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.
Lynn R says
Take all the time you need. Forever even. Things change. Needs change. You are allowed to change too. Funny thing, I don’t actually like your style, no offense, meaning it is just different than mine, but I love love LOVE your blog. You are real people, with the sense to not overshare, with love and appreciation for your fans and it is really easy to respect you, without ever having meet you. Carry on, all the best to you in everything!
Lynn in Chicago
Leigh Ann says
We miss you guys already! I loved the old style of your posts and the new style! Your personal “homey” entries and your business ventures were all very interesting to me. Mostly, I think I love your writing styles, really. Hope that this break gives you peace.
Katherine says
Hi guys! I have to let you know you’ve been my favorite blog for several years. I’m sorry I have’t commented to let you know that – maybe only twice – all these years! (& I missed that thread last week about feedback…) I know that I am repeating the sentiment of other comments, but please know you will be missed and I admired everything you have done. (& You’ve taught me SO much!) I had my second baby (with a 4 yr old at home, too) just a few weeks before you, Sherry, and I was actually loving a more laid back post schedule because I’ve not had the time to read as much anyhow! Life changes so much with two kids and it still is crazy busy with a 6 month old…cherish this time focusing on your two little miracles and enjoy the less-plugged-in lifestyle!! Also, since you mentioned how you want to get back to that fun/spontaneous vibe on the blog, I just wanted to chime in to say that I don’t feel like that ever really left – your lives have just been busier in ways outside of the blog, and life with two young kids IS kind of less spontaneous by nature…so I haven’t felt any disappointment or stumbling! I’ve just felt that any slight changes in the blog reflect changes in you as people or your life at the moment, and that’s what makes your blog so incredible! You guys are a real family and life ebbs & flows and so should the blog. :-) I hope you come back in some way. I can’t imagine never seeing the future equivalent video to Sherry dancing across the screen to “DIY until the day you die” again!!! That makes me smile just thinking of it! xoxo!!! Best wishes from Michigan.
Samantha says
As someone who just discovered the vast land of home improvement blogs (hubby and I just purchased our first fixer upper) I can say I’ve gone through and read almost every one of your posts. You’ve truely inspired my husband and I not only with ideas but also with the confedence to follow through. I’m sad to hear about the break but happy for you as well. You need to make the best choices for you and your family and that’s exactly what you’re doing. Know that if and when you decide to come back you will have a bevy of excited, anticipating readers of which I will be one.
Angie says
Selfishly, I hope your break is temporary. I feel like I’ve grown up with you guys. I started reading your blog while I was planning my own wedding, as you guys were transforming your first house and got so many ideas for my own house. I had my first baby a year after you had Clara and your decision to cloth diaper helped me convince my husband to give it a shot with our own kiddo.
It makes sense that as your life evolves, so will the topics you write about. You’re on your third house and you have two more family members to care for, so it makes sense that the projects you share are more planned out than your spontaneous earlier projects.
I had noticed a change in tone over the years, but I chalked it up to maturing and evolving and finding your voice, the way anyone would grow over several years. You absolutely deserve a break and I hope it is restorative and refreshing and when you return, I’ll continue to read loyally in whatever form you end up using.
Pamela Bertone says
Folks,
I guessed I missed something last week but I gotta tell you: you two are just wonderful and no apologies are necessary, in my view. Family is first-always. Income production is part of making family first. Your obligation to your blog readers is not first-period, end of story. You are icing on my cake, as far as I’m concerned. It makes me sad thinking of the heartache you’re clearly experiencing. Perhaps you’re being too hard on yourselves?
I’m gonna keep checking in periodically. If I see a new post-fantastic. If not, there’s plenty to peruse. You two gotta do what ya gotta do. It’s that simple. Keep the faith and know you’ve touched lots of people in lots of positive ways.
Take care of yourselves until we do/don’t hear more-
XOXO Pamela
KSG says
I just want to say thank you. I’ve been reading your blog for years (from the first house!) and have loved sharing your adventure, learning from you (I use you as a research tool for projects in my own house)and watching your family grow. There as definitely been a whole in my day not seeing a new post each day. I hope you both figure out what you love to do and what inspires your currently (and selfishly that part of it includes this blog in some form!). Thank you for the countless hours of enjoyment over the past several years! – Kate
Whitney says
wow! This is so refreshing to read… You summed up so much of my own feeling about blogs lately… If I see one more sponsored post I’m going to explode… Enjoy your break! Hope to read you soon.
