To everyone who has said “go rest!” or “we understand if you have to catch your breath after this showhouse marathon and before this baby comes” we are SO APPRECIATIVE of the encouragement. We’re still over there every day shooting each remaining room for afters/source lists and are also hoping to record a video tour for you guys, but we fully intend to cash in on that whole sit-down-and-breathe-for-a-second thing as soon as we finish documenting everything.
But amongst the last crazy week of showhouse stuff, another crazy thing happened that we just had to talk about for a second. We can’t begin to tell you how awesomely surreal it has been to see our line of hooks and rails out there in the real world (on Target shelves, in your hands, on your walls, and next to your dogs and babies).
We’d been in our own little bubble with it for so long that it was amazing to see Instagrams, tweets, and Facebook photos from you guys. So we couldn’t let another day go by without saying: THANK YOU for being a part of this latest adventure of ours. We are so grateful.
Everything started rolling out in Target stores throughout last week (it’ll be carried in most US stores for 14 weeks) and you can see the full store list here for which ones will carry it. We actually saw your pictures of the end cap before seeing it in person ourselves, which was pretty crazy. And when we saw it with our own eyes? Kinda made our brains explode.
The home improvement department also got a few other new DIY items like paint and removable wallpaper. Plus they’re carrying our book in stores for the first time as an exclusive paperback version.
Along with taking a moment to send out a giant thank you to you guys, we wanted to bring you behind the scenes to touch on a part of this whole process that was kind of a surprise to us: packaging design. For so long we had been focused on how the products looked, that when Liberty asked for input on the packaging we were sort of caught off guard. But it ended up being a fun assignment.
The graphic designers at Liberty were the brains behind it all – taking inspiration from the colors and themes that they saw frequently on our blog. Together we made little tweaks, like ditching a version of our blog backdrop (the small gray heart pattern) behind the products in favor of a cleaner, less busy solid gray. And we loved their suggestion to put a wood grain detail on the sides of the packaging to bring in some texture.
The funny thing is that it was originally supposed to just be some generic wood texture from an image library somewhere, but when we were doing the product photography here last November someone suggested that we just shoot our kitchen table and use that real wood-grain shot instead. It had already become the de facto backdrop for the other photos, so it was a no brainer decision. So yeah, that’s our real kitchen table on the side of each box.
We were also tasked with choosing the visuals that we’d shoot for the back of the packaging as well as writing the copy for it – which ended up being a fun opportunity to share our inspiration for each item (like an octopus painting made by Clara along with a ceramic octopus that I got Sherry a few years back – or Burger himself, our four-legged muse).
This copy is also the text that appears in the “Overview” section of each item on the Target website, if you’re so inclined to read each one.
Now that we can freely use the hooks without fear of blowing our cover, we’ve put them to good use in a few places in the showhouse (since it’s about the only house getting attention from us lately). We put this wood hook rail in the girl’s bedroom after painting it blue and adding some mix-and-match ORB hooks (the color is Blue Lake by Benjamin Moore). This is obviously the version with the ledge, which was nice for extra storage.
We went sans-ledge for the one in the boy’s room and painted it with a random diagonal of yellow at the bottom (Citron by Benjamin Moore) using painters tape across the rail, while leaving the raw wood up top.
We also used a trio of doorknob hooks in the master bedroom closet (two of the larger beaded knobs flanking the smaller hex knob in the middle) but we still have to shoot that room. We’re working on getting more after pictures documented today so we can share them tomorrow if all goes well.
Ok, now I’ll shut up about it. Sherry and I are still kind of reeling that this stuff is out there in the world after nearly three years of development, and we’re both so grateful to you guys for supporting us. In other Wednesday news, if all goes well and we have our son on Wednesday the 16th (that’s Sherry’s scheduled date), that makes this the very last Wednesday of our lives as parents of one (well, two if you count Burger) so that’s kind of blowing our minds too. Happy Wednesday, guys!
Update – Some of the most frequent questions that we get are requests for info about blogging (how we started, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Brittany says
Oh and by the way, my friend is part of the team that created the removable wallpaper! She sent a link on her facebook and I loved it. Can’t wait to try that too.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cool!!
xo
s
Tiffini S. says
I cracked myself up last week at Target. I was like “Oh, yeah, Sherry and John’s hooks should be around here.” Then I realized it was like we were besties or something. Online besties, sure. You guys have been my DIY pals for years!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Tiffani!
xo
s
Amy says
Good thing my in-laws and some of my friends live in Elmira, NY! (too bad it’s not in the Target in Vestal though!) Any chance of these items being offered online?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes they’re all on target.com if you search Young House Love they all pop up :)
xo
s
Lynn says
When I initially read the title…I thought labour? :) Congrats on the wall hooks! I hope they are available at Target in Canada! :)
Kevin says
John wrote “our son” — best ever!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s true!!
xo
s
kristen says
Stonewall fell off his horse?
