We’re spending today packing things up, and although we thought it would feel monotonous and tiring, it’s oddly exciting.
Even the act of wrapping a bunch of cups in newspaper feels like “IT’S HAAAAAAPPENING! We’re really DOING IT!”
Can you believe Clara looked like this last time we moved?
Three birthdays (and a significant amount of hair) later, my baby’s gone. Sniffle. But there’s a pretty cool kid (complete with an arm tat) in her place, so it’s a fair trade.
Life will change with this big move, and our blog and our process for the new house might feel different to you because we’re approaching it, well, differently. More than any other house that we’ve lived in, our new place feels like it could become a long-term home for us and we want to make sure that the decisions we’re making, the projects we’re doing, and the materials we’re choosing will fit the vision of a place where we could live for decades and raise a family.
That means we may take more time to mull over design decisions, research options, weigh different approaches, and save up for materials and projects. So the pace at which this home transforms may be slower than the pace that you’re used to from us (it’ll most likely resemble the pace of our first house as opposed to our second one). But we hope that it’ll add up to a home that we love like crazy full of lots of thoughtful upgrades and exciting projects over time. Some weeks we might be humming right along (like our mad dash to paint the blue trim and install the hardwoods) and other weeks we might not make much progress at all because we’re stuck or delayed or saving up… but hey, that’s real life.
We’d also love to tackle more projects for the people we love, like this bathroom reno that we did for John’s grandma last fall. Beyond how awesome it feels to do something sweet like that for someone else, we’ve learned that those “off-campus” projects stretch us in new ways. After all, it was getting out of our house to do that makeover that later inspired our own bathroom paint color.
So it should end up being a nice smorgasbord of home, family, and random stuff – which has always been our favorite mix.
Some of you might like this new-ish approach more, others might like it less, and some folks probably won’t even notice a difference, but this little refresh makes us giddy in the nerdiest of ways. It feels just like it did when we started this back in 2007… the air is so thick with possibility that it’s fogging up our safety goggles.
So thank you thank you thank you for stopping in to see what’s going on in our house/life/brain. There’s so much fun stuff ahead, and we love you guys so much it’s borderline uncool. And you can bet your sweet buns that I’m teaching Clara the words (well, the clean ones). Turns out this kid is a HUGE fan of jumping around…
See you guys on the flip side when we’re all moved in!*
*And by the flip side, I mean Monday. And by moved in, I mean our house will look like a pillow and ceramic animal bomb went off.
Richard Breaks says
Ya’ll could DEFINITELY feel free to adopt me and come and do my Master Bedroom. I’d even take a mood board (hey, do you ever MISS doing those?)
I’ll be here, waiting for an idea to smack me over the head.
Wishing you a smooth moves, free of anything broken!
YoungHouseLove says
I do miss mood boards! Hope there are a more of those as we figure things out at the new house and help others with their places. There’s nothing quite like a white page full o’ stuff. #dork4life
xo
s
Rachel says
I started reading/following your blog on the day you moved into your second house. The first post I read was about hitting the mailbox with the moving truck. We are about to buy our first house and have used your blog for a lot of advice. Thank you for that. And for being yourselves. Happy packing and blogging and living and loving. I look forward to all your future posts.
Jenny says
I sang “Jump Around” to my daughters the other day while they were loading up their backpacks. :)
Good luck with the move! I love the new house and look forward to seeing what you do with it!
Laura C says
I’m looking forward to the new “chapter” in your blog. Even though I’ll freely admit that I’m guilty of obsessively checking your blog for new posts, I’ll gladly take quality over quantity. If you ever grow tired of blogging for a living, you should look into joining the foreign service. Your explanation of the changes coming to YHL is just the latest example of your incredible diplomacy skills. ;)
Good luck with the move!
