We recently mentioned our trip to Charlotte, North Carolina when we explained how we DIYed a few faux sheepskin throws for our house. And now we’re back to share more of our road-tripping details. We dropped in on a slew of fun fabric and decor stores (and snapped photos of a ton of inspiring ideas as we went) so here’s a little virtual play by play of what we liked along the way.
We already mentioned that we swung through Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, which is basically the biggest and most insane fabric store that we’ve ever seen. It’s actually a gigantic 32,000 square foot warehouse full of about a million bolts of fabric (we’re talking about a football-stadium-sized holy grail of textiles) and it’s located right outside of Charlotte (just off of 1-85 at exit 21). All I can say is that if they don’t have it there, nobody does. Plus their prices are fantastic. We saw designer prints marked down to $10 a yard that go for $19 a yard here at fabric stores in Richmond. Yes please. Here I am among the rows and rows (and rows) of stacked fabric bolts with my cute friend Kristin who showed us around town (remember when we crashed her house for you a while back?).
Seriously, you think I’m kidding when I say that there are literally like a million bolts of fabric just stacked on top of each other- some nearly as tall as me. I felt like Alice in Wonderland- and it was my kind of rabbit hole.
And while we already shared that we picked up a yard of faux fur for our fake-o sheepskin project, what we didn’t reveal was that we also got a yard and a half of fabric for the nursery. See, there’s actually about a foot of space between the crib mattress and the drawer beneath it, so we thought a nice band of removable fabric would be a great way to bridge that gap (and keep people from being able to peek down into the contents of the drawer). It was as easy as taking a leftover swatch of our trusty curtain fabric with us (see it below on the left) and holding it up to a lot of potential textile choices until we settled on the delicately patterned nubby fabric that you see there in the middle of this picture:
We knew it wouldn’t ever be right up against our curtain fabric, but wanted to be sure that we didn’t get something too busy that would compete. But it would be up against our crib sheet, so we hunted down a bolt of solid turquoise fabric to approximate that color- just to see how they’d look together (see it to the right of the patterned fabric we picked for the skirt in the picture above?). We really loved how the slightly more saturated and solid turquoise tone (which is extremely close to our crib sheet at home) worked with the subtly patterned lighter teal fabric that we’ll be using to make a crib skirt. So that’s how we settled on a taking home a yard and a half of that pretty nubby fabric (for just $14) along with a yard of our faux fur sheepskin stuff (stay tuned for our crib skirt making tutorial coming soon, or check out this alternate method to tide you over).
Next we headed to a place that we’ve only been once before: a Pottery Barn Outlet (cue the sound of angels singing). This one was just south of the North Carolina border in Gaffney. And the funny thing is that we had actually been to this exact same store during our big Texas road trip last year (check out those hijinks right here). Here we are with all of our loot out front, but first let’s go inside and have a little look see…
You may have noticed that we were holding a rather large (5 x 8 to be exact) rug in the photo above. Well, when we saw this amazing tan on cream link-patterned wool rug (marked down from $429 to $129.99) we just had to take it with us. We actually have another big room makeover on the agenda after the nursery (surprise!) so you’ll have to stay tuned to see where it goes and what else we’ll be bringing in to go with it…
We also fell in love with a ton of amazing lighting options. Too bad we didn’t have a place for either of these fixtures, but the rough woven texture of the light on the left and the soft ceramic patterned pendant on the right really had us at hello.
We were also extremely inspired by their framing options (especially with all those red sale stickers on them). So much so, that we grabbed the two large woven frames on the left (for just $16 and $12). You can’t really tell how big they are but they’re nice and meaty- and the grasscloth texture just slays us. We also saw the cute frames-within-a-frame on the right and thought it was a great DIY idea. Grabbing twelve small frames at a craft store like Michael’s and hanging them within a larger burlap-backed frame is such a fun way to layer textures and create a great grid-like accent. And you can frame anything from small scribbles made by your kiddos or collected matchbooks or skeleton keys to black and white photos of friends and family. We just loved how unique and do-able the idea was.
Then we headed back to Charlotte where we stopped at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. This place is another gigantic warehouse, but instead of being filled with fabric like Mary Jo’s, it’s packed with antiques and collectibles as far as the eye can see.
