This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Lauren says
I haven’t been much of a commenter over the past few years since discovering your blog– only a few comments here and there on major things (like a congrats on the 3rd house and Teddy’s birth), but I felt I really needed to comment after today’s post.
I am truly sad to see YHL press pause. I have such joy reading each blog post, discovering new DIY techniques, and laughing right along with your “normalcy” of everyday life as a family. I have nothing but immense respect to you for putting your passion & your family out there so publicly for the past 7 years. I have nothing but well-wishes for you on all the adventures yet to come for your family. Please know that ALL of you will be missed! Clara’s conversations, Teddy’s adorableness, and Burger’s pure awesomeness were sometimes my most favorite posts!
I hope whatever you do in the future brings great happiness to all of you and restores your passion for the work- whatever the work may end up being. If you leave knowing one thing, please know that you have affected (positively) my life and I’m sure so many others! Sorry I’ve never said it before now.
Thank you & blessings to you!!
Carrie Lea says
One sentence in I was like “Crap, they’re quitting.” and then halfway through I thought, “Wait, no they aren’t.” And then the end. :)
All I can say is I get it. Not what you do or how you do it. But some sort of seeming burn out in a job you love and not understanding where the burnout came from or how to fix it. I get it.
So, I hope you get your groove back (and then teach us how to as well! :) ) and I’ll miss you. But even if you don’t I’ve been reading for 6 years and love you all! You are like friends I want to be happy, even if that means they move away. (Burger MIGHT be my favorite, but he always got bonus points simply because he’s a dog….) I’ve always appreciated, admired, and respected you both.
Much love, many well wishes. <3 Thank you for sharing a big piece of your lives with us.
Katie says
I really enjoy your blog and am happy you are taking a break to refocus. I think the blog is a full time job for both of you and taking care of two kids is another full time job. I think you would benefit from hiring some childcare so that you have more time to focus on the blog. Good luck!
Wendy says
I never comment…just faithfully log in to read and follow your amazing ideas and work! I have followed since your first house and always get inspiration and enjoy following your journey. As a mother of 2 (now grown) kids and a busy Realtor who works 7 days a week I have to say GOOD FOR YOU to give yourselves a much deserved BREAK!!! Like so many followers…I am selfishly hoping it is a break that helps you catch your breath and discover what is next and brings you back to sharing with us…however ….what ever you decide please know how much enjoyment, inspiration and encouragement you have provided to so many !!! THank you for all you do and all you have put out there for all of us! It truly is appreciated!!! All the best to you and your family….enjoy!!!!!
Michele from IL says
Take your time. WE LOVE YOU! :)
Becky says
Onward, YHL!!! You’ve completed DIY projects that took more fortitude than it takes to manage cowardly internet bores.
Keep it going. Ignore the comments. Do NOT allow anyone to affect your future or your potential!!! You were the blog innovators.
Good luck to all of you. You’ll remain a Young House FULL of LOVE…
Kathy says
Totally understand but I will definitely miss your fun blog, your great sense of humor, and love for all things family. I’ll be praying you will find what’s best for your family.
Hang in there!
Kathy, a KK (a grandma in Louisville, KY)
Jaycee says
This is the best post I’ve read in awhile – not because you guys are saying you’re taking a break, but because it was honest, well-written, and made me remember why I fell in love with the blog in the first place. (Long time reader here – before Clara!) I truly do think the break is a wonderful idea and regardless of what happens, I wish you all the best!
Gina says
I think your last sentence said it all, “we need to take break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.” The high stakes game of supporting a family has to have a huge impact on your feelings about this blog. It can’t just be for fun when your family depends on the income from it. There’s nothing wrong with making your living off your blog. Kudos to you guys for making that happen but it has to change the feel of it for you guys. I hope you enjoy your time with the family and come back if and when you are ready. Family comes first, always.
I didn’t comment when you were looking for feedback but I’m going to throw something out there now. I may be in the minority, but I often felt like some of your posts had so much information in them. I wondered how you were able to do all of it, take pictures and write it up with 2 kids at home, one of which is a newborn. I barely had time to cook dinner when my son was a newborn and I wasn’t even working at the time. My point is, I was fine with shorter posts and to be honest, after working all day, sometimes they were too long for me. I would have been fine with it if you’d taken big projects and broken them up into smaller posts.
