Thomas Jayne is known for his ability to bring a fresh twist on tradition and universal charm to any setting, as seen in the New Orleans home of writer Julia Reed.

The library isn’t really finished, but the shelves have books, the house is neat, and I took photos. So? Photos! Definitely loving that ladder. I’m also loving the play of color from room to room, but I plan to paint the library walls and both ceilings at some point. They don’t look terrible here, but depending on the lighting and time of day, the color can go pretty yellow. I do like the contrast, and I’m thinking I might choose white, or very pale peachy/coral/pink. We’re only borrowing…

A look at a few of the highlights from Susanna's and my quick trip to Charleston last month.

The library and living room got an update! Matching rugs, finally! This has been the vision from the beginning, but I messed around, experimenting with every other possible variation. Annie Selke h

Skilled in restoring antique homes, designer Jon Green uses colorful finishes and contemporary art to refresh his own 1878 Lowcountry abode.

In his Manhattan residence, music-world consultant Andrea Anson lives amid colorful rooms layered with African artifacts, European accents, and fond memories

When Tim purchased his house in 2010, it had been abandoned since 2004, a year before Hurricane Katrina. The windows were left open and the walls were covered with mold. The property was what Tim describes as “marginally livable,” and didn’t even meet the requirements for financing. He would have to pay out of pocket to get a hot water heater installed, the electricity turned on, and have the mold re-mediated in order to secure a mortgage.

This 19th-century townhouse was converted to condo apartments, but retains many of its period charms, including a double parlor with walnut wood panels.—Stefanos Chen