Here are just a few of the things that caught my eye along the way. This mustard ceramic artichoke would make a pretty cool bookend- and that large woven basket would be a great spot to wrangle toys in a nursery or blankets next to a sofa.
We also loved these nesting tables (just $60 for all three!) and the booth on the right was full of chic lamps, chairs and accessories that felt oh so Domino to us.
Next we stopped at one of the most amazing and inspiring decor places I’ve ever stepped foot in. And it just happened to be geared towards kids rooms and nurseries. But there was nothing cheesy or unsophisticated about it. Lucy & Co was founded by a woman named Beth who adopted her daughter (named Lucy) and was so inspired by children’s spaces that she decided to start her own little design boutique.
And let me tell you, the woman is a genius. We actually got to hang out with her (and swoon over some photos of her daughter Lucy) and we just couldn’t believe how creative she is. See the window treatment on the right in the photo on the left behind that amazing butterfly mobile? It’s actually a simple wooden cornice box that Beth completely covered with rows and rows of white pom-pom trim (you know, the kind you can put on lamps or pillows?). And she did it all by hand with a regular old glue gun. Amazing, right? And let’s turn our attention back to that yellow mobile with what look like swarms of yellow butterflies fluttering around. We were so inspired by that concept that we’re actually going to adapt it for our nursery (using thin floral wire and small blooms) so stay tuned for that.
Meanwhile on the right in the photo above you’ll see the awesome twiggy chandelier that she made with branches and white spray paint wired around a more traditional ceiling fixture. Pretty fabulous, eh? It actually reminded us of the chandelier that our friend Katie Bower had in her little boy’s mood board so we snapped this photo just for her.
We also couldn’t deny that Beth’s bold fabric pairings and murals were pretty darn fantastic. Check out this painted wall that she created after being inspired by some fabric that she found for that long pillow that rests on the foot of the bed.
And speaking of that long pillow, Beth confessed that she didn’t want to spend a ton of money on that fabric to create a real duvet that she could fold at the foot of the bed so she just made a long plush pillow to act as sort of a faux-duvet. We actually love this “accident” because we can picture many a child loving that giant pillow (for sitting on the floor and reading, pillow flights, snuggling in bed, etc). She’s amazing I tell ya. Head over to her site to check out more stunning spaces.
We also hit up a slew of other stores (namely a few baby ones like Nesting and Shower Me With Love) where John got to do what he does best. Pose with ironic items. On the left you can see him trying on “My Brest Friend” (it’s sort of like a Boppy) and on the right he’s in Home Goods holding the weirdest ceramic animal we’ve seen yet. Yes that is a cat with binoculars.
On our way back home we headed over to one last shop, the Mitchell Gold + Bob William’s Factory Outlet, right outside the Hickory Furniture Mart. We didn’t exactly need any of the amazing on-sale sofas, armchairs or sectionals that they have in every square inch of their spacious shop (nor did we have a vehicle that would accommodate any of ’em, which is part of the deal- you buy things right from the floor and cart them home yourself). But we did have a ton of fun trolling each of the many furniture-stuffed rooms to see what they had and how much of a markdown they were offering (many sofas were under $900 and some arm chairs and dressers/coffee tables were as little as a few hundred bucks).
This is one of our favorite sectionals they had on display. Can’t you just imagine this in Brad and Angelina’s house with a million kids on it? So cozy for a spacious den or basement media room in a house with a giant family.
And here’s a gorgeous solid wood 9-drawer dresser for $325 on clearance. We thought that was definitely a great price for such a well made and timeless piece that could work in a dining room as a buffet or in a bedroom for clothing storage.
So there you have our long-weekend-whirlwind-road-trip through Charlotte from a few weeks back. We hope you enjoyed the virtual ride. And who knows, you might just find yourself visiting that area someday and now you have a little list of places to hit up. Have any of you been to these stores? Anyone from the area with other shop recommendations for us the next time we’re in town? Anyone longing for that cat sculpture with binoculars for their garden? Do tell.
Psst- Looking for our closet organizing update from this weekend’s “Let’s Tackle It Together” challenge? We’re still in the process of uploading pics and writing the post- so stay tuned for those details tomorrow afternoon.
