We always enjoy exploring well-designed spaces to gather inspiration and borrow ideas. Homes aren’t the only source of décor inspiration, though, so we took a shopping trip to discover some creative, easily achievable at-home ideas. Allow us to introduce you to Clover.
Clover is a delightful kids’ consignment shop that recently opened in Richmond’s Carytown district. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before the doors opened to the public. The store grew out of a spin-off concept from Lesley, who earlier opened a grown-up consignment shop across the street called Clementine. Lesley’s knack for styling is well known, and the shop reflects that same thoughtful, playful approach.
The space is immediately eye-catching, starting with a colorful Chinese dragon that greets visitors at the front and winds to the back of the store. Lesley found it during her travels and hesitated at first, wondering if it might frighten children. Instead, the dragon’s cheerful yellow and soft pink details have made it a favorite—an imaginative and whimsical focal point that sets a playful tone.
The sales floor is thoughtfully divided: boys’ clothing to the left and girls’ to the right. Each side features unique art installations that elevate the everyday retail experience. One wall displays authentic buoys, offering a fresh take on the nautical theme. These were inexpensive finds sourced online, and Lesley minimized shipping costs by ordering from the same vendor. A thick braided rope, like the kind used in school gyms, adds texture and visual interest.
On the opposite wall, a three-dimensional collage draws the eye. Lesley assembled flash cards, paint swatches, playing cards, and even Pez dispensers into a vibrant wave of color. Although the items don’t share an obvious theme, together they feel playful and cohesive. Using low-cost or free materials—paint swatches, inexpensive playing cards—allowed for a large, bold installation without overspending.
The clothing racks themselves are another inventive touch. Instead of defaulting to standard wire racks, Clover uses metal plumbing pipes fashioned into single- and double-level racks, customized to the exact heights and lengths needed. This choice adds a subtle industrial edge and keeps the shop from feeling overly sweet.
For shelving, Lesley repurposed wicker-and-glass pieces found locally and painted them a bold watermelon color to match the floor accents. The criss-cross back detail caught our eye and added a chic, handmade quality to the displays.
In the dressing area, a converted closet became a private fitting room using cheerful Ikea fabric and a striped backing accented with red pom-pom trim. Lesley even shared some leftover fabric for customer use, a small generosity that highlights the shop’s community spirit.
Nearby, a tiny seating nook was created with pint-sized chairs discovered at a yard sale and painted a bright green. It’s the perfect spot for tired caregivers to rest while kids try on outfits—complete with a small TV for entertainment.
The checkout counter is a reclaimed teacher-style desk found at a thrift store and painted black. It functions perfectly as a point of sale and feels approachable for young shoppers learning to make purchases on their own.
Above the desk, two pendant lamps were crafted from industrial fixtures topped with painted bushel baskets, creating an affordable, safe, and stylish lighting solution. On the desk, a sheet of glass covers a custom-printed fabric that Lesley had produced. Custom fabric allowed a personalized touch without a huge cost, turning an ordinary thrift find into a signature piece.
Behind the scenes, an “employees only” area demonstrates the same thoughtful organization. Butcher-block counters provide a clean workspace, and steel piping serves as fabric rods to hide storage compartments. Neatly labeled baskets keep supplies orderly; surprisingly, many of these baskets came from an everyday drugstore and were very affordable.
Clover is full of clever, achievable ideas: bold color, repurposed furniture, low-cost art installations, and little DIY details that make the shop feel unique and welcoming. If you’re in Richmond, it’s worth a visit—especially if you have little ones in need of new clothes or if you enjoy spotting creative retail décor. Big thanks to Lesley and the Clover team for sharing their space and inspiring these approachable design ideas.
What caught your eye? Share your favorite element or tell us about distinctive retail spaces in your area—if they’re not too far from Central Virginia, we might pop over to see them ourselves.