In our 2020 roundup, I slipped in the fact that we moved our apparel line, ProperTee, “in house” and renovated a warehouse and the office space attached to it to set up shop. Although it was casually said, it was actually a HUGE deal and we’re super proud of it. And honestly, it deserves its own space here on chrislovesjulia.
Since starting ProperTee in 2016, it has consistently grown thanks to you all and last year, it got to the point where we really needed to be doing our own fulfillment and shipping. We leased a small warehouse a few minutes down the road that had an attached office space and hired two amazing employees that help run it. Derek Cooper is our creative director for ProperTee and because he loves design as much as me, he really took charge in turning the warehouse into a cool place to work, hangout, bring in models for photo shoots and have in-person sales (as soon as we’re in the clear with Covid, of course!)
Cheap paneling was added to much of the walls to add a lot of warmth and the walls surrounding the office space (we’ll get there in a minute), are all painted Tricorn Black.
There wasn’t plumbing, but that didn’t stop us from making a make-shift kitchenette with an industrial table and baskets for storage and snacks, sweet SMEG appliances (the fridge is fully stocked with beverages at all times), and one of my favorite parts is this cool DIY pendant chandelier with fluted shades — linked all the sources at the bottom for you!
Although there was no plumbing, plumbing pipe is a big theme in the warehouse. We used it to make everything from the rod to hold the pendants in the kitchenette up, to clothing racks, shelves and even the changing rooms! It’s such an affordable material and can add a fun Industrial touch, too.
We pushed two of these amazing Arhaus chairs together for the lounge area (you can’t beat the price) and they are so substantial and cozy mixed with a few rugs from the Alice collection in the CLJxLoloi line! We had Dropcap studio do our logo for the wall and Framebridge graciously framed a lot of the photos and shadowboxes of shirts and keychains. Honestly, putting together this space with pieces from brands that we have loved and built relationships with over the past several years feels like hanging out with our friends all day.
Around the corner, the the black paneling continues and it leads to the office door. (That is a plug-in sconce! Linked at the bottom)
We used Highland Hardware (you may remember the gallery wall we had in our last house with their floating frames) for two large portraits in the office and on the opposite wall, another serves as an inspiration board.
Although this isn’t a storefront, we really wanted it to be an inspiring and fun place to work and host models (and maybe even customers for a warehouse sale one day!). You can see the photo shoot area on the far side.
And then there’s the less glamorous side — rows and rows and rows of inventory — it is a warehouse after all. Haha.
We’re so grateful for your continued support with ProperTee. Truly. The other day, I saw a woman wearing one of our Homebody sweatshirts in the store and I walked up to her and said, “I love your shirt!” and that’s when I realized ProperTee, a club of homebodies has grown far beyond our audience. It’s been such a pleasure to create apparel for homebodies for nearly five years now and we hope to keep doing so for many more— (psst. just had a huge restock today of your favorites!)
About once a day, I get a DM that says, “Omg, I just got it —property!” I gotta know —when did you get it!?
Sources
Main Space:
Paint Colors: Alabaster (office ceiling), Shade Grown (office walls), and Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams (black paneling)
Rug, Runner, Coffee Table, Arhaus Chairs, Candle, Kitchen Counter, Baskets, Hanging Pendants (Cord, Socket, Shade), SMEG Fridge, SMEG toaster, SMEG kettle, Retro Microwave, Sonos Speaker, Floating Shelves, Barstools, Clothing Rack, Changing Room Sconces, ProperTee Logo Sign
Office:
Desks, Office Chairs, Desk Lamp, Acrylic Floating Frames, Sconce, Apparel Shadow Box Frames
So rad! I have a downtown office in a historic building that I made look more like a home with furniture (the exposed brick walls help, too) and decor. People comment all of the time that it is such a fun place to come to work every day. It’s important to love where you live AND where you work!!!!
BTW- Looks like I’m the only one with questions regarding your corner studio space. What material did you use to create the white box for photoshoots that covers the walls and floor? Thanks!
It’s beadboard on the walls and we just painted the floor with floor paint!
I’m glad for all you ladies who look cure in men’s t-shirts but please, please, please carry women’s fits too. Your readerships is probably mostly female, they WILL sell.
This is amazing! I love the changing rooms, and have been looking for a way to add some privacy for my kids in a loft bedroom at our cabin – this may be the perfect solution! I’ve already drawn at lot of inspiration from your cabin for my cabin makeover and now I’m getting it from this space too! Keep up the great work!
Love the diy details! I love your tops but REALLY wish you offered a scoop or V neck.
Turned out super cute- so many amazing touches!!