YoungHouseLove says
He got painted. You know we’re happy to avoid getting political ;)
xo
s
kristen says
I figured as much – it’s a touchy subject. :)
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
SO SO amazing! I’m so happy for you guys!!! I wish they’d carry them in my Tar-jay, darn it!! ;)
Amber says
We’re so excited for everything going on in your lives right now! I seriously don’t know how you juggle so much stuff. Yes, take time off- completely off!
I was wondering how you get paid for this Target project. Is it anything like your book deal? Sorry if you’ve already talked about it or don’t want to ;)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a simple percentage based thing, so we get a small percentage of each item sold (profits have to be shared three ways with Target and Liberty as well).
xo
s
Amber says
Yay! That makes me want to buy more knowing you get a percent of each item, not just a set one-time payment. Everybody go buy more!!
Karen Little says
I’ve already checked my Target here in Williamsburg and it’s not here yet! Will “lobby” for it. :)
Y’all are dears and I will pray for all to go extremely well next week—soon you’ll enjoy your boy. Our son and his wife live five minutes away from your showhouse with their five sons and one daughter! So, I’m planning on being able to visit the showhouse in person next month. Congrats on all of your “projects” being almost “done” heehee.
Patchi Cancado says
Congrats! Everything looks awesome. And I love the packaging.
Dana@chocolateandsunshine says
I love that the packaging features your own wood table. How cool is that. My table is marble and I use it all the time for my photos. Nothing better than nature for backdrops. Can’t wait to use your hooks. Excited when good things happen to good people. Congrats on your success and most importantly because a new baby will be here very soon.
Tamara says
Speaking of the small gray heart background, I was thinking you should totally whip out a quick art print of the 4 hearts and frame it for your art above the master bed in the show house – a nod to romance, a nod to yhl! Good job on the show house & the hooks – y’all are awesomeness.
Sarah Beth says
I bought the book last night and I’ve already read the whole thing! I’m super pumped to try some of the ideas in a 1970’s brick foreclosure that we are about to buy!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! Good luck with everything!
xo
s
Judy says
I am so happy for y’all. Please get a Pug for Burger to play with so that your Target line will include a Pug! I know, I know … I’m selfish. Seriously, how cute would a little Pug silhouette be? Hee hee. Question: Where is the “blogroll” link on your site? I can’t find it anywhere.
Thanks and congratulations.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love the pug idea. I want a dachshund too! As for the blogroll we turned that off a few months ago (we never updated it so some links were dead and we got some complaints about what blogs were on it, etc) so we aren’t sure if we’ll bring it back yet…
xo
s
LaineyR says
Now if you could just put in a word to the bigwigs at Target and ask them to open in the UK… The amount of pretty, well priced things I see online (not least the YHL line) that turn out to be from Target… I could weep! And I’m with your other readers (er, Young House Lovers? ) – please have a break! Your work ethic is truly astounding and inspiring but I don’t think anyone could blame you for taking a week off, as far as that’s possible. And good luck for the 16th – I will be thinking of you in this little corner of the world x
Amanda says
The scheduled date is my birthday?! Ahh yay, that makes me even more excited :)
And congratulations on your line at Target!
Nicole B. says
This is just such an awesome accomplishment! Huge! So happy for ya’ll! I dunno why I’m teary eyed about it, but I am! It’s so cool!
Nicole B.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Nicole you’re so sweet. Quit making me cry :)
xo
s
Petra says
Love the items at Target!!! I do hope you can keep up the awesomeness in things like these items!!! Congratulations for the new bambino!!!
Lisa says
omgggg i love the idea of using the key hooks as jewellry holders. i want 100 of those. i’m off to email target about bringing you to canada :)
jenn aka the picky girl says
Love this post! My boyfriend and I ran to Target Monday, and as we were walking around (my favorite thing to do in Target), we ran across your line! I was so excited and kept trying to explain, and he totally didn’t get it. But I was all: I’ve been following them for years! And now they got this line! And this is their dog. And their Clara. And now they’re having a baby…
Yeah, he got that I was excited, but that was about it. :)
Anyway, you guys take some time just the four of you and get ready to become an even better version of you. Sending love and light your way for a beautiful delivery.
kaesey says
I’m heading to Target this afternoon and will look for your stuff! Methinks we could use some extra hooks for the back of bedroom doors…..
