Charlotte’s Design Delights: A Road Trip Guide to Fabric, Decor, and Antiques

Our recent adventures took us to the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, a journey we briefly touched upon when sharing our DIY faux sheepskin throw project. Now, we’re thrilled to dive deeper into the details of our road trip, offering a comprehensive look at the incredible fabric and decor stores we explored. We’ve compiled a virtual play-by-play, complete with inspiring ideas and must-visit spots, perfect for anyone planning a design-focused getaway or simply seeking fresh home decor inspiration.

Road trips offer a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and local favorites that often go unnoticed. For design enthusiasts, these journeys are particularly rewarding, opening doors to specialty stores, antique havens, and outlet treasures that can spark creativity and offer incredible value. Our Charlotte excursion was precisely that—a whirlwind of discovery that proved North Carolina is a hub for distinctive home furnishings and textile wonders.

Unveiling Textile Heaven: Mary Jo’s Cloth Store

Our first major stop was Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, a name whispered with reverence among fabric aficionados. Imagine the largest, most breathtaking fabric store you’ve ever encountered, then multiply that by ten. This isn’t just a store; it’s a colossal 32,000-square-foot warehouse, an unparalleled “holy grail” of textiles boasting what feels like a million bolts of fabric. Located just outside Charlotte, conveniently off I-85 at exit 21, it’s a destination in itself. If you can’t find your desired fabric here, it likely doesn’t exist.

Beyond the sheer volume, Mary Jo’s also impresses with its phenomenal pricing. We spotted designer prints marked down to an astonishing $10 a yard, fabrics that would typically retail for $19 a yard back home in Richmond. This incredible value makes it a paradise for DIY enthusiasts and professional designers alike. The experience of walking through endless rows of stacked fabric bolts, some towering almost as tall as me, truly felt like stepping into Alice’s Wonderland—a delightful rabbit hole for any textile lover. Pictured here, I’m amidst this fabric wonderland with our charming friend Kristin, who expertly guided us through town. You might remember her from when we crashed her brilliant bungalow for a feature a while back.

It’s no exaggeration to say the fabric bolts are literally stacked sky-high, creating a labyrinth of textile possibilities. The sheer scale is overwhelming in the best possible way, encouraging hours of exploration to uncover the perfect material for any project.

Our Fabric Finds: Faux Fur and Nursery Perfection

While we already revealed securing a yard of faux fur for our DIY faux sheepskin project, our shopping spree at Mary Jo’s yielded another precious find: a yard and a half of exquisite fabric destined for our nursery. We noticed a charming, yet functional, foot of space between the crib mattress and the drawer beneath it. Our solution? A beautiful, removable fabric band to bridge this gap, offering both aesthetic appeal and a discreet cover for the drawer’s contents. The selection process was meticulous, involving a leftover swatch of our reliable curtain fabric (visible on the left in the image below) held against countless potential textiles until we discovered the subtly patterned, nubby fabric shown in the middle of the picture.

Our goal wasn’t to perfectly match the curtain fabric, but rather to ensure the chosen textile wouldn’t compete with its existing pattern. It was crucial, however, that it harmonized with our crib sheet. To achieve this, we thoughtfully hunted down a bolt of solid turquoise fabric, approximating the crib sheet’s color, to visualize the combination. The slightly more saturated, solid turquoise tone—which closely mirrors our crib sheet at home—beautifully complemented the lighter, subtly patterned teal fabric we selected for the crib skirt. This careful consideration led us to purchase a yard and a half of that lovely nubby fabric for just $14, alongside our faux fur. Stay tuned for our upcoming crib skirt tutorial, or explore this alternative method in the meantime.

Outlet Adventures: Pottery Barn and High-End Finds

Our next destination brought us to a thrilling design mecca: a Pottery Barn Outlet. The mere mention of it might conjure sounds of angels singing for any home decor enthusiast. This particular outlet, located just south of the North Carolina border in Gaffney, held a special significance for us. We had actually visited this exact location during our extensive Texas road trip last year, a journey filled with memorable hijinks that you can read about right here. Outlet shopping offers an unparalleled thrill, providing access to premium brands at significantly reduced prices, making it a must-visit for savvy decorators. Here we are, proudly displaying our new treasures out front, but first, let’s take a peek inside!

