We love touring well-designed spaces to gather inspiration and steal a few smart ideas. Homes aren’t the only places that inspire great decor—shops can be full of clever, doable concepts for your own space. Meet Clover, a charming kids’ consignment shop that recently opened in Richmond’s Carytown district.
Clover is a fresh, playful consignment store for children that gave us a sneak peek before their public opening. The concept is a spin-off from a grown-up consignment shop called Clementine, which has been part of the neighborhood for years. The new shop reflects the same thoughtful style and DIY spirit—expect creative displays, affordable solutions, and plenty of personality.
Beyond the eye-catching Sunny Goode stenciled floors, Clover is filled with playful projects and budget-friendly design choices that produce a big visual impact. This isn’t your typical kids’ clothing store—everything from lighting to shelving feels intentional and fun.
One of the first things you notice when you walk in is a colorful Chinese dragon that snakes from the front of the store to the back. It adds a whimsical, immersive element that sparks imaginations rather than scares—its bright palette and playful details make it friendly and inviting for kids.
The selling floor is divided with boys’ clothing to the left and girls’ clothing to the right, and each side features its own art installation. One wall is accented with authentic buoys that give a fresh twist to a nautical theme—an inexpensive, found-art approach that feels curated rather than kitschy. The thick braided rope used in displays is the same sturdy rope you’d find in school gyms, which reinforces the playful, tactile vibe.
Another standout is a three-dimensional collage made from inexpensive or free materials—paint swatches, flash cards, playing cards, even small collectibles—all pinned and velcroed into a vibrant wave of color. It’s a great reminder that high-impact wall art doesn’t require expensive pieces: thoughtful arrangement and repetition create a focal point that’s both economical and delightful.
Clothing racks at Clover are anything but ordinary. Instead of standard metal racks, they used metal plumbing pipes fashioned into double- and single-level fixtures—custom heights and lengths that fit their inventory perfectly. The industrial edge of the pipes balances the shop’s whimsical elements and keeps the overall palette from feeling too saccharine.
For folded items and display pieces, the shop repurposed thrifted wicker-and-glass shelves painted a bold watermelon color that ties back to the flooring. These pieces show how inexpensive finds can be transformed into cohesive design elements with a little paint and vision.
The dressing area was created by converting a closet into a private fitting room, using patterned Ikea fabric as a curtain and adding a bright striped backing with pom-pom trim for a handmade touch. Small practical details—like a comfortable spot for caregivers and tiny chairs painted to match the shop’s palette—make the space welcoming for families.
Near the dressing area, a cozy seating nook with pint-sized chairs is perfect for little shoppers or caregivers taking a break. The area proves that thrifted furniture, refreshed with paint, can provide both functionality and visual charm.
The checkout uses a simple teacher-style desk found at a thrift store and painted black, creating an approachable, nostalgic point-of-sale. Above it hang two DIY pendant lamps made from inexpensive industrial fixtures topped with painted bushel baskets—creative, safe, and perfectly in tune with the store’s handmade aesthetic.
A glass top on the desk protects a custom-patterned fabric insert that adds color and brand personality. The fabric was custom-printed, demonstrating that small investments in unique details can elevate thrifted furniture into signature pieces without a big budget.
Behind the scenes, the employees-only area is organized and efficient, with butcher-block counters and steel piping repurposed as fabric rods to close off storage compartments. Simple, affordable baskets with labeled tags keep inventory tidy and visually pleasing—proof that practical systems can also look intentional and stylish.
Even small touches—like labeled baskets from an unlikely source—contribute to the overall sense of order and care. The result is a store that feels friendly, efficient, and full of clever ideas you can adapt at home.
Clover is packed with approachable DIY details, smart repurposing, and playful installations that deliver big style on a modest budget. If you’re in Richmond, it’s worth a stop in Carytown—especially if you have little ones to shop for or simply want to see creative retail design done well. Thanks to the team for letting us peek behind the scenes and share the clever touches that make Clover memorable.
What caught your eye? Share your favorite detail or tell us about local shops that use unique decor—great design ideas are worth borrowing.