Take all the time you need. I hope you get back to your happy place! xoxo
Karen says
A genuine heartfelt thank you for all you’ve given me, ideas, dreams, hopes, smarticles :) I wish your sweet family the best. may God guide you guys in this transition time. Your honesty ! You guys are to be admired
Sp says
I was traveling for the last few days so couldn’t check the blog Nd now I am sitting here wondering why it happened and tears are rolling down my face.. I hadn’t realized how yhl had become an important part if my life.. I hope you guys come back soon.. Lots of love
Morgan says
I just want to say how much I appreciate your commitment to maintain a sponsored post-free blog. It’s has been so refreshing to read about projects that feel organically inspired, versus a lot of posts that I read on other blogs that seem artificial or like a sales pitch. So…I’ll miss you guys on this hopefully temporary break, but completely respect your decision to pull back and reassess. Enjoy those kiddos!!
Angela L says
I cannot thank you enough for the countless ways you’ve inspired me over the years. I feel like I made smarter decision choices that made me happy instead of fretting over resale. After our second child and second house, we’ve slowed down on the projects because we never have enough time anymore. Sitting on a project for awhile and thinking about it has actually led me to some of the cutest projects in our new home. My point is, everything has it’s season. You may never get back to the fast pace of the old young house and that is OK! Your blog will always be a bright, happy place for diy’ers no matter what.
Enjoy your time with your family!!!! :)
Belinda says
*sobs* I
will miss you guys like crazy! I hope your month off is exactly what you are hoping for. Enjoy this time. I really hope you come back, because you are a great part of my day! You feel like a member of the extended family. Is that creepy? Ha!
I admire your honesty and courage. Good for you for knowing what is right for your family and making the tough choices.
xoxo
Emily says
Your blog has been a part of my daily internet routine for years, and I’ve always really enjoyed it. Thank YOU for everything, and I just wish the best for you guys. Enjoy your new house and expanding family and don’t worry about us! We’ll see you around <3
Megan says
Dear John and Sherry,
I have never commented once on any of the bazillion posts I have read (and loved), but I (like many others, apparently) feel compelled to do so. I only have two things to say:
1. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done for obviously so many people by being brave and sharing your life (nothing is more personal than your home!) with strangers on the Internet on a weekly basis. I am one year into my first house, and I have drawn lots of support and information from you. The most sought after thing in life is understanding, to relate to another, and it has been and continues to be tremendously comforting to know that someone else has stood in an old ranch and thought “What will I do?” and “I can do all the things!” in the span of a week. (I also probably owe you a thank you for the money you have saved me by being able to troll the archives instead of calling a contractor – literally, thanks a million). Seven years of honest portrayal of what goes on in your house is something many aren’t comfortable with or even capable of. Please take time to pat yourselves on the back and be proud of what you did. This many people cannot be wrong about what is great.
2. Make yourselves happy and everything else will fall into place. You cannot please everyone, and if you try, you please no one. I’m from Alabama, so I will use a common Southern idiom and say that I am aware that I am “preaching to the choir” because this post shows you know this already. Do you, be happy, and if you find happiness in sharing with your loyal fans, we will be there in droves. If you don’t, that’s fine too. What you have done with YHL is already an accomplishment to be proud of (it’s amazing, really) and you did it your way. Keep marching to your own drum(s?) and you will continue to great things. Best of luck!
Paula says
It makes me sad that some out in the blogosphere have hurt you. I have been reading you for a long time and am amazed by you both. Hope to read your posts again soon
Scarlett says
I LOVE your blog! I hope after a break you decide to return to the blog world. You all have such great ideas and really give me the courage to try projects. I love your style and would miss you all so much if you went away. Hope sincerely you find the answers you are searching for!
