Arranging a Miniature Dresser

June paints her country kitchen furniture in muted shades of cream and green paying great attention to the effects of wear and tear, and age. This gives her furniture character which adds to the realistic feel of a miniature kitchen. She started by choosing a plate set from Victoria Fasken in a colour to complement the dresser's finish and arranging them on the shelves in a symmetrical pattern, using the large oval platters as a focal point in the centre. Victoria hand paints her own designs on pewter ware; these two colours and their pattern are new additions to her range.

Next she chose accessories that would appear naturally in a kitchen and bring some contrast to the plates. Pottery was her first choice - brown slipware with naive cream decoration made by Duncan White. She used a large rectangular platter that filled the bottom shelf on the cream dresser to give a feeling of weight. The eye is then connecting with the salt pig on the top. Above the platter she chose a simple rectangular wicker basket made by Zara Ribeaud. Slightly smaller in width than the platter, its woven finish adds another texture to the display.

Staying on the theme of both rectangles and shades of brown, June chose a tiny wooden box. Made by French polisher Len White, the marquetry on the lid in different coloured wood and the brass escutcheon again adds another element to the display. Notice from the size and position of the platter, basket and box how your eye is drawn up the dresser to the two large plates at the top.

Finally June has introduced a jug of flowers made by Jan Southerton. The jug is part terracotta and part brown glaze to match the slipware. The bunch of delicate flowers adds a touch of femininity, breaking up the straight lines while complimenting the colour scheme.

On the green dresser June has balanced the bottom shelf by using the outer two of the three spaces. Both accessories are brown but made from different materials and shapes. The thick heavy looking slipware bowl, from Duncan White balances with the wooden box, from Len White (no relation).

She has chosen a peach bowl from Jan Southerton introducing a new colour but one that compliments both the turquoise pewter ware plates and the brown of the slipware and box. Lastly she has added a pottery jug with two cups and saucers made by Elisabeth Causeret. June chose the same colour turquoise as on the plates but in a darker shade which holds the design together.

Don't they look amazing!

I hope this has given you some ideas for dressing your own furniture.

For more details on any of the accessories featured here please visit Karon's website www.karoncunningham.com or call her on 07867 522 162.