Create a stylish sun porch

Once the broad strokes were in place, Barbara concentrated on giving the space its nostalgic Parisian look. Black bistro chairs purchased from Costco were painted in Benjamin Moore's Decorator White and then distressed with sandpaper. The black-and-white theme was carried through with fun, flirty fabrics featuring mannequins that could have been lifted straight from a 1950s issue of French Vogue. The retro print was then combined with a more traditional black-and-white toile pattern. Both are icons of French style, as is the introduction of a vibrant colour-yellow, blue, or in this case, the pink of the table and accessories. "Pink is not my first colour choice—I prefer a deeper red," explains Barbara. "But its hot tones seemed to work perfectly in this sunny space."

Another of Barbara's favourite decorating tricks is introducing unexpected elements that make visitors take a second look. "I like to put little surprises into my decorating," she says. On the sun porch, for example, the opening words of George Gershwin's famous song "Summertime" line the plate rail in wooden letters painted to match the wall.

In our changeable climate, endless summers aren't a possibility, but we've learned to make the best of sunny days. Whether your penchant is for Parisian patina, like the Graces' dreamy hideaway, a romantic retreat complete with candles and daybed, or a tropically styled refuge filled with vintage travel memorabilia, paradise can be found in your very own backyard.

Fanciful French not your style? Try one of these decorating themes:
• Greenhouse in disguise, a solarium-inspired space filled with ferns, white wicker furniture and faded floral cushions
• Miami Beach madness, with hot shades of cinnamon and lime, and lots of white curtains, plus a pitcher of mojitos at the ready
• Natural wonder, with more earth tones and nature-walk finds; a refuge to write letters, birdwatch and paint watercolours

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