Jess says
Enjoy your break guys. It is well deserved after your 7 years of hard work :) hopefully we will see u back refreshed in the future and if not I wish you and your beautiful family all the best for their future and you all will be sorely missed. I’ve been following for about 5 years and you guys feel like old friends it will be strange not seeing updates from you. But I think I’ll be doing a lot of reminicing in the archives :)
Jo says
I am so grateful I found your blog. I have been following for quite a while, and you have inspired me in countless ways. I have done so many home improvement projects because you showed me how to do it! I am a better home-owner, neighbor, and person because of your contributions. I wish you joy and happiness in all that you do. And, I’ll keep checking the site. I will always look forward more ideas/advice from my favorite DIY Duo. You’re brave, you rock, you’ll be missed. Peace, joy and gorgeous challenging adventures to you and your family! Jo
Jackie says
I am a 53 year old mom and grandma who has been reading your blog for a long time. I have always enjoyed it. I never read people’s comments or anything and had no idea people had such strong feelings. I have just always enjoyed your blog. Best wishes to you. You will be missed!
angie lockharta says
OH!!! My heart goes out to you! These kind of life decisions are never easy ones to make. I was completely surprised by others thoughts that things felt off. I have enjoyed every recent blog post just as much as those from the years of yore. You guys are awesome! I hope this break is just what you need to get a grasp on what is best for your family. Rooting for you during this next step!
Katie says
I think it’s a shame that this became such a source of negativity. I wish it hadn’t happened that way. I’m not sure why people feel like they can or should be critical of the gift of insight you’ve given for so long when this isn’t a service, and it isn’t something anyone is paying for. It’s a shame that it got to a point where you felt like you couldn’t face it anymore.
All the best.
Katie Sooy says
Good for you. I have been following your blog for over 4 years, and have watched my family grow along with yours. You helped us tackle huge projects when as newlyweds we bought our 1958 dreamhome. Enjoy the time off and figure out how to be the happiest possible in your current situation. Life is too short to not love every minute of it. Squeeze the sweetness out of your little kiddos, and know that your readers support you. xoxo
Lee Coogan says
I’ve been following your blog for such a long time, and have found it to be an endless source of inspiration. I’m now renovating a small cottage (I call it tinkering haha) and will still reference loads of ideas and tutorials from your blog.
Have fun guys! And enjoy those little cherubs of yours!!
Kristine says
I totally get it, but I’m so bummed! I could tell your heart wasn’t in it anymore. Your family comes first, so I truly hope you take the time you need to reflect and enjoy life. All those recent big projects (showhouse, etc.) definitely seemed to burn you out. This blog has become a part of my life, maybe that’s strange, but I will miss you and your family and all your wonderful projects. If you decide not to continue the blog, please at least let us know how your story will continue, even if we don’t get to be a part of it. It would be like reading a really long, happy book and not getting to finish it. Good luck!11
Charlotte Claypole says
John and Sherry,
I started reading your blog waaaaay back at your first house, before children. It has been inspiring to see the work you have done in all 3 homes. I have even become a little more courageous and have done some DIY projects. I knew this announcement was coming and even reading it I am sad. Sad because I will miss you. It is daily routine that after my kids are tucked in, I check your blog, so for me too, I will just out of habit. I am also happy, because I get it! I understand like any job there is a time to stop and reflect and see how you can improve and grow as an individual. For YHL, this is what you need to do right now. I wish you all the best as you take the month to take a break and decide which path you will go down next. I can’t wait to read what you have decided to do, I will follow you wherever you go. Is it creepy to think I want to take a road trip to Richmond, just to see if I can spot you out shopping or even your house? I tell my husband, I want to go check out the thrift stores you check out and he said “why?, there is plenty right here in London, ON Canada!” Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Jane says
Good for you! Have a lovely time doing whatever takes your fancy!
We have our own business and it never goes away. My hubby mentioned work as we were going to bed last night & I wasn’t happy about that at all (this is a regular thing due to his lack of work/home boundaries). It does become all consuming. I love the idea of stepping away but, unfortunately, we don’t have that opportunity.
Cheers
Sarah says
So I’m not a blog person typically and I NEVER leave comments but today’s an exception. I ran across you guys by accident this year and I check up on you several times a week. I was totally hooked from the get go. I moved into a house 3 years ago that is VERY similar to yours…seriously (zero lights on ceilings).
