Southern Living Idea House

A separate entrance from the porch opens directly into the hardworking mudroom with its pairs of custom open built-ins and closed closets that provide ample space for open and hidden storage.

Sheer cafe curtains, hung just above the bottom sash, give the dining room softness and privacy while still allowing a view of the outside and inviting lots of sunlight to stream in through the upper panes.

Spool beds became popular with American furniture makers in the mid 19th century. This bedroom’s impressive example combines graceful spools, four tall posts (a Southern addition), and a pretty painted finish.

In the second-floor suite, Phoebe gave the small space big impact by covering everything in the same fabric. On the first floor, rich brown walls and a combination of neutral fabrics carry out a warm mushroom-and-ivory color palette.

Just off the living room sits a wonderful, intimate little study that was designed as a purposeful departure from its big, open neighbor.

From cabinet countertop configuration to hanging pendants, the two sides of this kitchen are almost exact matches. At each end, the elements differ, but their size and scale balance each other to feel symmetrical.

Front and back doors open directly into a two-story-high living room, where spruce-planked walls and wood beams salvaged from an 1890 Tenessee barn reflect the home’s rural setting and give the space a refined, barnlike feel.

On the edge of the property, two miniature versions of the main house—known affectionately as “bunkies”—serve as a visual gateway into the compound.

Tile is a pretty and practical choice for the light-filled laundry room. For interest on the walls, Phoebe used two colors of the same small mosaic tile in wide stripes.