MMCL says
Oh gosh, you guys were in Charlotte recently. I hope you enjoyed our city. I love Charlotte. Mary Jo’s is fa-bu-lous! Every so often I have to take a “road trip” to Gastonia to see what I can find (oh..and I always find plenty). I L-O-V-E your blog, you’re inspiring!
Stephanie says
That is so crazy- I think I drove my husband nuts on the way home wondering if that was you guys (I thought I saw you on my way out the door). When I checked your blog afterward, I figured it must not have been since there was no mention of a roadtrip of any kind. Thanks for solving my mystery! :)
Chelsea says
I was just at that very PB outlet over the weekend! Bust for me this time but I have gotten some great stuff there before.
Kathleen says
I’m so glad that y’all had a great time in Charlotte! I’ve lived here for going on 13 years now and you hit some of our best “hidden treasures”.
Next time you come I would suggest SouthEnd Exchange (a fabulous little furniture consignment shop in SouthEnd) and also Price’s Chicken Coop right down the sidewalk. It’s the best fried chicken in town!!
MaryKath says
Wow. Really. Mary Jo’s looks like a heap o’ fun. All of that great fabric in one place. I’m so jealous. And a Pottery Barn Outlet? I need a ticket. Bad.
jackiefo says
woo – hoo! charlotte shout out!!! Sleepy Poet is INSANE! I could spend all day there!
Mary says
I live in rural PA, and am not as lucky to have some of these very cute stores near my house. I usually look online for sweet deals. One of my new favorites is One Kings Lane. They have great items…sometimes up to 75% off. Just the other day I got 3 giclee canvas prints (20×36) for $22 each! ROCK! It’s invitation only… so if you are interested in signing up to check it out go to
http://www.onekingslane.com/invite/joinfree
YoungHouseLove says
We love One King’s Lane. Thanks for the link Mary! Everyone who hasn’t heard of it yet should definitely check it out!
xo,
s
Kelly says
What do you think the chances are of Beth from Lucy & Co. doing a step by step DIY of the twiggy chandelier??? I have been in love with that chandelier style for two years now and they retail for 5,000! I was so excited to see that she made hers, but I am nervous about where to begin with my own.
Help!
Kelly
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kelly,
Here are some easy steps for you to tackle the project with confidence:
1. Collect a number of long branches (be sure they’re dry, not flaky, and free of bugs). More is more (you can always pare down and just use the best of the bunch, but it helps to have a lot on hand).
2. Find an old chandelier and spray paint it white before you get near those branches.
3. Get floral wire and hold the branches up to the newly spray chandelier and start wiring them in place so they follow the form of the chandelier (use the image in this post as a guide). Just wire each branch to the chandelier’s frame, slowly working your way around.
4. Spray paint the entire twiggy chandelier white again (this time to coat all the branches and make them match the already sprayed chandy underneath).
5. Hang it up and enjoy it.
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
carolinabiker says
Concord Mills in nearby Concord has some stores which would be of interest to you quite a few outlet stores, also BlackLion which has a lot of items you would probably find of interest. I would also suggest IKEA in University City; seems to be a “must see” stop (judging by what I see in the parking lot). Many of the race teams (NASCAR) are in Concord (Hendrick, Roush, Earnhardt-Ganassi) and a tour of the Concord Motor Speedway (formerly Lowe’s Motor Speedway) is just $5 (includes a drive around the track in a van) though you can also usually walk up and see it for free from the grandstands. The Z-Max Dragstrip is also usually open to take a look.
Charlotte is a fun and interesting town, with a great many things to see and do. If you like sports, sure to find something going on. Nightlife is pretty good on College Street, and to see some nice houses Myers Park is rather stately. Freedom Park is nearby Myers Park; worth a stop. You also might like to check out North Davidson (aka NoDa) which has quite a few art galleries.
Rose says
The dresser in the last pic: I actually really like your re-done dresser much better!
carolinabiker says
Oops…a heads up…Blacklion is no longer at Concord Mills, closed that store (though still has one apparently on Park Road in Charlotte…they also have a web site). Concord Mills still a good outlet destination, pretty big mall (lots of outlying stores too).
CP says
As a native Charlottean, I am very happy you two enjoyed yourselves! As I scrolled down and saw the first pic I thought: Hmm… that looks like Mary Jo’s. And IT WAS! So excited you found this gem and many others. You certainly have more patience than I. You went all over town!