Chantel says
Guys you are surely missed, and as much as I miss seeing what you guys are up to. Boy I can’t be prouder! You guys are a great example of what is Most important, despite what the rest of the world thinks or says…. Family is #1 and kids are little for only a short time!
I wish you the Best of Luck!
Marianne says
i miss you both already. reading your blog was part of my morning ritual. i love the voice in your writing, and it compelled me to read every single post – even for projects that i would never pretend to tackle in my wildest dreams, like building out an entire room.
Making your hobby your profession is always challenging because it adds all sorts of pressures that you didn’t have to consider before. I hope you find your sweet spot and come back to us feeling renewed and refreshed.
Eve says
Love your blog!
Here are my ideas for considering other ways to support the family.
1) flip houses. Can be risky, but people love your style, and I think they would be an easy sell if you’re smart about researching the area, comps in the neighborhood, staging, etc…
2) design/decorating consulting fee. Here’s an example. There are several rooms in my home that I would love personal advice on redesigning or decorating. I would be happy to pay a fee to get your ideas. You have already done this in the past on the blog for people for free.
What I enjoy about you blog is before and after pictures. I personally am not going to grab the hammer and take down walls, so I always scroll past those parts in the post. But you know your readers. Do they like all the details of measuring, cutting, sawing and hammering? If not, leave those parts out, it could be a huge time saver in the time it takes to create your post.
Anyway, just some ideas from my little corner of the world. Best of luck in all you life’s endeavors!
Mónica says
Adoro su blog! Espero vuelvan después del descanso.
kg says
YHL has been a read of mine a long time. I Do think y’all have a gift. I Hope you’ll come back but with some strick nonnegotiable rules in place for yourselves – like taking a week or two each year, or unplugging from the blog at 5 pm…whatever makes sense to you. Good luck!
Rebecca says
You guys are the best in the business. From a fellow Jersey girl, living in RVA, I just want to wish you all the best. This break is so deserved and probably long overdue. Get refreshed and hopefully we will see you back here soon.
Elena says
Like most of your readers, I feel like I just lost an old friend. Please know that many of us would tune in to hear you read the weather report or read a menu. In other words, we’d love to have you back when you are ready, and would read whatever thoughts you’d like to share about whatever you’d like to share. Miss you, dear friends.
Carrie says
I am sad to hear that you are feeling down about the blog. I agree with another poster who said give yourselves some grace. Things are going to change, and drastically over 7 years and with 2 kids. I have a 4 year old and one year old and shoot, things change monthly. I am not sure about your sleeping at this point either but I have 2 little non sleepers and that definitely makes a difference in all life aspects. I think you guys are awesome, genuine, and real. While I could feel through your writing that things were a bit off I just figured it was from being tired, having 2 littles, and from doing a lot of different stuff. Your model home was spectacular but as a designer myself I know that that took a toooooon of time and energy and your were pregnant to boot, whew! I respect your decision to take time off to figure out what is best for your family, whatever that is. I would miss you greatly if you stopped blogging but you seem like a very level headed couple and it also seems like you are a good team, I know you will figure out the best thing. Try not to listen too hard to the Critics, it’s easy to be negative and you guys are awesome and genuine and talented and great parents. Hope your break is wonderful!!! Xoxo- Carrie and Finn ( and now baby Clara, the name was always on our girl list (-:
Karen says
This blog is your job, so its VERY understandable that you’d need a break. I am also experiencing a rut/plateau at my job. I’d take a break if I could, because that would mean I’d be better upon my return.
However, I wanted to comment to let you know that your blog does make a difference. I look forward to your blog posts every week. I have redefined my home decorating style based on your wonderful ideas. I would miss you so much if you never came back. Maybe after you take some time off, you’ll be able to come back and get into the groove. I surely hope you will!
Best wishes!
