By Mi-Ling Stone Poole –

DEAR MI-LING: Is it possible to re-purpose my Peter Rabbit prints from my son’s nursery to the kitchen? I would like to have a whimsical look but do not know how to create it.

PLEASE HELP!

Dee S

DEAR DEE: If the Peter Rabbit prints in your son’s room make you feel warm and fuzzy, by all means integrate them into your kitchen, but add a little whimsy to the frames.

Here are a few ideas to take those nursery prints to a new level.

Change out the old picture frames and mat the prints for a more grown up look.  You can use a thicker and wider frame or repaint the existing frames in bold colors or black and white checks.

Draw your inspiration from the MacKenzie-Childs line of decorative products. You can see her kitchen products online at Mackenzie-childs.com or on neimanmarcus.com.

After the prints have been framed, add in a few rabbit statues and maybe a fox to set the tone, then repeat the black and white pattern at least three more times. You can paint a lampshade; buy a few checkered patterned towels or select a beautiful bold rug with a black and white or floral print pattern.

If you’re feeling super confident, paint a set of wooden charger plates for your dishes and mix in a variety of colors pulling from your Peter Rabbit prints.  Light blues and greens or tangerine will make the black and white checks pop. Don’t forget the hot colors of the season plum and purple.

If your son no longer needs the quilt or other themed bedding you can cut those up and make napkins, place mats, or a tablecloth. The key here is to use other scrap fabrics and just a hint of the nursery prints. Again you’re trying to keep it grown up and whimsical but repurpose with style.