Brandy says
Agreed! I’m an obsessive YHL checker, but a day off here and there will only whet my appetite for the next post. I do appreciate the regularity of their schedule, but I’m totally cool if it gets downsized. What kinda bums me out (I’m talking to you KB) is an unexpected, unexplained prolonged absence of posting followed by wham bam, picture heavy slash content weak posts with no rhyme or reason. But I guess that’s life… Or is it? Life can have an order and rhythm, which is why I love YHL. They seem to subscribe to a thought-out approach to blogging. (Is my nose brown right now!?! ;)
Elise says
Hope that moving goes smoothly this weekend!! My husband and I moved 3 times during our first year of marriage and oh.my.geez. But I totally feel your excitement and “could this really be happening?!?” I am looking forward to the new home and posts – however different they may be. So happy for your family’s new adventure!
Donna says
Looking forward to the new slower pace- I still miss your first house- LOL!
Michelle Vance says
Change is good!! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!!!
Andrea Worley says
happy moving. such an exciting new time!
N Shirley says
Have a safe move. We will be here when you come up for air!
Carla says
I can be critical of design choices because of how sensitive I am to the energy of color and placement and space. It sounds so cornball, but as much as I loved your home, I never felt that it was meant to be yours long term.
But this new home feels like it’s always been yours; it just needed more time to grow the perfect amount of dust bunnies and patina for the price to come down enough for you to make that jump.
This has been an awesome process to witness. I’m genuinely excited for you. But I do think Berger needs a doggy companion and a cat or two. Just thought I’d throw that in there.
:)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! I’m not sure he’d agree about companions (we have tried to no avail to get him to be friendly with other four-leggers) but we’ll have to see where we end up. And you’re right about the new house, it does feel special – like it was waiting for us. Corny but true.
xo
s
Carla says
Oh, and I think some chickens would be great, too! :)
Ali Miller says
Love you guys and am so excited for you!
Amanda L. says
That picture of John and Clara on the floor totally got me. It seems a right of passage to eat a meal in a completely empty room at least once (if not 10 times) when you’re moving. For me it’s usually lunch at the old place and dinner at the new place. I’m so excited for what this new house means for your family and for YHL!
Amanda K. says
The newer pace sounds great to me! A slower pace is right up my alley :)
Karina Dove says
I am so excited for you!!! I actually feel like I am going thru this move with you. You guys are awesome and I will continue reading whenever you post, whether fast or slow. Happy moving!!
Susan says
I hope your move this weekend goes smoothly! I am really excited to see what this next adventure for you guys brings! :)
Brandy says
Gosh I’m so dang excited for y’all and for us, that we get to see snippets & glimpses of this journey along with you. This is gonna sound weird, but, like, I’m PROUD of you guys! I can’t wait to see this classic chic timeless cutting edge home you create for yourselves. Whatever the pace of the blog (which is, frankly, nobody’s business! Last time I checked, I don’t pay a dime to check u out every day…), this gal from KY will be along for the ride. So exciting!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Brandy!
xo
s
Laura L. says
Am I weird if I tell you guys that I am getting teary eyed? We are getting ready to list our first home and start another chapter in our lives too. I am crazy excited for you guys!
Thank you for sharing yourselves with us! XO
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, stop it right now Laura! You’re making me tear up again. You GUYS!
I love you.
xo
s
Stephanie says
Actually, the “random stuff” is one of my favorite things about your blog…like when you featured the decor at the ice cream shop…and when you highlight other peoples’ homes/spaces that you admire. Bring it on!
P.S. Hope the move goes smoothly!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Stephanie!
xo
s
Felie Hempfling says
Aww.. Best of luck this weekend guys! Hope nothing breaks or goes missing from now until it’s unpacked and put away! Looking forward to what you guys have in store for your new home!! Congratulations on the new home!!
What room did Burger claim?!
~Felie
YoungHouseLove says
He’s obsessed with any room in the front of the house. There are sun spots everywhere so he’s all about spreading the love! Haha!
xo
s
Jess says
Congrats Sherry and John! Good luck on the big move this weekend! :) So excited to see what you’ll do with your new home!
Sherri J. says
Don’t spend too much time moving and unpacking, we do have a beautiful summer coming around the corner.
bekah says
Whoop! Happy moving weekend! I was so happy I could have cried when we moved six weeks ago (I think I did cry?), so I know the feeling! I mean sure – our house is still more “before” than “after” but SOMEDAY.