Amanda says
I will miss you guys :( I have your book and have read your blog since Cara was a baby and you were in your first house. I admit that I have really been looking for more house posts but totally understand that you have a family that rightly so comes first. Please come back soon! I love the inspiration of home decor that you have provided me with for many years! A big thank you and love to you all xx
Jaime says
I think it’s important to mention that with this house, you had more DIY skill, so you were willing/able to tackle some bigger projects right off the bat. Those tend to be more technical and long term and perhaps you had the money/knowledge sooner than in your last 2 houses, so you are taking on the big stuff before you put the house together completely. When you are still putting up walls and laying floors, it’s hard to put focus on some of the details of a room that hasn’t been built yet. Once the floors and walls are in, we’ll get our vignettes that you do so well.
I appreciate your need for a break. I imagine it’s overwhelming right now. Spend a good, long time hugging the kids and being parents and I hope you come back refreshed.
Debra says
I will miss your blog, certainly, but moreover I am happy that you are taking the time to focus on yourselves. It takes courage to put yourselves out in Mean Girl Land. Rest assured, the rest of us will miss you and those mean spirited folks will find others to torment, sadly. Good luck on your future ventures!
Shelly says
I will continue to check in daily in hopes that y’all return… Be it with one blog post per week or twenty. Love you guys.
Angela Kintner says
Just a note to let you guys know that I’m missing you already… ;)
Lisa says
Don’t beat yourselves up. Life is full of changes and transitions. Usually, the hardest parts result in some if the most rewarding growth or re-birth. In the meantime, I truly hope you both get to enjoy your children, each other, and your beautiful home. Life is short. Don’t perciverate; don’t regret. I really wish that readers would be more respectful; less judgemental; and less demanding. You two are wonderful human beings and an inspiration to many in so many ways. May God bless you with good health and happiness!
Alicia says
Breaks are important. I was always truly amazed with all the posts you came up with! I hope you come back someday-maybe as more of a hobby? Or part-time gig?
Before you had your son, I wondered if things would change…children/babies make us rethink what we are doing and where we are going…XX
Susan says
I will miss seeing what you are up to each day, but everyone deserves a break! Rest, regroup, relax and refocus and your true, loyal fans will always be here. Take care of that sweet girl, darling boy, and cute dog! You have given me so many good ideas over the years and I want to thank you for sharing your personal and DIY life with your readers. See you later!
Tammy says
Guys, you don’t need to apologize for anything. You’re human and we all grow, have our ups and our downs. Our moments of inspiration and adrenaline and our moments of being doubtful and uninspired. You share it all with us and that is super cool. That’s why we love you. We don’t expect “the perfect post” from you all the time. We just love to follow you. Some posts are better than others. That’s just normal. Take a break, refresh, regroup and do whatever you need to do. But never apologize. You’re doing just great.
Brandi from Bloomington says
Hey guys, I read your feeeeeelings post a few days ago and needed to let it settle. I have some ideas for younghouselove 3.1. You guys are kind of seen as experts now. Also, you are bellweathers of trends. If you pick it up, it’ll trend soon.
You have to evolve with your audience.
Hopefully, your audience has done some projects. Grab some photos that your audience has done.
Ask for some photos of things that have them stumped. The audience could help out with ideas too. Photoshop possibilities.
Housecrashing! I love those things. No, you can’t crash my house. I have one or two areas that I am really happy with but others need work.
I don’t feel that you have gotten too commercialized. I do like when you find things at thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets and repurpose them. My favorite thing in house #2 was that light you had in your foyer that was made out of the fishing basket.
Best wishes to whatever you decide. I’ll be following.
Leah says
I always thought that expression “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” was total crappola. Even the most perfect jobs still have minutia and it can remind you that you never have as much control over things as you would like too. As someone with a traditional office job, the idea of being an at-home blogger and parent sounds incredibly appealing but I have to imagine that the tethers to the keyboard and camera can be suffocating at times since you never truly leave your workspace.
I hope you guys figure out the balance you’re looking for. I’ll be here eagerly, but patiently, awaiting whatever new endeavor YHL cooks up.
Kylie says
I miss your blog already! You guys are fantastic & will be successful in whatever you do!!
