Update: Aaaand less than 12 hours later we’re back with an update on the bottom of the post for ya. Smooth, right?
Hey there! Long time no see.
The break has been great. Admittedly a little weird, but really reinvigorating. So we’re immensely thankful not only for your support and kind comments, but also for helping put words to some of the things that we had been feeling for some time. And while the last month hasn’t been enough time to fill in all of the blanks about our future (heck, when are life’s blanks ever clearly filled in?) it has made one thing pretty obvious to us: after seven awesome years of sharing our home and our life, it’s time for our next adventure.
This blog has been a staple in our lives for 80+ months, tagging along for all but three months of our marriage and our entire existence as parents. So we thought it would be nearly impossible to click off that urge to over-share this past month (we expected our blogging spark to come back with a vengeance). But maybe it’s us getting older, the kids getting bigger, or a general shift in life priorities – but it actually felt just right. So this break has given us the clarity (and the guts, I guess) to move on… and hopefully move the needle on that life balance we’ve been talking about for so long.
We won’t go as far as to declare this the end of Young House Love or our blogging days. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the line (when the kids are both in school?) we’ll get that burning in our bellies again – perhaps here or in a completely different capacity. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that the most amazing things have happened to us when we’ve stretched waaay out of our comfort zone – as much as that sounds like advice you’d find on an inspirational kitten poster.
We plan to keep the blog archives available for as long as we can, and will be freezing comments soon, but we won’t be completely dropping off the planet. Some completed product designs with Liberty Hardware and Shades of Light may pop up, and our second book will come out on September 22nd, 2015. Those folks have all been amazingly supportive of our decision, for which we’re incredibly thankful.
Speaking of which – “Thank you” doesn’t come close to expressing how grateful we are for getting to share our weird little world with you guys for so long. We have nothing but love and gratitude for this whole experience – and for you. (*This is probably where we should fade up on that Dirty Dancing song*)
But let’s not say “goodbye” let’s just say “see you on another time.”
Peace, love, and ceramic animals,
John & Sherry
PS: We did randomly snap a few fresh photos for the House Tour page over the break (some of the rooms were pretty outdated). Feel free to give the dining room’s blue trim the side eye for us (yes, it’s still there!).
Update: The same few questions kept popping up in the comments (we just can’t quit you). As for the “what are your new jobs” thing, we’ve mentioned in a few previous posts that we left the door open in our past professions (advertising/copywriting/consulting), which we can do as freelancers from home a lot of the time, while switching off on the stay-at-home parent thing. We know things like the book and products we design are driven by this blog, so we can’t live off those or anything. Didn’t mean to be mysterious! As for the Facebook/Instagram questions, we’d love to pop up there from time to time to say hi. And we hope our blog archives will be up for a good long time (we use them to reference things like paint colors, so we’d never want to lose them!).
We’re also really sorry if this feels abrupt. We’ve made a few public attempts to wind down and gain balance over the years (like when we moved to this house and after Teddy’s birth) but they’ve always been at odds with our “all in” personalities, so it wasn’t until taking this break (yet another attempt to recalibrate) that we realized we felt closer to our goal. We debated lots of alternatives – drastically fewer posts / shorter posts / no comments – but nothing felt like the version of Young House Love we were excited to carry on with. And we tried to keep today’s post light and happy (the last one felt so heavy) since this truly is a moment of extreme gratitude, despite it being a difficult decision to make.
Flawless and graceful exit, eh? Right. So here we go. Ack, we suck at this! We will miss you!!
Andrea H says
I may not be able to suppress the urge to send you before and after pics of my own house in the future. But I will not expect you to respond. :) Will miss you and bon voyage!
amandaserenitynow says
Good luck on your new adventures! I admire your honesty and bravery. My blog is teeny teeny tiny compared to yours, and while I cut back 95% of my blogging after having baby #3 last December, I can’t help but feel like it’s a bit forced these days. There are so many things IN ADDITION TO a blog that you “have” to do as a blogger now…things that didn’t exist 4 or 5 years ago. Things that make blogging and making your family a priority difficult. I think you are an amazing couple with fabulous style. Your blog has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for so many. Thanks for the many hours of time you spent making it so fantastic.
Chris D says
I have really enjoyed catching up with you everyday on my computer. I’ll miss it! Best to you all. Maybe Burger will start a blog?!