Sometimes I’m frustrated with a room and I just think, “What would John and Sherry Do?” lol;) Whatever happens we are family ….in a weird cyber world kind of way. Just love you guys! Thanks for pouring out your heart to us!
kai says
Hello,
Things and Life happens. Gonna miss you guys:-(. Come back when
you’re ready and best of luck :-)
Megan says
Good for you! I was thinking, as I read your post, “they didn’t get mat leave”. You need time to learn how you work as a new family and yes, life and projects go on, but you don’t need to report it to the public everyday. I have felt, after each of my three girls births, that in the first 6 weeks after having a baby that a woman could murder someone and not be held accountable (ok, maybe not) and you’re on here working day after you get home with the babes. A blog is work, yes it is. I’ve tried my hand at it and realized I’m not ready. Its extra work and I’ve got enough right now. So carry on with the projects and take the pics in case you carry on here but go be a family and figure it all out while you’re being just you. With just you. For just you. Good luck, enjoy!
Pia says
I read you every single day you post and always look forward to new posts. I sincerely hope that you will keep on blogging! I would miss you so!
Macey says
I have never commented before either, but I just had to say that your integrity & work ethic are truly inspiring. Love this blog, and wish you all the best no matter where life takes you!
Julie says
Good for you for giving yourselves and your precious family the time it needs. Internet work blog whatever is just a draining field there is so much to keep up with. You have met great friends and have lovely memories! Hope to see you back but pray your time away is refreshing and brings you exactly what you need! Xoxo
Christine says
I just walked away from my Etsy shop after 7 years. So, in my own way, I understand. You dou you, Petersiks. You do you. In the meantime, I will complete the ombré dresser, “bronzed” baby shoes, and gallery wall projects I started after reading your book. ; )
Abbey says
saddest day on the internet! i’ve been an AVID reader {some would argue stalker?} for years, and you’ve been such an inspiration to me. my husband and i purchased our ‘starter’ home and completely overhauled it, using so many of your ideas and tutorials. we just sold that home {and made a killing!}, and purchased another home that needs some serious love. now i wish i’d have sent you guys some pics or something.
i used to be big into blogging, and read several blogs, but when i had my third baby 11 months ago, i had to cut blogging out. something had to go, you know? anyway, i allowed myself 3 blogs to read: yours, Camp Patton, and The Small Things.
i really really really hope you’ll be back soon, and thanks for all of the confidence and inspiration you’ve given us. xoxo.
Vicki says
I, like many others, am totally shocked. Your blog is the first thing I read every morning while having my coffee. I can’t imagine a day without it. When you don’t have a new post, I look at archives! In fact, I credit you with inspiring my dream kitchen renovation. I started reading your blog about seven or so years ago after seeing your first kitchen posted on “Rate MY Space”. I loved your kitchen and started designing my own renovation. Finally last year I convinced my husband to do it and he agreed. We were able to do the demo part ourselves after seeing what you have tackled. Although we didn’t have the skills to do all the work, your demo projects convinced us we could at least do that part. It helped make our new kitchen more affordable for us to do. I wish your family the very best and hope that you come back to doing your blog because it means so much to so many people. Don’t ever think you’re not appreciated…
Danielle @ Hang Loose Wahine says
I’ve only been reading your blogs for less than a year, and I have accomplished so much in our house. It’s because you have been an incredible inspiration. I even started my little blog two months ago about my projects and adventures. Watching your family become successful with what you love to do makes me so happy. Your fan here in Hawaii wishes you more success in the future! Aloha!
Mary says
Life is a series of seasons, and perhaps it’s time for you guys to enter a new one. I’ve enjoyed following your blog, believe you are incredibly talented on so many levels, and wish you the best for the future–whatever it holds. Thanks for giving me home improvement inspiration over the years and for sharing your precious family with your readers. Best wishes!
