painting the lower cabinets a muted shade of green modernize the space, while vintage touches like a 1953 Chambers stove and a farmhouse sink bring character and personality. Also, it’s giant. Who doesn’t love a giant kitchen?

Take a closer look: Glenn and Paula’s Farmhouse Kitchen at Apartment Therapy

Which one do you heart the most?