This renovated hotel in New Orleans' historic Garden District features a blend of contemporary and antique furnishings, and is decorated with vintage musical instruments as a nod to the city's jazz heritage.

At the Henry Howard Hotel, the historic Antebellum-style building has been refreshed by New York City studio Hunter Mabry Design.

The mansion was designed in 1860s by the hotel's namesake, a prolific architect across the American South, as a pair of townhouses for two sisters.

Its Greek-revival features like Corinthian columns, and galleries with walk-through windows, are typical of the era, and seen across many of the palatial homes in the picturesque neighbourhood.

Now connected as one property, the building has served as guest accommodation for decades, but was recently updated to incorporate modern conveniences while retaining its Southern charm.

The team "sought to honour Henry Howard's traditional historic elements while creating a modern and inviting space", according to a statement.

The boutique hotel's 18 rooms feature soaring ceilings, windows and doors, all decorated with a bright palette to amplify the natural light.

Subtly patterned wallpaper offsets dark wooden floors and sections of exposed brickwork, and an eclectic selection of furniture adds a unique touch to each room.

Some feature four-poster beds with slender black frames, while others have space for two queens. Brass instruments like saxophones, trombones and French horns are mounted above the headboards – a reference to the Big Easy as the birthplace of jazz music.

A penthouse suite under the sloping roof allows larger groups to hire out three bedrooms, and a spacious living and dining area, for parties or family gatherings.

"Each thoughtfully designed room welcomes guests with a curated mix of vintage and custom-designed furniture, and commissioned artwork by local artist Hayley Gaberlavage," said the hotel's statement.

From the building's raised entrance, visitors approach a marble reception desk that doubles as a bar.

Mismatched vintage seating, a mix of old and new artwork, and plenty of plants continue the blended aesthetic found in the bedrooms.

Guests can enjoy their breakfast and drinks in the parlour, or on rocking chairs along the front porch for an authentic Southern experience.

Multiple outdoor spaces around the perimeter also offer moments for sitting out in the warm climate.

Historic architecture, a lively music scene and relaxed drinking laws make New Orleans a hugely popular tourist destination. Although Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2004, visitors have steadily returned to the city – resulting in a handful of new hotel openings.

Other accommodation options for design-savvy guests include an Ace Hotel and The Eliza Jane in the Warehouse District, and The Drifter in an overhauled Mid-City motel.

Photography is by Two Studios; Kathleen Fitzgerald.