So many people have told me about the miracle that is Garden Ridge, but I’d never been to one. Until yesterday. Yes, one finally came back to Richmond (we heard a lot about the one that used to be out by the airport but it was gone by the time we moved here 4+ years ago). Anyway, here’s what I found on my maiden voyage to the big Costco-ish warehouse full o’ house, garden, and other random stuff.
My first reaction was “man this place is huge” followed by “Teresa Guidice would like it here” (NJ Housewives reference anyone?) since there are oversized urns and stone columns a plenty. Klassy. Let’s just say it’s one of those places that you have to dig through to find the goodies (hidden among many insane and unnecessary things).
But there were definitely a few diamonds in the rough. If by diamonds you mean metal herons that I fell in love with. I know my animal obsession is weird, but these guys actually seemed kind of sophisticated – if they were used for good instead of evil (read: located among a pretty backyard garden instead of among plastic gnomes and flamingos in the front).
And John did his best knight impression while saying that he can’t wait to get one of ’em for the new house. Just kidding. File this under “who the heck buys this stuff?”
Then I fell in love with this rug and those crazy knights were forgiven. It was natural fiber (jute I think) and incredibly inexpensive (I don’t remember the exact price but it was around $30 for a huge 5 x 7′ version). Uh, yes please. I especially loved how modern many of their rug options were since many other discount rugs are only available with traditional and ornate floral designs.
Oh and I liked this queen sized bedding (priced at just $39) that looked especially high end to me- kind of like something out of the Garnet Hill catalog.
And two yards of this pre-cut fabric (priced at just $5.99) seemed like a great deal, considering it looks a lot like some $35 a yard stuff that we’ve seen around.
$1.99 ceramic bird. No further explanation necessary.
Oh and they had tons of pillows. This is just the brown and blue aisle. Yeah, we’re talking tons.
But every “wow” moment I had was tempered with a “really?” moment which followed soon after. But that’s the fun of shopping at hit or miss places like this. Besides, it’s not every day that you lay eyes on a toilet paper stand like this. And yes, that’s a plunger on his head.
Oh and some of the art had potential, especially if it was hung in the right space. For example, we thought this cheerful cherry print would look sweet in a charming white cottage-esque kitchen with red accessories (like a red teapot and red apples in a bowl).
We even thought this crazy textile-ish painting could look Domino-magazine-chic if it was hung in the right room (maybe as a headboard in a soft aqua kids room with a bold orange comforter).
And check out this $24 mirror. Not bad right? Especially if you painted it a color for added pop (daffodil yellow or smoky gray would be cool).
And here we have a $79 bar stool that would look great in a kitchen with a gorgeous bar-height island. Especially if you reupholstered those seats with something a bit more “custom” looking, which would really elevate the classic x-back design.
And here’s the cutest thing in the store: our offspring! Just kidding. This is a picture of the square tray that John’s holding (Clara’s cute face is just an added bonus). We actually ended up buying that sleek branchy tray for just $12 because I love square trays (we have a green one that I move all over the house, so I love the fact that I now have a second one to put to work around here).
And so ends our window shopping spree at Garden Ridge. Do you guys have them in your neck of the woods? Do you know who’s buying those knights in shining armor? Anyone else have an obsession with the ever-elusive square tray? Or a penchant for metal waterbirds? Let’s talk.
Laura says
You want to know who buys those knights? Check out this image from the recent Anthology Mag online:
http://anthologymag.com/blog3/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/juralodge_1.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
OOOoooh. It’s official: white paint solves everything.
xo,
s
Mandy says
Um, so… I have to confess, I own one of those suit of armor knights. He resides in a corner of our dining room and dons a Santa’s hat in December. We lovingly refer to him as Bobby. (Bobby Knight… get it?)
The funny part (to me, anyways) is that I went to TJ Max looking for a night stand. And lo and behold, I found a nightstand (the one I still use) and he was sitting next to this awesome knight. (Knight…nightstand?) I jokingly said I wanted it because it was so random and my future aunt-in-law bought it for us as a housewarming present. I know it’s weird but I love it. =) And now I have this strange desire to send you a picture so you don’t judge me and think I have awful taste, ha!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re LOVING all the stories of the knights! Who knew there were so many out there scaring people and getting named and making people laugh!
xo,
s
Amy says
Thank you for this review! I am planning my trip to the nearest store ASAP (yay there is at least one in IL less than 25 miles away from me!)
Alex says
Don’t judge, but I bought 3 bikini’s there last summer for $2 each piece. They were all Target brands, obviously left over clearance from the previous season. I never thought I’d be buying a bikin from Garden Ridge, but they were so cute!
And it is a random place, but that’s what makes it so fun to go.
After reading this post, I told my hubby we needed to go this weekend. He actually likes going to see the randomness that is GR.
RLB says
Is John’s hat a UVA hat? My alma mater and if it is a UVA hat, I’m even more in love with your site.
YoungHouseLove says
Affirmative. Go Hoos!
-John
Mikala says
Thank you so much for sharing…I loved the photos you posted and didn’t expect to find one close to me but…surprise we do just one hour away. Can’t wait to check it out, thanks to you!
Mikala
Carol Adams says
Thanks so much for the heads up on this place! I found there is one very close to us… Who knew??