Heidi says
So excited for you guys! I’m in RVA and have been to 3 stores that don’t have the display yet…which store did you snap the pic of John & Clara in front of the endcap?
YoungHouseLove says
That was the Westchester Commons one. It’s supposed to be at Forest Hill too but they might still be rolling it out.
xo
s
Tamara says
Speaking of your gray heart background, I’ve been thinking that y’all should totally whip out a quick art print based on the 4 hearts to frame & put above the master bed in the show house – a nod to romance & a nod to yhl! Great job on the show house & the hooks! Y’all are awesomeness!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute!
xo
s
Carrie K says
That’s a great idea!! I second the motion…
Alison says
Ohh me too! Errr, three!
Stephanie says
Hi, fellow emotional pregnant lady here – but hearing that your own kitchen table is the wood grain on the sides of packaging made me choke up a bit. What a special detail!
Cori says
So, so, SO excited and happy for you guys. How many amazing things can happen in one month…you finish an awesome show house, release your own line at Target, and most of all, have a BABY!!! It makes me tear up to think about it! You’ve worked so hard, and so many people have been blessed by all of that hard work! I wish I could give you a big ole hug. Now sit back and relax before that sweet boy comes!
Jenny says
I went hunting for your hooks at my local Target this weekend, but looks like they won’t be carrying them at my (Wisconsin) Target :( I was hoping for the thrill of seeing them on the shelf, but ordering online works just as well! Congrats again!
Karen says
You know…when I stop and think about it, there are so many things in our home inspired by you guys. From the YHL book on the shelf, to some home decor items I’ve purchased because I’ve seen them in your home….curtains made from fabric you featured, grey walls, white painted round table, green credenza…the list goes on. You’ve impacted us, and we’re just one family. How lovely (and mind-blowing, right?) to think about your work filtering down and actually becoming part of the backdrop of other people’s lives. Well done. Looking forward to more—after some R&R and baby-time of course.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet Karen. Thank you so much!
xo
s
Kate F. says
Just a quick congrats on all the big projects you’re completing (including the soon-to-be arriving barnacle.) Your blog, books and misc. projects are so inspirational. I work a very high-stress, long-hour job, but I take 10 minutes around 10 a.m. each day to nibble at something and read your daily post. It’s such a stress-reducer and a great reminder there’s a life outside of work. Whenever I am not at the office, I am motivated to DIY because of you guys. Keep up the good work, you’re really doing something great!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Kate! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Stardancer says
My husband and I went to Target looking for bathroom storage and I stopped dead when I saw your end cap–I’d totally forgotten but it was so exciting to see it! We’re both kind of in love with the aqua octopus. All I need to do is figure out what small objects in our house we need to hang, but I am pretty much certain that at least one octopus will come home to live with us.
Stardancer says
Oh yeah–and while I’m thrilled that you’re still managing to squash near-daily posts into this insane time of your lives, I’m joining the chorus of people who understand if you have to cut back a bit right now. As long as baby pictures are posted as soon as available, of course.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Danielle says
I second the motion for baby pics :) Take a break, but don’t leave us hanging without a picture of your sweet new baby :)
vol25 says
So happy for you guys, I imagine it does seem pretty surreal! You guys should create an official hashtag for your collection at Target, I just used #younghouselovetarget But there was only 2 other posts with that hashtag, so I was thinking there must be another really obvious one people were using!
YoungHouseLove says
Didn’t even think about hashtags! Should be funny to see if any patterns emerge…
xo
s
Ally says
I ordered my key hook (in 2 colors!) from Target online the day you guys posted about it! OBSESSED. I hadn’t seen it in the stores around us (in Dallas), but my husband and I were in Target this past weekend and I spotted that beautiful end cap. I audibly squealed (my husband thinks I’m nuts) – but after reading your blog daily, I feel like your success is my success!! Can’t wait to see the rest of the showhouse pics and even more excited for the barnacle’s debut!! Good luck :)
Annie Thompson says
Congratulations you guys! You deserve every bit of success! I have been following along with you guys since the This Young House days and it is so cool! Sorry, I am not a frequent commenter, I just started blogging and now realizing how easy it is to comment and feeling how exciting it is when a comment comes in, I am trying to comment more on my favorite blogs. I love your product line at Target. I actually put the octopus guy in my Springtime Favorites on my blog tomorrow, and gave you guys a little shout out. I am going to hang one on my daughter’s nursery wall! Love all of your stuff–you guys are seriously inspirational! And Sherry, I don’t know how you are doing it at 9 months pregnant–you are are like Wonder Woman (but with a cute bump!) Just don’t turn too many times around, I know my sense of balance was off! lol.
