Last week in our exclusive weekly Love Letter, we revealed something that's been going on in the background of Chris Loves Julia for a few months now. While we share a lot in real time, sometimes we need to iron out the kinks before saying too much. This is one of those things that has been a bit tricky to navigate, but we're excited to bring you along on the journey!
Our business is unique in that the magic happens literally in-house! So, it has sense for our team of 8 to also be in-house. We had plans to work out of the large open room above the guest house upon buying this house, however our town had different plans for us.
Early Fall, we found that we couldn't have that many people working out of our home. This was, of course, disappointing news to hear, and we felt a bit backed into a corner. After brainstorming what to do, we moved forward and rented an office space just down the street from us. It was a fast and easy solution because the office lease came with all of the basic furniture and everything we needed--but I wouldn’t call it inspiring. Our team primarily works from that office space, but the house is just a skip, hop, and a jump away–convenient for zipping to the house for projects, photoshoots, and updating you all in stories! We are really grateful for this space as it has been essential in keeping the business up and running!
That being said, we always kind of felt the space was a temporary solution. It was tight and kind of dark. We constantly checked a bunch of local sites for other openings and found one a couple months ago. And so for the announcement… We’re moving to a new office space and this one is unfinished!
First Look at the CLJ Studio
What do you think??
Miraculously, (and thankfully) we found an open 2500 sq ft space across the street from our neighborhood—even closer than the basic office ¼ mile away! It has everything we could ever want in an office space: plenty of space, tons of natural light, room for photoshoots, room to stretch out and grow, AND it comes with a contractor that will build out the space to our design and specification.
We are bursting with excitement and had our first design meeting a couple weeks ago which went incredibly well. Can't wait to share more of the design process, but here's a peak inside my brain via my Pinterest board to tide you over.
Design Sneak Peak
Having an in-home office space was a huge appeal when we bought this house. And, honestly, it felt like a gut-punch when that wasn't possible anymore. But once the dust settled, Chris and I realized how much better our work/home balance is having our office out of the house. And this new space will be so inspiring and give us a lot more room to grow, too.
As for what we're planning for the large space above the guest house now that it isn't our home office? We are imagining a play room for the girls (we're converting a large portion of the current play room into an upstairs laundry room!) and eventually a big rec room with a pool table and ping pong table... Basically a space that *fingers crossed* all of our kids will want to invite their friends over to hang out in.
Looking back, I'm so glad things happened the way they did because we have truly fallen in love with this home and can't imagine living anywhere else. And maybe we wouldn't be living here had we known. You know? Things work out. I'm so grateful!
What do you think?
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I simply adore the way you and Chris always look for the silver lining in everything!!
Such a cool space and the inspiration is great! It wouldn't have occured to me that I couldn't have that many people working out of my house, but once I read it a bell went off. Of course. But I wouldn't have thought of it, either. Glad it all worked out.
Congratulations! So excited to see the process and final space! I know it will be beautiful.
Inspectors don’t normally come to homes that are running a business out of them … especially with only eight people. Did someone complain ?
Not sure? Our city found out somehow
I like the idea of the office space outside the home. Your house will always be a design lab for your blog/Instagram but first, it's your family home.
I love the Pinterest board. So many cool lights.
Ah, zoning! One of those things that might not even cross a person's mind. I'm nervous about what you mean by space to grow though, as I'd hate to see the vibe of clj get more commercial/business-y. The family vibe is a huge part of what makes y'all special in my book.
Maybe I should have said, Room to spread out! :)
Your Pinterest board for this project is making me drool. This is such a fun, out of the box project and I can’t wait to see what you guys do with a COMPLETELY blank slate. I would love to see you bring the professional organizing team back for some amazing office organizing ideas.
That is so true! I think it all worked out just how it was supposed to! And I love the idea of a big fun room to play and hang out in. You will definitely want that when the girls are bigger (and now!). It will be a great game room when you have a big game night with friends but like you said, also be a fun place for all your girl’s friends to hang out (after pool parties of course).
I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch the studio design happen! Such a fun and interesting challenge. Similar, but different from home design. I can't wait to see what you do with it!
So cool how it all worked out for your team! Another huge project that just needs Julia touch! Made me think that you could ride a bike over there or even having a van to transport the team to your house. Having 8 or 10 vehicles would seem crazy at your house.
Looks like a great opportunity! For others buying houses, always check the zoning and bylaw ordinances before you buy (or ask your realtor for help). Rules on home based work, employment, accessory dwelling units, setbacks, etc are spelled out. Sometimes it's hard to make sense of these things but if you call the local planning/zoning office they can help you understand. It is always my first call before I even make an offer on a place. Good luck with the build out!