Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Country Sampler Decorating Ideas Rabbit's Tale for a Nursery


Inspired by her love of (and collections of) bunnies and Beatrix Potter’s enchanting illustrations, Jenni set about welcoming her first child, Michael, with a nursery bursting with old-fashioned storybook charm. The nursery is tiny but cozy just like Peter Rabbit’s sand-bank home beneath the roots of a fir tree.

To make it feel larger than its actual dimensions, Jenni kept the room design light and bright. She base-coated the walls with off-white paint and incorporated pastel fabrics in the crib and at the window. A family friend, artist Susan, supplied the Peter Rabbit mural. Susan sketched the entire mural on the wall with chalk and colored it in with soft-hued acrylics.

An antique cast-iron crib, reminiscent of Mr. McGregor’s garden gate, was sanded and repainted. A well-loved rocker that belonged to Jenni’s grandmother got a fabric facelift. An old chenille bedspread, from Jenni’s mom, upholsters the chair cushions and seat.

Wooden rabbit hooks, chenille carrots found at a craft show, and a wispy swag of dotted Swiss combine for a simple splash of Peter-in-the-carrot-patch whimsy at the room’s only window. Jenni kept the window treatment simple, allowing sunbeams to brighten and warm Michael’s sleeping space and someday playroom.

It won’t be long until Michael lays claim to Jeremiah Fisher’s wicker chair or toddles across the floor amid his own collection of stuffed bunnies and frogs.

Copyright © Sampler Publications, Inc. 1997
Provided by Decorating Ideas magazine.
Reprinted by permission, HouseNet, Inc.

Back to Home Improvement Preview Lawn And Garden Home Decorating Preview Shopping Center