xo Annie
http://allthebigandsmallthings.blogspot.com
Lily says
If you’ve gotta be this busy, at least it’s good busy! Congrats on everything!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Jessica F. says
So I live in an apartment, and they kindly supplied every door with a knob on it for easy access. But I’m sooo tempted to switch them out with the door knobs!! That or buy “enough” to use in a future house. Haha!! :D Boyfriend might think I’m nuts though if I had a box in my garage of door knobs!! lol
Michelle says
Are all stores going to carry your line of awesome hooks! I went to Target last week and this week and did not see a your display. I looked 3 times at each end cap too… we are in Maryland so we are totally your neighboring state… and it should be in all Target stores here right?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a store locator list for ya: http://www.libertyhardware.com/yhlstorelocator
xo
s
Michele says
Not in Frederick, MD :-(
Mary says
Hey guys –
I’m married the the Director of Innovation and Technology for a multi-national company who is a Packaging Engineer by education. Only one thing to remember:
Packages.sell.everything!
All the best!
Danielle Purtle says
I am happy teary just reading this! What an exciting moment to see all of your hard work and talent pay off! Seriously, you FIVE are the best! Speaking of the fifth — I am praying for a safe delivery and a healthy happy baby boy!
PS – “MORE BURGER PRODUCTS MORE BURGER PRODUCTS!!”
PSS- Ya’ll should make a cubical friendly line next. Things that can be hung over the side or thumb tacked on, organizational, etc. Some of us readers are cube dwellers and need some happy in our work homes. I won’t ask for royalties for the idea — just go for it! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
I love that idea!
xo
s
Kim says
ME TOO!!
Krista says
My apologies if you’ve already addressed this and I’ve missed it, but will your line be available in Canadian Target stores? I hope so! :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love if they picked it up. Here’s hoping!
xo
s
Leanne says
I went to Target over the weekend but your line was not on display yet…I made them go in the back and get me that dog hook. Love it, and so does my pup! Nice and heavy, good quality. Definitely going back for more!!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad they ran and got it for you!
xo
s
Emily @ Life on Food says
I got the key holder this weekend. I cannot wait to hang it up.
Erin says
These products are so neat and I’m in love! I am so sad that they arent available in Canada! I even went to target.com and got all the way to the checkout before I realized they don’t ship here… doh! Lots of love from up North!
Laura says
I went to my local Target and the YHL products weren’t there – according to the link you listed, they’re available at all of the towns surrounding me, just not mine (figures, haha) ;) Guess I’ll have to make a special trip or two to the next town over! So excited to see everything up close and personal!
Mary says
Hey guys –
I’m married to a VP of Innovation and Technology for a multi-national company who is a Packaging Engineer by education. Only one thing to remember:
Packaging.sells!
All the best!
Jessica M says
Do you have any idea if you’ll be partnering with someone to distribute these lines internationally at some point? Target don’t ship to Ireland :(
YoungHouseLove says
It would be awesome to figure something out for you guys like that! We have lined up an international giveaway of the entire collection too!
xo
s
Jenny says
Happy Wednesday, indeed! Congratulations and good luck!!!
Rosie S says
Yup, Burger’s ego will be huge when he realizes his handsome face is everywhere now….next up….Burger’s Burgers!??!! FINALLY, the Target nearest to me (and I have 5 within 15 miles) has your stuff! But is was SO picked over! Figures, I take 2 days away from stalking… er shopping….to paint and hang a door and missed the big reveal! :) But I am going to all 5 stores until I can get 3 white bee hooks…its a mission now! And truly, rest and relax when you can, and wishing you nothing but the best for the busy weeks to come!
Rachel @ The Sunny Disposition Home says
I love that you all suggested taking a picture of your table for the design backdrop! Really Nice!
http://www.thesunnydispostionhome.blogspot.com
Marie says
Wish I thought to take a pic of my bees!!! I’ll be thinking of you guys next weds!! Try to relax and enjoy the your last week as a Clara-centric family of 4!!!!
Nicole says
Are these in all Target stores? I’ve been to 3 separate Target stores in the past week, and haven’t seen it in any of them here in Southern California. Yes, I could buy online, but I really want to touch and feel and get all upclose and personal with them before I choose just 1 or 2! :)
YoungHouseLove says
There’s a link in this post with a store locator for you to find which ones carry it. Here’s that URL for ya: http://www.libertyhardware.com/yhlstorelocator
xo
s
Fernanda says
ooooh man, I want, better, I need a Burger hook so badly. So so sad that they don’t ship internationally, I’m in Brazil :-(