goose!
And horse.
Apparently my self-imposed “Dude Get On That Already” challenge has turned into an ongoing joke with the universe: “stop hoarding animals in the playroom.” Still, I’ve been clearing the floor and getting pieces up on the walls so they can actually be enjoyed. This post covers two thrift-store finds I finally hung — both sat around for over a year and required zero painting, which made this a satisfying win.
I used a simple trick to hang the duck with only two nail holes. We wrapped painters tape around the back of the duck with the sticky side out, poked holes through the tape where the hanging hooks are, and then held the duck up to the wall about an inch away until we liked the placement. From about eight feet back I checked the alignment while my partner did the adjusting. Once it felt right, we pressed the tape onto the wall so it stuck and removed the duck.
When we removed the duck, the tape stayed on the wall with the pre-poked holes marking exactly where to place the nails and at the correct angle. Because the duck is lightweight, we didn’t need anchors — just a couple of nails driven into those marks.
After tearing the tape away (while belting out a tune for dramatic effect), the duck sat perfectly on the wall.
Underneath Sir Duck is a concrete greyhound — an old Valentine’s gift — which only reinforces my inclination toward collecting animal decor. We love how the duck looks like it’s flying toward the front door, and the dark wood tones in the dining room complement the piece nicely. Once we finish a few other projects, I’ll share wider shots.
The second find was an iron horse we always planned to use as a towel hook in the hall bathroom. A year after rescuing it from a Delaware thrift store for $7, it’s finally mounted. Right now it reads a bit subdued against the plain white room, but I expect it to stand out beautifully once we tackle painting and a few other updates. For now, the towel has its own place and the bathroom feels more complete.
We kept both pieces in their original condition. Although painting thrift finds is always tempting, sometimes the worn texture and patina are exactly what a piece needs. That said, I’m not opposed to the spray paint can — it’s a 50/50 decision depending on the piece and the mood.
It’s surprising that the hall bathroom didn’t have a hand towel hook until now — it’s the one our guests use. Previously the towel just sat in a heap by the sink; now it has presence and, admittedly, a touch of animal magnetism.
I’m thinking about the many upgrades this bathroom still needs, but the kitchen makeover is taking priority. If anyone wonders whether there will be anything left to do once the kitchen is finished — yes, many projects remain. A short list of larger upcoming tasks includes:
- Renovating three full bathrooms that currently need attention
- Activating the sunroom so it’s useful rather than a storage spot for random furniture
- Converting an unused playroom into a functional kids’ bedroom/play area
- Turning the carport into a proper garage
- Building a sizable walk-out deck
- Painting the porch, removing scalloped trim, staining the concrete, and boxing out the columns for a refreshed look
- Installing crown molding in several rooms that lack it
- Adding wainscoting in the main hallway
- Refinishing hardwood floors
- Completing several rooms that are currently 30–60% done (living room, bedroom, guest room, dining room)
- Gradually overhauling the front, side, and back yards
- Creating outdoor play options for the kids, like a sandbox or playhouse
- Building out the fireplace between the kitchen and living room
- Considering larger structural changes down the line, such as adjusting the roofline to add peaks to the front of the house
So yes, there’s plenty on the list. Meanwhile, I’m still tempted to form an Animals Anonymous support group for my tendency to collect decor. If Animal Hoarders ever showed up, they’d just meet our house-sitters — we’re actually on a flight to Portland right now, so the timing would be ironic.
On a related note: we might post a second update early today during a plane change and will be slow to approve comments between 1–6 EST while we’re in transit. If your comment doesn’t appear immediately, it’s likely in moderation and should show up later.
Have you finally hung any artwork or bathroom accessories that have been waiting a year or more? Tell me about it — let’s commiserate over the long-to-do lists and small, satisfying wins.