Linda says
The mornings will be a little less bright without a daily dose of YHL, but thank you for the inspiration over the years. I wish your family many years of health and happiness.
Danielle says
Got a little too excited to see this pop up in my reader 2day. This is a bittersweet moment, but glad to know the site will still be available. I’ll always come back for the DIY tips. That family picture is just the cutest. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Chavi says
As seems to be the consensus, I’m wishing you guys the best while I’m personally really, really sad. You guys were straight up magic. I don’t even know how to thank you guys for inspiring me all these years. And it sounds a little creepy, but you’ve also gotten me through some hard times. I am sending you the biggest of internet hugs and wishing you all the very best. I hope you guys find what you’re looking for. Thank you so much for everything. You’re awesome.
Mallory says
This feels just like a terrible break-up with that sinking “well how am I going to know whats going on in your life now?!” feeling. What a wonderful journey it was. Thank you.
Annalea says
I mostly lurk–but have been reading since before the name change, and through the most difficult years of my life. You guys helped make this crazy ride easier.
And I’m absolutely serious when I say I’m going to cry. :-(
Please give über-early warning if/when you can’t keep the blog archives live. This is such a tremendous resource–one I’m going to use when we build in a year or so. (Thank you for moving into my dream house, btw. Now I know what to build! :-) )
I wish you all the most AMAZING, WONDERFUL, God-BLESSED life EVER.
Thank you so much for all you’ve done to teach me about making a home for my family–both in making the home itself beautiful, and filling it with love. (And if you decide to publish before & after books on each of the houses you lived in, I would buy every stinkin’ one.) You guys have blessed my life, and I’ll always be grateful.
Big non-creepy hugs. :-)
Redefining Décor says
Best wishes on your next adventures. I’m selfishly sad that we won’t be able to follow along with online. I hope you know how many homes you both have made yourselves a part of through your work. You are an inspiration as DIY bloggers, as a married couple and as parents. Thank you for 80 amazing months!
Anna says
I will so miss keeping up with all your beautiful projects and your inspiring DIY attitude! Best of luck with the launches of your books and products and with that beautiful family of yours!
Heather says
Thank you so much for sharing your life and your home! I have truly enjoyed your blog and have been happily inspired about improving my home along the way. I am looking forward to your next book, and will continue to reference your archives for great ideas. Wishing you many wonderful adventures!
Rachel says
I kind of feel like I am going to vomit. But I totally understand that you have to do what is best for your family. I wish you all of the best and I will not stop hoping to bump into you around Richmond or a local craft fair. BTW, you should plan to come to the Occasion for the Arts in Colonial Williamsburg next year. It is the first weekend in Oct and there are tons of amazing artists and fun artsy activities for the kids. Plus, it is in CW. Annnnyways, best of luck to you!!
Elise says
I have to agree with another comment that said this feels like a polite break up. I’m glad you guys are following your hearts and I wish you the best, but this post feels a bit abrupt and cold. I totally understand why you’ve made this call. Priorities shift as families grow. I just feel, as a reader who has become invested in your lives over the past several years, that this was not the best way to say goodbye. That said, I’m not sure what you should have done differently. Just know that I appreciate all I’ve learned from you and all the joy you’ve brought me while reading about your sweet family. Best of luck in your new adventures!
Nancy says
I will really miss the blog but I wish you nothing but the best. I have gotten so much enjoyment, information, and inspiration from you over the years. I never understood how you did it all! Sounds like you are making the right choice–good luck!
Alison says
So bittersweet, but I am happy for you and echo others when I say thank you so much for letting us be part of your lives! Best of luck with your new adventures!
Fernanda says
I will miss seeing your beautiful family growing up… Good luck!
Matt says
Thank You and best of luck. Hope to see more of YHL in the future. Now I’m really sad I missed out on the deadline to have a chance to be in the Book 2.
allison says
I totally understand your need to move on (Y’all have been doing this for so long!) but please know that you will be missed. You have been an inspiration to so many people (myself included) and have given so many of us the courage to take on projects we wouldn’t have even thought to do before. Best wishes and much love in future projects! We love y’all. And thank you for keeping your archives open- I for one, will continue to use your ideas and tutorials:)
Wrenaria says
Sad day. You and your house will be missed. Thanks for the years of entertainment and inspiration. Best of luck in your next adventure, whatever that may be. <3
Candice says
Anyone have any blog suggestions? One as addictive as this one that I can start following??!!
