House Tours: Two Small Homes with Designer Looks

Designer Phoebe Howard is known for her upscale series of home decor stores, Mrs. Howard and Max & Co. In her urban Atlanta loft, she infuses a once-industrial space with the warmth and character for which she is famous.

Phoebe's interiors are an exercise in give-and-take--a method she executes exquisitely. In the loft she shares with her husband, interior decorator Jim Howard, she "used a balanced mix of antique and new, soft and hard, upholstered and case goods, and light and bright," she says.

Curves bring femininity to the angular loft. To soften the architecture's hard corners, Phoebe infused her space with rounded lines via the sofa, chairs, mirrors, and her collection of glass objects.

Large pieces fill a loft space without making it look or feel cluttered, Phoebe says. She uses an antique Japanese screen to define the dining area. A vintage French farm table contributes a refined yet relaxed feel.

Phoebe places an emphasis on quality sheets and textiles, especially when it comes to bedding: "I used soft white fabrics on the upholstered pieces, such as the linen slipcover on the living room sofa, and the fine hotel linens on the bed to whiten, lighten, and soften."

Phoebe decided on a strict code of white and off-white neutrals with touches of browns and gold. Her neutral color scheme makes the loft look and feel large and airy. Eye-catching details, such as this antique mirror, add sparkle to the muted color scheme.

On her Jacksonville, Florida, property, Phoebe converted a three-stall garage into a stunning 600-square-foot guest cottage. The style comfortably blends Phoebe's fine design inclinations with cool coastal touches, such as seashells, a porthole-style window, and bits of coral, for a warm welcome.

A Normandy-style limestone mantel and early-19th-century French table give substance to this living room without coming off as overly stuffy. Comfy chairs, light color washes on the walls, and stacks of books make this a serene space for any visitor.

An intimate grouping of furniture outfitted with plump pillows encourages guests to relax. Abundant Florida sunshine streams through the windows, naturally putting visitors at ease.

Phoebe and her husband, Jim, make frequent buying trips to Europe. The carefully selected antiques they bring back to the States delight customers at Mrs. Howard and Max & Co., their luxurious home decor stores. "Our stores are a true expression of ourselves and what we do," she says.