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
I am excited about the new speed of the blog. I always felt tired after reading the posts from this last house. You guys worked too hard but at least it paid off.
Tammy O'Neill says
John and Sherry, good luck on your big move. I feel a little weird that I’m so excited FOR you guys! BTW, I loved it when you guys did the refresh at John’s Granny’s house so I would love to see more of those and, to be honest, if you have to slow down and save up for your projects, it will be more like real life and maybe I won’t feel like such a slug trying to get my own projects done! Can’t wait to check in with you on Monday — much love to all 4 of you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tammy! And the love’s coming right back atcha.
xo
s
Allisen says
So excited for the new house! It’s pretty much the 1980’s version of my 1930 brick house ha!
One of the things I’ve always liked about you guys is that you admit that you’re frugal and with that your designs and projects are quite budget conscious and accessible. I’ve always admired the way you can mix Target, Ikea, DIY items, etc. in with some more spurge worthy items. With all your talk about this being a more “grown up” and “forever” house do you see yourselves sticking to that model? Or filling this house with more expensive “real” furniture and accessories?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re taking everything we own with us so there will definitely be Target, Ikea, and secondhand stuff (and even things we’ve built) in the mix! I’m sure the placement will evolve over time, and a few things might be replaced as we go (for example, something that’s the wrong dimension for a space might get cragislisted and we’ll buy something that works better) but we’ll never be snobs about finding something awesome in a big box store for a steal or bringing home something secondhand. I think our frugal parents ingrained that into us for life! Thankfully even high end designers are embracing the mix of high end and budget finds (ex: Nate Berkus has things from Target and Ikea in his house) so it’s a pretty cool time to make a house a home, I think!
xo
s
Lindsey says
Great question, Allisen. I was wondering the same thing! And I’m so happy to hear your response, Sherry. This is why I love you guys so much. Frugal & budget friendly, but put together in such a way that makes you think you spent a lot more than you did. Good luck with the move this weekend.
Julianne says
You guys are so cute! I’m almost in tears with excitement for you mixed with sadness for leaving the old behind. :O) I can’t wait to see what you do with the place and so excited for you all to realize your dream home. Have a great move!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Julianne!
xo
s
Kelsey says
Best of luck with the big move!
Erin @ E So Sweet says
Good luck with the move this weekend! I hope that everything goes well.
samantha says
love this! we will be here soon enough – about 6 weeks and counting until our big cross country move. but i’m so excited about what we’ll do with our new place…and like you, this one will be what we hope is our forever home. i can’t wait to dig in!!!
:-)
have a great, productive weekend!!!
FRECKLES CHICK says
For me, home is where you make it & it’s where R & Quinn are. As I’m sure home for you is where John, Clara & Burger are……but a gorgeous possibly-forever-home totally helps! ;) Excited to see it all evolve at a pace that’s more “you”. Best of luck w/ the chaotic cray-cray in the days ahead.
xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Freckles Chick!
xo
s
Cindy says
Keep the moving truck out of the ditch. ;) Good luck this weekend! xo
Crystal says
Your blog will always be evolving as your life evolves. I think that is why so many people love your blog, you are always changing things up and letting us share the ride. So excited to see you work on your forever home. We are in our forever home too and their is a difference sense of “home” than we ever had before.
Stephanie says
So if you decide to do a line of house crashing where you literally crash things and reno/design a room for a reader, hit me up! I’m in NC, so nicely en route to your beloved Bowers! Just saying, my door (and it’s a beautiful emerald green, which I heard you are mulling for your new digs…)is always open!
Congratulations guys!
Randa says
My oh my is your girl ever a cutie! So grown up.