Karina says
Well, this is my first comment. I started reading your blog when Clara was One-year old. I love to read blogs and yours is one of the best blogs. Very creative with a personal touch. I am quite sad that you will take a break.
I hope you come back as always, full of creativity, and inspiration.
You both are excellent writers, and I am looking forward to see your second book and more of your products.
Thanks for the posts and looking forward to read more of your posts in a month.
Rachel says
I’ve already gone through my grieving period after reading this several days ago, but i also wanted to say – Wow. You guys are so classy. I’ve read some of the comments on previous post that would’ve had me spitting through my teeth in anger. The way you bend over backwards to pacify your haters is amazing to see, and i really respect you for it! You make the world a little more beautiful, both with your great taste in diy, and your grace. Bravo.
Harmony says
As always, you guys are the best and handle everything with such grace and aplomb. I have been reading this blog for 5.5 (!) years, and I will definitely feel the loss. But I am glad that you are making the choice that feels right for your family. Bravo to you both for making the best blog ever. I selfishly hope to see you back one of these days :-)
Jodi W says
Just wanting to say Hi…and let you know how much I am already missing not hearing from you guys. I have spent the past 4 days reading all the comments on this post…and there is so much LOVE being expressed. I hope you are reading it and feeling it! :) I miss you…and feel somewhat lost without my daily dose of John and Sherry…and Clara, Teddy, and Burger. **sigh**
Kim-in-the-Cove says
Go find your groove! :)
Ashley says
Just discovered this blog not too long ago so I’m sad to see you guys take a break! I LOVE it! My husband and I are trying to buy a house soon and this is such an inspirational blog!
Teresa says
Saw you guys in Target today (Sat) but I didn’t want to bother you so I walked by without saying hello. However, I do want you know that I have enjoyed following your blog over the years and watching your family grow as well.
We will miss you and hope that you do return in some format when the time is right.
mandy says
Thank you for all the years of entertainment! I hope you have a relaxing break and return refreshed. I know you two were meant to do this. You are so talented! Be happy and enjoy your family time!
Erika says
I actually haven’t read your blog until this post (I know, ironic) but I respect this a lot. More bloggers should do this.
Lisa Barton-Collins says
You guys! I just want to hug you. I’ve just read through the ‘day in the life’ archived posts and if you’ve been doing this for 7 years no wonder you are feeling a bit burned out. Please be kind to yourselves, and cut yourselves some slack – you are allowed to take a break. You are allowed to outsource stuff if you can’t fit it in, or even if you can. There are only so many hours in the day, and you deserve to keep some for yourselves. You guys need an office manager to look after mundane things, and you could possibly think of bringing a few writers on board to churn out some posts. You don’t have to do EVERYTHING, even if you CAN. Love, hugs and good bloggy vibes to all of you xxx
Suzanne and Emme says
Thank you for sharing your inspirations, humor, homes, and family with us all over the past 7 years. Reflection is always good. Take whatever time you need and do what’s best for your beautiful family. I know more goodness and many new blessings will be on their way. Enjoy each moment. With much gratitude and love from us both.
Mystie Buice says
I stumbled upon this blog a long time ago, and sent a link to my then newly married daughter. I have followed when time allows, she has become a regular. We went to a book signing in Atlanta, and have loved the blog so much. Never commented, but it seems the vocal majority may have misrepresented the readership and could influence some big changes…
So it’s fitting that we weigh in to say that we love the blog. We appreciate your amazing gifts for not just DIY but for honest and real communication. We celebrate your growing family and evolving blog.
We hope you rest and refresh and come back to your spot in our lives. We genuinely enjoy having you there.
Sharon says
Good for you. You need to do what feels right for your family. I must admit that I am very sad to see you go.I have thouroly enjoyed your blog for many years and thank you for sharing all those amazing posts, projects and photos with us. There was a time a couple of years ago when finances were very tight here between having our third child and losing my salary and I escaped into your blog everyday. I poured over the archived posts and found inspiration at every turn.I hope you find your way back here soon but if not I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Daphne says
We will miss yoooouuuuuuuu! I found your blog in 2012, when planning our wedding. You helped me realize we could pull off our dream outdoor wedding, and I’ve read your blog faithfully ever since, probably since the beginning. Your first book stays in my car for road trips… I hope you’ll be back, and that no matter what, you’ll keep the blog up so we can always access your amazing works and resources!