I have to tell you that photo of your daughter and her daddy is precious!
She is more than adorable!
I am cracking up at the reference to “Bobby Knight” since we are Hoosiers! Hubs works for IU!
Thanks bunches!!!
deena says
Your Garden Ridge looks better than mine! Gosh I’ve been in their swirling vortex of stuff for years. Glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah R. says
There’s a Garden Ridge a few miles from my house, but I always forget it’s there, so I’ve never been (I’m in Michigan). I might take a field trip this weekend. I want that jute rug! I’m finally tackling my home office in my house I bought a year ago and need some “stuff” to decorate.
Sarah says
Hi John & Sherry, I am a total blog-stalker and fellow Richmonder. I just checked out Garden Ridge this week as well and thought the same thing about the knight and the cherry artwork…too funny! Love your site.
Victoria says
Oddly enough, I just photographed an anniversary party this past weekend..I went to their guest bathroom, and they had that toilet paper guy in there! With his pants down..I thought it was very quirky and unexpected. I also haven’t been to a Garden Ridge in a while (my mom and sister used to drag me when I was younger..all the time..and we would be there late! like, 1am.). But it makes me think of lots and lots of fake flowers.
Holly says
I am new here =) But wanted to pop in and say the new garden ridge in Richmond is MUCH MUCH nicer than the one by the airport! Consider yourselves lucky you didn’t have to see that disaster!
{I’m from Sandston, now in Baltimore but moving back to Chesterfield in May!!! YAY!}
Sarah R. says
Just returned from my first trip to Garden Ridge. I bought a pre-lit Christmas tree for $25 (they’re all 50% off right now) and some fall & Halloween stuff on clearance. I was really bummed that I couldn’t find the same rug you guys found, but they did have some decent options for relatively cheap…just nothing that went with my decor. I have the Christmas spirit now though…
JOOOOLZ says
Ummm, ok so I have to admit that I too own one of the freakish knights. It is so unlike anything I would ever buy but I was pregnant and felt the need for a knight in shining armour. I have questioned my sanity many times, but he is now part of the family, random, eccentric, and totally unpredictable, just like me ;)…..
traci says
That store looks awesome! I saw that red apple painting at World Market too and thought I would love an extra wall in my tiny kitchen.
Stephanie Glover says
I totally freaked when I saw that piece of art with the cherries on it. It is also in Ballard Designs catalog and goes for 249 bucks!!! I loved it then but that’s way to much for me to spend. I’m sure it’s cheaper at Garden Ridge though. Can’t wait to see if there’s one at mine!
heather s. says
I had never heard of this store until your post and then I saw four commercials for them this weekend advertising sales on their Christmas trees. Seems there are two stores near me in MI.
McGee says
The Austin Garden Ridge is in sad shape, but it still has some incredibly awesome stuff. I recently dug through their red-lined art clearance section and found a quatrefoil mirror for a mere $7!!! I’ll likely repaint it. I also snagged a gorgeous mirrored frame for under $5, also in the clearance section! Because of the appearance of the store, I’ve had clients give me the side eye when we first walk in, but they’re always thrilled to see some of the amazing deals I’ve scouted out in advance for them.
Dawn says
I just LOVE Garden Ridge. I MISS my old one in San Antonio. I could spend HOURS in that store. *sigh*…alas, the closest one to me now is 3 hours away. *sniff* *sniff*…I’m jealous of you now! LOL
Amy says
Garden Ridge is awesome! Congrats on getting one in Richmond! I just got my pre-lit Christmas tree there. It was 50% off.
Sarah says
This post cracked me up. I love Garden Ridge, but it’s one of those places that I tend to forget about. In my mind, I think of it for patio furniture, and don’t remember all the other good stuff you can find. And I always wonder who in their right mind buys those dang knights???? LOVE the bird and the tray; yes, I love me a good sturdy, square tray as well.
***side note…your Garden Ridge is pretty! The TX ones are these big Home Depot-orange boxes. haha
Christina says
Oh my gaw, I love Garden Ridge! My mother used to drive 100 miles and drag my butt there on our trips to Dallas when I was a kid—and I hated it!
However, my mom and I both were super excited when I moved just 7 miles away from the one we used to visit when I was a kid.
Some of it is just junk, while there is some other stuff that I just love! I love going there for Christmas decorations, and glass things—such as jars, vases, drinking glasses, etc. They also have some super fun patio chairs and cushions in the spring/summer.
Heather says
I’m close to a year behind on this comment (still working through the archives), but I must comment on your question as to whether people actually buy those knights…and the answer is YES! We bought a house two years ago and on the back deck was one of these! To top it off, the knight was specifically listed as an exclusion in the MLS listing! Of course, I wasn’t saddened by this loss…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- hilarious!
xo,
s
Sarah Gerke says
I know this post is almost 2 years old now, but I have to comment.
I think of you guys every time I walk in there! Not because the decor reminds be of your tastes, but because I think it’s hilarious and you would appreciate the tackiness mixed with the incredible finds. My husband didn’t believe me when I told him there was a place in town that sold suits of armor and as seen on tv items…then we spent an entire afternoon walking through the store laughing hysterically. I’m surprised we weren’t asked to leave.
Glad it was a fun trip for you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! Glad we’re not the only ones with a weird sense of humor when it comes to these things.
-John