Donna says
I rarely comment, but I always read your blog. In fact, I decided to take a break from reading blogs before the summer started. The only blog I could not stay away from was yours. I wasn’t around when you first started, but when I did find you (mid second house reno), I couldn’t get enough. I still can’t. When I read last week’s post, I thought I would leave a comment about the blog this week. Then I get on here today and see this. I was honestly sad for you guys, but I totally get it. Only you guys can define what is right or wrong with the direction the blog is going and all the feelings you are dealing with in relation to the blog. Step back and take some time for yourselves. I hope that you guys do come back. If not, it’s been amazing following along with YHL. I’ll be waiting. In the meantime, I guess I need to start some of my own projects around the house. You guys have done a brilliant job!!
Danielle says
As so many other readers have already said, totally understand. Life has seasons. As as others also stated, you do not owe us. Thank you for leaving the archives available. Truly. From This Young House to now, you two have inspired, encouraged and motivated me to love my little ranch (even with the 5 kids and a husband in it) and find ways to make it work so that we can all love living here. You’ve helped me see that the right tools can make an impossible job happen and that paint is not forever. Thank you doesn’t cover it. Til we meet again – all the best.
crystal says
You guys are amazing and I will miss you. You have worked DAILY for years on the blog, taking only a few days break here and there. I think you have earned at least 6 weeks vacation by now. :) Something if you do return (I HOPE YOU DO) Should continue yearly. You totally deserve to take random week long breaks when you choose to! PLEASE COME BACK.
I have loved seeing where the house has been going the past year. You truly inspire me daily. I think of all the things I want to do and just think “well I can always read their blog for more details”. There will truly be a big hole in my days without reading your posts. However will I fill it!?
Carolyn says
I’m one sad reader today! Like many other readers have commented, you’ve become like family to me, and I love checking in with you each day to see what you’re up to. I wish you the very best, and hope that after a little break you’re feeling more like your old selves and ready to come on back to the blogiverse. Lots of love and best wishes from way up here in Connecticut.
xoxo
Carolyn
Katie W says
Good for you! Enjoy your family and take time to get back to what you love! There’s a reason hobbies are things you enjoy, and jobs are not :) Enjoy your family of 4 and rediscover why this was a fun adventure in the first place…although I have loved the posts since the beginning (even during the last year!)
Alison S says
I think it is a shame you let some people change the course of your lives. This blog is YOURS and you have a right to write whatever you want and people have a right to not read if they like.
Liz G says
John and Sherry – Thank you! Thank you, for the years of sharing your experiences of being a “normal” couple trying to fix up your house. Thank you for your countless tips and tricks, success and failures. Thank you for the inspiration to try doing some new DIY myself which I may not have ever thought the average person could take on. I thank you for the bright, clean grout in my foyer which happens to be the exact tile you have. Thank you for helping me stretch out of my monochrome color pallet. Just, Thank you!
There are many more things I can thank you for but I’ll stop after just one more. Life is busy and fun and kids make it more busy and more fun. I’m glad to know you are both still a “normal” couple who get…well…busy. Many times I thought, how are they able to do all this DIY work and spend time with the kids and clean their house and have a social life, and etc. So, my last thank you is for being honest with us and letting us know that you aren’t superhuman and you are just like the rest of us.
I hope your journey bring you back to your blog since you have so many people who love it! If it doesn’t, then good luck with whatever the future brings!
Kat says
Aww, I’m so sad…
You are both very talented and young, so there’s so much more for you to do out there. I just hope we can share it again. Good luck. Enjoy the breather!
Marina Loureiro says
I will miss your posts so much. Enjoy your break!
Elizabeth says
I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for all the work you’ve put into the blog. I started reading when you were working on your first house and have read almost everyday since (though I’ve never commented).
Your tips have helped make several tiny apartments livable and now that we have a house your archives have been invaluable – giving us the confidence to seed our own lawn, repaint the entire interior, let some walls remain bare while we waited to find the right thing, freshen things up with spray paint, hang the curtains “high and wide” and just generally make our little house feel like a home on a budget. Best of luck going forward! I will miss your blog and will be ready to read, follow, or buy whatever project comes next!
Kasey March says
As a long time reader, I sincerely home that you guys come back, in some capacity. But no matter what I wish you all the best. You’ve shared your home, family, and hopes with us for years and I’ve always loved rooting for you.