I think I will love the new pace of your blog, as the fast pace you guys normally have makes me feel like a loser for taking so long to do things here at home! :) Not really, I realize that you have been working together full-time on your second home, but still, I look forward to seeing what you do, thoughtfully over time, with your gorgeous new place. Hopefully my Jon and I can keep pace (somewhat) here at our place. We’re expecting our first baby in late October (sooooo excited), so that’s prompted us to finally “get on that already” with a bunch of projects we’ve been meaning to do since we got married four and a half years ago. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Randa, congrats on the little one! That’s so exciting! Sending you all the luck in the world. Hope we bump into you again soon!
zo
s
Randa says
Thanks so much! I’ll even let you rub my belly if I see you again while I’m pregnant. :) (as if pregnant women have much say in who rubs their belly!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
lesismore says
may all your pillows safely cushion all your ceramic animals leaving you no casualties.
i HATE packing, but i love unpacking. hopefully you love at least one of them since you’re going to be doing a lot of both!
best wishes on your move!
Jenna says
Is it nerdy I’m super excited for you guys?! I’ve been a faithful reader since you’ve had Clara. Happy Moving! Can’t wait to see how this one turns out :)
Laura says
Love this post. Happy moving!!! :)
Rachel says
I love that you will take more time with this home, that is what we are planning on doing with the house we are moving into in July and we want to take our time, save up for things we want to do and let the house speak about what would be best…on the note of blog changes it would be awesome to see posts where you take reader submissions of pictures of a room and maybe make up a mood board or some other ideas for that room. It might be a way to get creative juices flowing without trying things out on your own house and it would provide a good gap filler for those weeks when things are moving along slower in your own home.
Sheleah Fletcher says
Congratulations on the move. So excited for the new projects. Off subject, but in relation to Clara liking jumping. I have a 4 year old little guy, Jett, who loves “jump, Jump” by Patty Shukla. She’s on You-tube and kids love her action songs! She also has apps you can download once your toddler becomes addicted…ask me how I know!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Shaleah!
xo
s
Susie says
On the subject of jumping…with all that great outdoor space at your new house how about a big trampoline with netted sides?? They are so much fun! Good luck.
Rainbow Miller says
Good luck with the move guys! I love that things will be slowing down a bit. It will give you time to relax and really be present with whatever it is you decide. Can’t wait to see you in the new house! moving is so exciting.
Katherine says
The picture of Clara on the tree seat bench is adorable. Years from now there will be a mature young lady sitting there taking it all in.
Enjoy every moment of the new house excitement.
Kay says
Whatever directions works best for you and your family and your home, works best for me, a humble reader :D I’m so excited for you guys–this is a beautiful house and you’ll make a beautiful and stylish home. Can’t wait to read more. Good luck with moving!
Pam the Goatherd says
I’m looking forward to the pictures of the pillow and ceramic animal bomb explosion! It’s going to be so much fun to see what you decide to do with each space of this new home. Slowing down the pace of the blog will be good. It will help those of us who can’t do DIY full-time feel a little less pressured to keep up with you!
I hope the move goes smoothly for you this weekend. See you on the flip-side!
Catherine Wood says
I love the SNL and old school references you guys always make! They’re hilarious!
Hope the moving process goes smoothly. You guys take your time…we’ll be here and ready when you post but no need to rush anything :)
Theresa says
Just wanted to stop and say congratulations! I will miss the fast pace of every-day-a-new-reno you had in your old house (HA! “Old house”) but honestly I am wayyy more excited for the adventures you have to come. Thank you so much for continuing with the blog.
Lindsey says
Good on ya! I think the changes you three are planning for the blog sounds right on. I was looking through the recap of all you have accomplished in your current (previous now?) house and blown away. You have been busy, busy bees!!!
Best of luck with the move and surviving the pillow/ceramic animal chaos!
Sarah Ramirez says
Ok, I think one of two things is happening
A) You are down right telling a fib!
B) You have mad photoshop skills!
There is NO WAY Clara has gotten that big in such a short amount of time!! Holy cow, I’ve been reading your blog since the first house and there is no way she grew that much that quickly!! Time sure does fly. Congrats again on the house, Im anxiously awaiting all of the fun stuff that I know you have planned! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, isn’t that crazy!? It’s like one of those “age progression” programs from CSI!
xo
s
Evelina says
Good luck on the move this weekend! I’ll be thinking of you two! I mean three. I mean four!
Evelina says
PS – I adore the photo of Clara in a box! So cute.
PPS – BYEEEEEE house #2!