Unbeatable Deals: Rugs, Lighting, and Frames

You might have noticed the rather substantial 5 x 8 rug we were carrying in the photo above. Discovering this stunning tan-on-cream link-patterned wool rug, originally priced at $429 but marked down to an incredible $129.99, was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. This piece is slated for a major room makeover planned right after the nursery (a surprise project we can’t wait to share!), so you’ll have to stay tuned to see where it finds its perfect home and what other elements we’ll incorporate to complete the space. A large area rug can instantly anchor a room, define zones, and add warmth and texture, making it a foundational element in any design scheme.

Beyond rugs, we were captivated by a plethora of exquisite lighting options. While we regrettably didn’t have a specific spot for them in our current projects, the rough woven texture of the light fixture on the left and the soft, ceramic patterned pendant on the right instantly stole our hearts. These fixtures exemplify how unique lighting can transform a room, adding character and a focal point.

The framing section, adorned with tempting red sale stickers, proved to be another wellspring of inspiration. We couldn’t resist grabbing the two large woven frames on the left for just $16 and $12 respectively. Their substantial size and the irresistible grasscloth texture made them an absolute steal. Frames, often overlooked, are crucial for adding personality and artistry to a space. We were equally charmed by the clever “frames-within-a-frame” concept showcased on the right, which sparked a fantastic DIY idea. Imagine taking twelve small frames from a craft store like Michael’s and arranging them within a larger, burlap-backed frame. This ingenious method creates a beautifully layered, grid-like accent, perfect for displaying anything from your children’s tiny scribbles, collected matchbooks, or vintage skeleton keys, to cherished black and white photographs of loved ones. We adored the unique and achievable nature of this personalized wall art idea.

Timeless Treasures: The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Our journey led us back to Charlotte, where we immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. Like Mary Jo’s, this establishment is a massive warehouse, but instead of fabric, it’s brimming with an endless array of antiques and collectibles. Every corner holds a potential treasure, making it a paradise for those who appreciate unique, pre-loved items that tell a story. Antique malls offer a sustainable and often more characterful alternative to new furnishings, allowing you to curate a truly personal home.

During our visit, several items immediately captured our imagination. A charming mustard ceramic artichoke, for instance, struck us as a perfectly unique and stylish bookend. Nearby, a large woven basket presented itself as an ideal solution for wrangling toys in a bustling nursery or neatly storing blankets beside a cozy sofa. These small yet impactful finds highlight the versatility of antique decor, effortlessly blending into contemporary spaces.

Further exploration revealed a set of delightful nesting tables, priced at an incredible $60 for all three—a fantastic deal for adaptable furniture. We also stumbled upon a booth overflowing with chic lamps, chairs, and accessories that exuded an undeniable “Domino” magazine aesthetic. The allure of vintage pieces lies in their distinctiveness and often superior craftsmanship, allowing you to infuse your home with character and a sense of history.

Nursery Dreams Come True: Lucy & Co.

Among our stops, Lucy & Co. stood out as one of the most amazing and inspiring decor destinations we’ve ever experienced. What made it particularly special was its dedicated focus on children’s rooms and nurseries, yet without a hint of the usual saccharine or unsophisticated elements often found in such spaces. Lucy & Co. was founded by Beth, a visionary woman inspired by her adopted daughter, Lucy, to create a bespoke design boutique specializing in sophisticated children’s interiors.

Beth is, simply put, a genius. We had the pleasure of spending time with her, swooning over photos of her daughter Lucy, and marvelling at her boundless creativity. Take, for instance, the innovative window treatment visible on the right in the left-hand photo, behind that magnificent butterfly mobile. It’s actually a simple wooden cornice box that Beth meticulously covered, row by row, with white pom-pom trim—the same kind often used on lamps or pillows. Her secret weapon? A regular old glue gun, applied entirely by hand. Truly astounding! Then, our attention was drawn to the mesmerizing yellow mobile, appearing as a swarm of yellow butterflies in graceful flight. This concept resonated deeply with us, so much so that we plan to adapt it for our own nursery, using delicate floral wire and small blooms. Stay tuned for our version of this enchanting project.