Jenni says
oooo i LOVE mary jo’s in charlotte and the yellow mall in gaffney! lots of awesome stuff! :)
janet says
wow, great stuff! wish i was on that shopping trip with y’all!! hey, that frame of 12 mini frames within would be great to put in a monthly photo of the baby for the first year!!
Amanda says
I sure you already know but just in case you don’t…there is a Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel Outlet at the Outlets in Leesburg, VA. My sister lives about 5 minutes and it’s always a must when I visit from MD.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah we keep saying that we have to get up there! Someday…
xo,
s
Holly says
So glad you enjoyed Charlotte, and ooks like you stopped by my booth — thanks for taking a few pictures! Next time you’re in Charlotte, make sure you try Post & Gray {www.postandgray.com} and Lulu for dinner!
Holly says
So glad you enjoyed Charlotte, and looks like you stopped by my booth — thanks for taking a few pictures! Next time you’re in Charlotte, make sure you try Post & Gray {www.postandgray.com} and Lulu for dinner!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually also slipped through Post & Gray but we forgot to take photos! It was a whirlwind. And we’ll put Lulu on our list for next time. Loved your booth!
xo,
s
Christy says
I love the fabric you chose for the crib skirt! Do you know what the name of it is? Or the designer?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christy,
Other than where we got the fabric (that info’s linked to in the post above) we have no idea about the fabric name or maker. So sorry! It was a fabric outlet with rolls and rolls of stuff so nothing was very clearly marked (and if it was we were too overstimulated to write things down).
xo,
s
Amanda says
Oh, goodness. I moved to Charlotte a little over a year ago and have yet to visit (or even know about) most of these places. Thanks for setting my weekend agenda! Glad you enjoyed Charlotte.
Eddie says
Checked out lucy & co website and I think their designs are awesome. Will be driving down to Charlotte from Baltimore one of these days for my kids room.
Headstones Markers says
This is really interesting take on the concept. I never thought of it that way. I came across this site recently which I think will be of great use http://www.qualitymarkers.com/.Have a look!
Lance & David says
Thank you guys for the great info on the sleepy poet antique mall and Lucy and co. We are in town for a wedding and are going by both places before the wedding starts. We truly enjoyed reading your commentary. It is good to get a view on a place when you don’t have a lot of time and the design store/ antique mall could be hit or miss.
If you guys get to The Highlands, NC you should go. We drove into Charlotte from
there yesterday and there are tons of great shops and art galleries. Acorns home store
and Ann Jacabos Art Gallery were my
favorite two. We bought a Ben Smith framed
sketch for only 650.00. Ann is there herself
and is super nice and carries artist that are
listed. Ben’s work is in MOMA and the Met.
Thank you again for the great blog!
Lance and David – Atlanta GA
Thank you again for your
Christine says
I just found your website about two weeks ago and I love it! As a 23 year old on a budget/living in a small space, I really appreciate all your creative solutions. I’m also a native Charlottean, and Sleepy Poet and Mary Jo’s are definite places for the avid diy-er. Next time you’re in town, be sure to check out the two Habitat ReStores – they are places where people donate furniture, applicances, building materials, etc and the proceeds are sold to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Glad you enjoyed the Queen city.
Christine says
I forgot to add — I found a chair at Habitat ReStore for $5 and some fabric on clearance for Mary Jo’s for $40, and was able to have a re-upholstering adventure that turned out great.
YoungHouseLove says
What an awesome find!
xo,
s
Ashley says
If you ever happen to be in Charlotte again, you must check out The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord NC (http://depotgibsonmill.com/)! It is just up I-85 off the Poplar Tent exit. Since you liked Sleepy Poet, you will DEFINITELY like The Depot, particularly the prices!! Check it out!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
ruthie says
“My Brest Friend” is such a terrible name in so many ways. The first time I saw one, I pointed and stared and laughed about it for days. Sherry- Please tell me you didn’t DIY one :-)
Love your site!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- nope I steered clear!
xo,
s
Katie C. says
We have a cat with binoculars on our front porch! Mom bought it for us for our anniversary, and when she gussied up the porch, she actually pointed the cat at our neighbor’s house. I said, “That looks like we’re spying on them! Creepy!” Ha.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s