Thrifted & Styled - Summer Edition - Life on Kaydeross Creek

What I Thrifted & How I Styled It for Cozy Charm

There’s just something about the thrill of the hunt at a good thrift store, right? The quiet promise that something unexpected is waiting to be discovered—that one little treasure that’s going to add character and warmth to your home. This week I stumbled on a handful of gems that I couldn’t wait to bring home and style. From rustic ducks to vintage books and unexpected details, these thrifted finds added just the right mix of texture and personality to my space. Here’s what I found and how I styled each piece to create a cozy, collected look.

1. Painted Duck Decoy – Makeover

This little duck decoy was only $1. It started out a little rough around the edges (the beak had already been glued once) but with a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint, it got a whole new lease on life.

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I started this DIY upcycle project by filling in the broken beak with some simple spackle. I’m sure there is something better to use for this but it’s what I had on hand.

It’s not perfect, but better. Since I wanted this piece to be more neutral to go with the rest of my decor, I painted the whole thing with inexpensive matte black acrylic paint once the spackle was dry. This is great for all types of small DIY projects, like picture frames, wooden boxes, dark-washing baskets and so much more.

I wanted more of a rustic look so I sanded it down with some 220 grit sandpaper where the natural color variation would be.

Then I added a layer of stain in the color “Honey” to give it some depth and texture. It also gives it a different tone and color.

The last step was to add some gold Rub N’ Buff to the eyes.

You could take this a step further and add more color to the wings or more Rub N’ Buff but I just wanted to keep it simple. What a nice addition of rustic Americana to the space. It’s amazing what a little DIY love can do!

2. A Solid Wooden Duck

This charming wooden duck had me at hello. Do you see a pattern here? 🙂

It was only $20 and with its warm wood tone and beautifully simple shape, it feels like it’s straight out of a lakeside cottage.

I placed it on a bookshelf in our family room and it brings a sense of quiet calm and a little nod to nature, which is perfect for an Americana, cottage or rustic farmhouse vibe.

3. Small Brass Goose

Tiny but mighty, this brass goose is one of those finds that instantly adds character. The patina is just right—not too shiny, not too dull. It brings in a bit of shine and balances out the more rustic pieces in the vignette.

It was a bit more than I usually spend, $8, but so worth the character it adds. I can see using this in a number of places, but for now, it joins it’s partner on the shelf.

This pair will be really pretty for fall and then for Christmas as well.

4. Stack of 5 Green Books with Gold Font

These were such a lucky score for $1 each! The deep green covers with gold lettering are classic and cozy, and they make a great styling base for any vignette.

I stacked them on the mantle in our bedroom and topped them with a small ceramic vase and a sprig of dried hydrangeas. The pop of green is a great way to subtly introduce color into a neutral space, and the gold adds a little vintage elegance.

5. Small Wooden Bowl

I can never say no to a good wooden bowl. They are great in any size, either by themselves or stacked together. This little one was only $2 is the perfect size for corralling small items or just adding warmth to a shelf.

Right now, I have it on our coffee table with some shells for summer. It’s a great example of how something so simple can add so much texture and charm. I can’t wait to use it for fall!

6. Wooden Cane with a Brass Eagle Head

This one felt like a hidden gem—such a cool, unexpected piece and it was only $10! The cane itself has beautiful wood grain, but the real star is that striking brass eagle head.

I propped it in a crock by the front door alongside a few other vintage canes. It adds a layer of old-world charm and makes the whole space feel like it has a story to tell.

7. Small Mantle Clock

This pretty mantel clock had definitely seen better days (and doesn’t actually work) but for $5, I picked it up anyway. I love the classic shape and the gold accent on the face. The colors go perfectly with my decor.

I gave it a good cleaning with some mild dish detergent and water on cotton cloth (an old T-shirt; no need to get fancy, lol). Once it was completely dry, I added a coat of stain in Early American to balance out the wood tone. Then I used my go to Rub N’ Buff to add a bit more detail on the face. It took no time at all and turned out great!

Thrifted & Styled Tip:

When styling thrifted finds, I always stick to the same color story but mix materials—wood, metal, glass, fabric, paper. It keeps things from feeling too matchy-matchy and adds that layered, lived-in feel we all love. Group things in odd numbers, play with height, and don’t be afraid to move pieces around until it feels just right.

If you love the shape of something and it is the right theme such as the wooden duck decoy above, you can always paint it to match the rest of your decor. Here are the updated duck decoy, the books and the mantel clock all styled together on my favorite hutch.

Thrifted & styled:

If you love cozy cottage charm and decorating with thrifted treasures, make sure to check out more ideas in my ebook, BeYoutiful Interiors on Etsy. I’ll be sharing more flea market finds soon—because let’s be honest, the treasure hunt never really gets old!

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