Melissa says
This makes me so sad! I’m literally on the verge of tears. But I’m also so happy for you guys. You absolutely have had an amazing run and I can’t wait to see what’s next, if we get to see. :) Wishing you and your family much success on whatever your new adventure is.
Amanda says
You will be so missed! I seriously have tears in my eyes. Thanks for sharing all that you did. You have been my favorite internet friends! Good luck in all of your future adventures!
Sarah says
Thank y’all so much for everything that you’ve shared. Thank you for all of the laughs, tears, and inspiration that your family and blog burrito baby have given us. I am happy for your bravery in making this dramatic change and decision. I hope that I can have the courage to do the same thing in my life when life calls me in a different direction. Of course, y’all will be missed very very much! And yes…here is to hoping that we will see you another time soon (even if those visits are sporadic and short!)
Best wishes Dear Petersiks! I’m trying not to cry..the fact that you look SO happy in that picture really helps…
CJ says
I’ve read your blog for years and I’ll be sad to see you go. Your site will still remain a great reference for good DIY projects. I do have to say I’m a little shocked at the abrupt goodbye…I was suspecting that you might call it quits (for now) but thought you might at least throw us a bone with a little more detail. You are both very down to earth and realistic…I’m holding out hope for a “here’s the deal” post with a little info about things like…will you keep doing DIY projects? Stay in your current house? Will there still be forums on your site? I think we’re all wondering if either of you will work outside the home. I know it’s technically none of our business, but you’ve shared so much along the way, it would be nice if you could share a little more about what’s next. Also, I wonder how much of an adjustment it will be for you since you’ve been blogging, Tweeting, etc. for years now. How has this last month been for you, really? What have you been doing since you haven’t been blogging? Have you missed any part of blogging? Were you able to get more diy projects done? Just genuinely interested…although few of us are successful bloggers like you, a little insight into your lives at the moment might even help some of us DIY’ers who might be in the same metaphorical boat…everyone deals with big life changes. Sometimes it’s nice to hear about how people deal with it all. I wish you the best with your new adventures!
kristin says
While reading this makes me feel disappointed that I won’t get to see how your home and family evolves, it also makes me oddly inspired. Inspired by your courage to move on from something that wasn’t working for you anymore, when on the surface, things looked like they couldn’t have been better. It’s a great lesson to all of us. Congratulations on a wonderful seven year run and nothing but love and best wishes for the next chapter.
Jen @ Bungalov says
Sniff, sniff. So sad to hear but completely understand. I agree it feels like a break up. You are a wonderful duo and thank you so much for letting us strangers into your lives and feel like your friend. Best of luck to you and the fam. :)
tellerallaboutit says
I will miss your wit, your writing and, even more so, your inspiration. However, all good things must come to an end. You guys were more than good, though. You were GREAT! Best of luck in your new ventures. And try not to look back too much…best of luck! xoxo – Lindsay@Tell’er All About It – long time reader since 2009 :-)
Jodi T. says
This makes me so sad!!! Your blog was the very first that I ever started reading, faithfully, and I am going to miss y’all!!!! I wish y’all all of the best luck in the future.
Cinemarie says
:( I very selfishly want you guys to stick around. I am going to miss your blog tremendously, and I am sad to not follow along all that you guys are accomplishing in the house, how the kids are growing etc.
That being said – this blog is yours, and yours alone to decide what to do with. You have been so generous of your time over the years, you have put a smile on mine and many readers faces daily and made the world a little better in the process.
I have recently taken a leap to cut ties to a job that was not in my industry that I had been staying in I’m not sure why, to go back to my freelancer industry. I am now at the end of my first contract and finding myself looking for work again. I am a mom to a 4 year old and I am 20 weeks pregnant. That scary feeling of now having to find some work in a competitive industry is creeping in. I have a feeling you guys are going through a similar process, and I want to congratulate you for getting the courage to go back to a more ‘traditional’ job – it’s scary but I know you guys can do it, and I wish you to find something that will be rewarding for your family, something that you will be passionate about and that will put that fire back in your bellies…
Here’s to new adventures! Good luck!
