Duck! No, nothing’s being launched at your head (we hope). We’re simply sharing our latest thrift-store find.
It turns out our “duck” might actually be a goose. We haven’t decided where he’ll live or what color we’ll paint him yet. That said, he had enough personality that we couldn’t leave him behind. Bringing home quirky, vintage pieces has become one of those small household rituals for us: I suggested it this time, although my wife Sherry is the real collector in the family when it comes to faux animals. For once, this old-school wooden bird called my name and I didn’t have to fight for it. Who knows — maybe this will be the start of our own little flock of painted birds. Sherry mentioned a bold glossy plum not long ago; I’m leaning toward something like lime, navy, or another saturated hue. Pink was jokingly suggested as a nod to other designers we admire, but we’ll see what feels right.
We found him during a thrifting trip on Richmond’s northside. We had set out with the practical goal of finding nightstands or a dresser, but sometimes the best finds are unexpected and a little whimsical. Along with our feathered friend we scored a silver quatrefoil tray that looks surprisingly similar to a mirror we bought a few weeks earlier. It’s funny how the best shopping days mix practical pieces with a touch of playfulness.
We haven’t picked permanent homes for either piece yet, but the tray seems destined to be useful. Sherry likes to place small trays on top of stacks of hardcover books, dressers, consoles, or nightstands to corral lip gloss, hair bands, jewelry, and keys. This tray is perfect for that role and has the added advantage of not being ceramic or easily breakable — an important consideration in our house. We’re aiming to keep things relatively kid-proof so that when family comes to visit we won’t be constantly worried about delicate items being knocked over. That means many of our ceramic animals have been tucked away up high in the built-ins for safety, and pieces like this sturdy tray fit better within reach.
Of course, safety is still a priority: anything that could be used as a toy or a makeshift projectile needs to be kept out of children’s reach. The wooden bird will likely live on a console, shelf, or dresser where it can be seen and enjoyed but not grabbed by small hands. That balance between creating a playful, lived-in home and making it practical for visiting nieces and nephews is always shifting, but small, non-breakable pieces help a lot.
Everything we bought that day cost less than twelve dollars total — a small outlay for two items that add charm and function to our rooms. The thrifted bird brings a bit of personality and potential color, while the tray already feels like it has a role to play in daily life. It’s one of those tiny decorating victories that makes a house feel more like home without breaking the bank.
So if, in the coming weeks, you notice what looks like a goose migration in the background of our photos, now you’ll know the story. A wooden friend fits right in among our collection of white ceramic animals, and the menagerie continues to grow — thoughtfully, sturdily, and with a touch of thrifted charm.
Psst — who doesn’t love a little organizing? Check out this week’s BabyCenter post all about Sherry’s system for storing outgrown baby clothes, blankets, the Boppie, and those maternity pieces she won’t need for a while.