On the right side of the photo above, you’ll spot another brilliant creation: a captivating twiggy chandelier. Beth crafted this by artfully wiring branches, spray-painted white, around a more traditional ceiling fixture. It’s utterly fabulous, isn’t it? This piece immediately reminded us of a similar chandelier our friend Katie Bower featured in her little boy’s mood board, so we snapped this photo especially for her. Beth’s ability to transform everyday materials into extraordinary design elements is truly remarkable.

Beth’s bold fabric pairings and custom murals were equally striking. We were particularly impressed by a painted wall she created, drawing inspiration from a fabric swatch she found for the elongated pillow resting at the foot of the bed. This demonstrates her talent for integrating textiles into larger room designs, crafting cohesive and imaginative spaces.

Speaking of that long pillow, Beth shared a clever design secret. Rather than investing heavily in expensive fabric for a full duvet to fold at the foot of the bed, she ingeniously created a plush, elongated pillow as a “faux-duvet.” This “happy accident” is something we truly admire, envisioning many children delighting in such a giant pillow—perfect for floor reading, spontaneous pillow fights, or simply snuggling in bed. Beth’s innovative approach to design is truly inspiring. We highly recommend visiting her website to explore more of her breathtaking spaces and discover additional creative solutions for children’s rooms.

Final Stops: Playful Finds and Luxury Bargains

Our Charlotte design expedition also included quick visits to several baby-focused stores like Nesting and Shower Me With Love. Here, John, with his characteristic wit, indulged in what he does best: posing with ironic items. On the left, you can see him comically trying on “My Brest Friend,” a nursing support pillow akin to a Boppy. On the right, at Home Goods, he’s captured with perhaps the strangest ceramic animal we’ve ever encountered—yes, that is indeed a cat sporting binoculars! These moments add a lighthearted touch to our explorations, reminding us to find joy in the unexpected.

On our return journey, we made one final, crucial stop: the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Factory Outlet, conveniently located just outside the Hickory Furniture Mart. While our vehicle wasn’t equipped to transport any of the stunning, on-sale sofas, armchairs, or sectionals that filled every square inch of this expansive showroom (a common feature of factory outlets where you purchase directly from the floor and arrange transport yourself), we thoroughly enjoyed exploring. The sheer volume of high-quality, modern furniture available at significantly discounted prices was incredible. Many sofas were priced under $900, with armchairs, dressers, and coffee tables starting at just a few hundred dollars—a testament to the value found at such outlets.

One of our absolute favorite pieces on display was a magnificent sectional. It immediately sparked visions of a grand, cozy space, perhaps in a large family home or a spacious den, providing ample seating for a bustling household, much like one might imagine in Brad and Angelina’s house with their many children. Such a piece exemplifies both luxurious comfort and practical design, making it an ideal choice for a media room or a family gathering space.

We also admired a gorgeous solid wood 9-drawer dresser, available for $325 on clearance. This price represented exceptional value for such a well-made and timeless piece. Its versatile design means it could effortlessly serve as an elegant buffet in a dining room, offering stylish storage for dinnerware and linens, or function perfectly as a spacious dresser in a bedroom, providing ample space for clothing and accessories. Pieces like this highlight the enduring quality and adaptable aesthetics that make high-end furniture a worthwhile investment, especially when found at outlet prices.

Your Next Charlotte Design Adventure Awaits!

And there you have it—our whirlwind road trip through Charlotte, filled with discoveries in fabric, home decor, and vintage finds. We hope you enjoyed this virtual ride and found ample inspiration for your own projects and future travels. Charlotte truly is a gem for anyone passionate about home design and unique shopping experiences. Consider this your curated list of must-visit destinations for your next trip to the area.

Have any of you explored these incredible stores? Are there other shop recommendations from locals or fellow travelers that we should add to our list for our next visit? And seriously, who else is dreaming of that quirky cat sculpture with binoculars for their garden? Do share your thoughts and experiences!

P.S. We’re currently finalizing our closet organizing update from this weekend’s “Let’s Tackle It Together” challenge. Be sure to check back tomorrow afternoon for all the details and accompanying photos!