Leah says
Come back, please! Having severe withdrawal symptoms due to you being my #1 most fav blog.
Jennifer says
I, too, have been reading the blog since before Clara, and I really hope you can find the right place for yourselves in the blogosphere. I enjoy your blog immensely, noticed a change after house #3, BUT, appreciated that life changes and loved your blog anyway.
I’ll be here when you get your grove back, or announce moving on to other projects we can enjoy in different ways. I’ll always have my cowboy lamp to remember you by!
PS, I LOVE YOUR STYLE. I am sad there were haters on your post saying your style isn’t slick/shiny/fancy enough. BOO. Just follow your hearts.
Caroline says
I totally understand your need for a break… or even to stop entirely. I honestly don’t understand how you guys were able to post so much– I’ve had a blog for 5 months now and have struggled to post 4 times. It’s so much work! And I don’t have kids!
I honestly didn’t notice any change in your writing tone, nor did I detect a lack of energy behind your recent posts. But, if you are not enjoying blogging somewhat (at all?) anymore, then absolutely do not keep doing it out of some misguided sense of obligation to your readers! You don’t OWE us anything, and anyone who implies otherwise is, a) wrong, and b) selfish.
One of my other favorite blogs, Chez Larsson, recently ended and while it was sad and I miss seeing what Benita is up to, I completely understood. We only get one life, so we better spend the precious time we do have focusing on the things that we love. You have contributed far more to the diy blog world than we had any right to expect, and have done so in an admirably humble and selfless way. So, please don’t feel like you’re letting us down! My house looks a million times better thanks to projects that you inspired, and I suspect that hundreds of your readers’ homes also benefited from your ideas. So, if anything, we owe you a consulting fee! =)
That said, if you DO decide to return to blogging in some form, I would be happy with just one or two posts a month that just summarize what you’ve been up to– pics of recent projects, etc. There’d be no need to do step-by-step pics (unless you want to), before and afters would be more than enough. Or just the afters if you forget. Whatever you feel up to.
Ultimately, I’m just in awe of your diy skills and your tenacity in getting projects done. That’s what I come to the blog to see, and what I’d miss the most if you were to stop posting.
I hope you find the balance that you are looking for, and hope to hear from you soon, but just in case we don’t: Thank you SO MUCH for all the inspiration!
lynda says
Enjoy the break and I hope to see y’all back when y’all are ready. Hopefully the love I have seen in glancing at the thousands of comments for this post will give you guidance in the next step. There are tears in my eyes because they have sure touched me. Thanks for sharing.
MW says
All right, I’m doing it! I’m going to be the selfish one. I’m on my knees begging, Please don’t go! I love everything you post! There is no other DIY blog as good as yours. I’m in a new home and your blog has inspired me to tackle projects and even use colour that I normally would never have done on my own. I need you:)
I wish you the best during this time of rest. But I really really hope its a rest and not a retirement. You guys are the best!
Crystal says
I’ve been following your blog since you had just moved out of your first home. And I think that maybe this house has been a lot different because you have always said that this is your forever home and therefore things will move at a slower pace because of the thought needed in every project to make it ‘worthwhile’ . As a suggestion maybe showcase DIY projects more that are focused on decorative items around the house, something that someone could change within the year. So your still expressing your style but not spending heaps of money. On the other hand I’m a stay at home mum so I loved getting a daily fix of Young House Love back in the day but now that it has been more of a weekly log on .but I’m from Australia, so if your reaching me here and have been for a few years now, you must be doing something right. I love the blog, the personality and realism of your blog. We’ll get through it together. X
Emily P says
I love your blog and look forward to reading it each week!! It inspires me to make changes and updates to my own home. Sometimes what worked a few years ago, no longer works for your life and home now. You have to reevaluate and consider the growth and changes that have happened and where you are at now. A lot of wonderful and exciting things have happened in your life. You are absolutely allowed to take time to reflect, make changes, and enjoy your family in the moment, kids grow up in the blink of an eye! Looking forward to your return and hearing about what you did on your “vacation!” Much love!