We love visiting well-designed homes and shops to gather inspiration and borrow ideas. But great decor doesn’t only come from houses—retail spaces can be a treasure trove of creative, practical solutions. That’s why we took a trip to a lovely new kids’ consignment shop in Richmond’s Carytown: Clover.
Clover opened last month and welcomed us for an early look before the doors officially opened to the public. The shop is a clever spin-off from the grown-up consignment store Clementine, originally opened by our friend Lesley just across the street years ago. Since that store (and Lesley’s knack for style) have a solid track record, we were excited to see how the kids’ space would translate her design sensibility into something playful and functional.
The moment you step inside Clover you notice the stenciled floors, but the creativity continues far beyond that show-stopping detail. The shop is full of accessible DIY projects and playful design choices that are both affordable and instantly achievable at home. It’s not your typical kids’ clothing store—everywhere you look there’s an idea worth stealing.
At the front of the store a colorful Chinese dragon winds from the entrance toward the back, greeting visitors with exuberant charm. Lesley found it during her travels and worried it might scare small children, but instead it seems to spark imagination. Its cheerful yellow and fluffy pink details keep the vibe fun and friendly rather than intimidating.
The sales floor is divided down the middle, with boys’ clothing to the left and girls’ to the right. Each side features its own distinctive wall installation. One wall is decorated with authentic buoys, repurposed into a fresh take on a nautical theme. Lesley tracked them down affordably online and saved on shipping by ordering from the same seller. A thick, braided rope—reminiscent of the rope in gym class—adds texture and a slightly rugged edge.
The opposite wall hosts a three-dimensional collage that’s strangely compelling. Lesley layered flash cards, paint swatches, playing cards, and even a few novelty items into a wave of color and pattern. The mix is inherently playful and manages to be cohesive without a literal theme. The clever use of low-cost or free materials—paint swatches, inexpensive decks of cards—proves you can make a big visual impact on a small budget.
Even the clothing racks depart from the expected. Instead of standard retail hardware, the team had metal plumbing pipes fabricated into double- and single-level racks tailored to the store’s needs. The industrial materials lend the space a touch of edge that keeps the overall aesthetic from tipping into overly sweet territory.
For shelving they repurposed thrift-store finds. Two wicker-and-glass shelving units were rescued from Craigslist and painted a bold watermelon color to match the palette. The criss-cross backs add a vintage, slightly sophisticated detail that reads charming next to the more playful elements.
The dressing area was cleverly adapted from a closet. A length of patterned fabric from Ikea creates a private fitting room, layered over a colorful striped backing and finished with red pom-pom trim for a handmade flourish. The fabric was practical and inexpensive, and Lesley even loaned some for an at-home photo project—another example of small touches that feel personal and thoughtful.
Beside the fitting room a tiny seating nook with pint-sized chairs offers a place for little shoppers—or exhausted adults—to pause. Those chairs were a yard sale find, refreshed with paint to coordinate with the shop’s palette. A small TV in the corner keeps restless kids entertained while parents browse.
The checkout area uses a simple teacher-style desk found at a local thrift store and painted black. It’s approachable and practical, perfect for a kid-friendly boutique and for young shoppers learning to make purchases on their own. Above the desk, pendant lights were fashioned from inexpensive industrial fixtures topped with red bushel baskets, an inventive DIY that’s both economical and visually striking.
On the desk a sheet of glass covers a length of custom-printed fabric, which adds a bespoke touch without sacrificing durability. The fabric was printed to the shop’s design, proving that custom elements don’t always require a big budget when you shop smart and combine thrift finds with one or two well-chosen accents.
Behind the scenes, the employees-only area is neat, efficient, and thoughtfully organized. Butcher-block counters serve as a practical work surface, while steel piping doubles as fabric rods to close compartments and keep inventory tidy. Labeled baskets—affordable finds rescued from everyday stores—make the storage both attractive and functional.
Clover demonstrates how a mix of thrifted pieces, clever DIY, and a few custom touches can create a cohesive, joyful retail environment. If you’re in Richmond, it’s worth a visit—especially if you have little ones to clothe or entertain. Thanks to Lesley, Lyn, Jill, and the Clover team for letting us explore and share so many inventive decor ideas.
What caught your eye? Share your favorite detail or tell us about local shops with standout decor. We’re always on the lookout for more sources of inspiration and may just stop by if they’re not too far from Central Virginia.