Alicia says
I’m so sad about this news but I understand that you need to do this for your family (and sanity). I’ll really miss all of your updates, now I’m itching for your new book even more! Are you going to do a book tour this time around? If so I hope you make it to San Diego (although I’d probably drive to LA or OC to see you guys too).
Melissa van Herksen says
I am sad to see you go, but you have to do what is right for your family. Know you will be missed. I have been following you for three years now from abroad and we just found out we were heading back to the states and I was excited about following you at home…but now I will be able to get that new book of yours and maybe see you flourish in your next career. Good luck from Chile!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I am sad to not get the regular updates but happy you are happy. Wishing you all the best!
Skittle says
I am saddened for myself but excited for you in your new adventure. You two have been a great inspiration & loads of free entertainment! I have your book & some of your Target items & hope to one day find a place to stick one of your light fixtures. ;) I’m sending much love & many happy thoughts your way.
BTW – love the updated family pic!
Susan says
You sound light and happy — best wishes on all those new adventures. Thanks for all the DIY fun and inspiration (especially the post about painting the ceiling air vent — a funny favorite, but what a difference it made when I tried it!).
Shana says
Good luck and congratulations on this new chapter in your lives! You guys are awesome and will be missed. I’ve loved this blog for years and it’s been a pleasure to follow along on your journey. Thank you so much and, once again, good luck!!
Katelyn C says
YHL was the first (and pretty much still the only) blog I regularly read. Thank you for all the inspiration! You will be missed… I hope you consider keeping the forums open, because I started going to them everyday during your break. :-) Best of luck on your new adventure!
Elizabeth says
I’m so sad for me, but so happy for you all. You guys gave me the courage to do so many things. Everything from painting furniture, reupholstering dining chairs and using power tools to taking weekly photos of my little ones and using cloth diapers. I credit you guys with giving me this DIY bug and for helping me make my house a home. I’ll miss hearing about your adventures but wish you the best and hope your lives are filled with happiness. Sending hugs and love.
Carley says
Will miss you…good luck!
Kaitlyn says
Super bummed to lose awesome design inspiration, and realistic family raising talk! But secretly hoping this means you guys are getting a reality show or a show on HGTV! I’m holding out hope….
Shruti says
All the best for all adventures you are going to have!
Letty says
*sniff* I will really miss you! Yours was the first blog I ever read, back in 2008, and I was immediately in love with your personalities and fearlessness and simple but fun design style; in fact, you continue to influence my home design even after all these years! But more than that, you have inspired me. I learned so much from you and have enjoyed reading about your lives and homes and adventures. Thank you for coming into my life and for being just what I needed at the right time. I will never forget your kindness and empathy when I wrote to you about my dog Boomer and just the other day about my feelings towards my current career. You both are very special, and I feel lucky to have gotten to “know” you. I hope you’ll still be Instagramming at least, and look forward to seeing you on you next book tour. :) Wish you all the best!
Tons of love,
Letty
jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says
Wishing you guys the best and I am sure your new adventure will be wonderful ;)
rebecca smith says
Oh… Bye then…
Lauren says
Maybe you can just Instagram? We just met Teddy!!!!
Sara says
http://m.timesdispatch.com/business/local/young-house-love-duo-calling-it-quits/article_d903a744-4fc5-11e4-80bd-0017a43b2370.html?mode=jqm
Miss you already.
Kelsey says
It would be really cool if you sold your archive to a publisher like BHG or something so they could maintain the pages/content/forums for you! Also, weird internet-strangers-feeling-like-friends request: when you do decide what your next career chapter will be, would you consider letting us know? So we don’t worry? ;)
Alissa says
Your blog got me into DIY/design/shelter blogs waaaaaaay back when you were still TYH and I was a single girl fixing up my first place. Now I’m married with my own family, too. Blogging has changed so much since then, and you guys seemed to stay transparent and true to your core values even as things blew up around here and other blogs became nothing more than paid advertisements. I hope you both find your way back to doing something for the love and joy of it! Best wishes to you and your family and cheers to new adventures.
sarah m. dorsey says
Best of luck on your next adventure!! You have been such an inspiration for me .. you will truly be missed!! Can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!
Emma says
All the best you guys.
Rachel Bachman says
I wish you all the best and many more exciting adventures, but boy will I miss you!