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!!
Nicole says
So sad that you’re leaving, but so happy you were here. Thank you for the years of inspiration and encouragement but most of all, thank you for sharing your lives with us. I hope your next adventure is just as rewarding and I wish you all of life’s happiness and blessings. Take care!
Kate says
No…..don’t go! I’m in denial that you are really done blogging! I’ve learned soooo much from you. One last question….can you link to the woven blinds in your office? What is the brand from Home Depot?
Natalie says
I DONT WANT TO LIVE IN A WORLD WITHOUT YHL….. WORST DAY EVER.
Cheryl says
Well said, totally agree! Boohoohooooooo
Paula M. says
Wow, I have to say I’m really surprised, even though it’s true you did say this in a prior post: “This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?” (That’s the same post that said you had no plans to stop blogging.) … I was so sure you’d come back with an announcement for a reduced-publishing schedule. …
But this big break makes sense, too. Look at all the amazing things you’ve accomplished in a relatively short time, with the blog, the book/s, the show house, the product lines — and all the huge personal changes, with 2 little kids and being on your third home. It’s really stunning! … (and makes me tired just to think of it!) … I can see wanting a different pursuit at this point, and, with any luck, one that doesn’t require a near-constant online presence and/or so much intrusion into one’s personal life (that’s my take on the downside of being such well-known bloggers and public personalities).
I applaud your determination to get more balance in your life (something I’ve long been bad at myself, putting work before personal needs) and your bravery in seeking a new path (I still say home decor consultant and/or children’s furniture designers could be among them! Heh heh).
In short: Bravo, and thanks for all the terrific posts, tutorials, and other efforts you’ve put into Young House Love all these years! I’ve been reading it since it was This Young House (let’s see, am I recalling that correctly? That was the original name, yes?), so it’s been quite a ride. Thanks again!
brenda says
Very happy for the new adventures your little family are starting on! However, that was the worst season finale ever! I was hoping if you decided to end your blog adventure it would have a fun DIY post …oh well The best to you in your travels, I have really enjoyed your blog only bummed I found it only a year ago. At least I get to browse old posts for awhile. :)
Thank you
Erin says
You guys have been the loveliest people on the internet. Thanks for your kindness, integrity, consistency, and inspiration. May you walk forward into nothing but good things!
Jessica says
Enjoy your time with your family and good luck finding balance. The interwebs will miss you!
Lindsey says
You are both very brave. Thanks for the smiles, inspiration and friendship. You will be missed.
Laura says
This was the post I was hoping not to see all month. Selfishly so so sad! It will take a long time to break the habit of scrolling down to your name in my reader to see if there’s a new post. I wish you and your family so much happiness in whatever your next adventure is.
Millie says
I just want to say thank you! totally understand, you are in different place now, different priorities and you should grow…personally and professionally. I know that it will be only but good things for you and your
family, so guys are young and should go on new adventures.
Just keep your archives :) for inspiration.. Best of luck…
Donna says
You guys will be missed. I hope that you pop in from time to time. Good luck and thank you for all the great posts over the years.
Bethany says
I feel so incredibly selfish saying this but I am quite devastated. I truly wish you all the best but I have missed your posts like a close friend the past few weeks, and to know it’s really over is very sad! Xoxoxo come back soon!
Susan A. says
I so understand your decision and it takes great courage to make this change. But sad to see you go, I feel like I am losing good friends. Best of luck in the new adventures. Please instagram so we know your alive and well!
Laura says
Should have added a HUGE thank you for the 7 years of inspiration and enjoyment. I’ve truly loved reading every post and would not have taken on many of the DIY projects I did if it wasn’t for your blog. Thank you so much.
Katie says
I have loved your blog for years — almost since the beginning. But I’m a rare commenter. Seems like I need to today, though. I always referred to you to my husband as “Richmond blog friends” because your writing style and generosity with sharing so much of your life with strangers felt something like friendship. You gave me the courage to tackle my own home design and renovation projects. And as I’m at a similar age and life stage as you, it was nice to have kindred spirits — albeit ones I’d never met or spoken to (save for two minutes during your book tour)! So long, Richmond blog friends, good luck on your next great adventure! You’ll be missed!!
Sophie L says
Congratulations! You have done such a wonderful thing here — a work of art :). You must be very proud. All the best with your future endeavors, I am sure you will continue bringing excitement and light to whatever jobs you end up in (parenting being a big one!). I loved reading your blog for many years – but this is my first comment, to say Goodbye! and Thank you!
Katrina says
You guys will be missed! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and have been so inspired by your blog these past 4 1/2 years! I think it’s wonderful to put your family first! God bless you guys!! :)
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
This does feel abrupt, but I think it’s because a lot of us expected you guys to come back refreshed and ready to roll. I bet most of us didn’t think about the possibility of things ending, so now we’re all trying to get our footing back.
I totally understand why you’re stepping away for good, though. I’ve been reading for years and I often wondered how you managed to get everything done; you wore yourselves out, that’s how. It’s just time for something less demanding, especially since you have two little someones who won’t be young forever.
Thanks for sharing your home and lives with us for so long! Hopefully you’ll be back when the kids are a little older, and in the meantime it would be awesome if you checked in on Facebook or Instagram once in a while. We’re old friends, we should keep in touch. :-)
Ron says
John and Sherry – Please know how much you will be missed, but that I totally respect and honor your decision. In fact, I applaud you because I know this could not have been an easy one. But know that you made the right decision for yourselves. Whenever we move forward, we often have to let go of what was and prioritize. So that’s what you did. You prioritized what was best. And I don’t blame you one bit for doing that.
In all the years I’ve been blogging, I have never met two people who gave as much as you did. I have respected you (and still do) more than any bloggers I have ever known. And do you know why? Because you had a special gift for publishing a totally professional blog, yet at the same time, made each and every one of your readers feel included because of your genuine warmth and love. And I’ve never known another professional blogger who knew how to do that.
I wish you all the best in the future and know that whatever you do, you will be tremendously successful.
And please know that you can leave this blog, believing that you gave 150% and be proud of that. Because you did.
You guys ROCK!
Much X to you both!
Diana says
I fully support you doing what is best for you and your family. I think, in general, so many people are overworked and spend so much time trying to provide for their family that they forget to actually spend time with their family. I am so glad you have your priorities in order and get to (hopefully) have a more balanced life going forward.
That said, I am sad to see your blogging days come to an end. Very sad. I’ve taken so much more pride in my home and tackled so many more projects since I first read your blog and found your book about 18 months ago. Our house was nice but you inspired and encouraged me to do so much more, that I CAN do more, that little things can make a big difference. My interest in home decor and design largely comes from you.
You’ve been inspiring in so many other ways as well. I had been debating cloth diapers but your post on it tipped the scales and I’m so glad we’ve done it (even using the same Bum Genius diapers). We did BLW with our son because I read a post you did on it (I had never heard of it before!), I finally switched to photobooks (yes, MyPublisher) because of you. You’ve influenced a lot of my decisions just by being you, and we’ve never met! Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves and your lives.
I do hope you pop up from time to time, at least on social media if not the blog. I’d LOVE to see how your house turns out, especially the kitchen and dining rooms, well actually all of it. Even if you don’t do step-by-steps, just befores and afters would be amazing.
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, for being an inspiration. I wish you much success, family time, and that elusive balance. And maybe the occasional want to blog again. =)
kate says
Nooo!! Don’t leave us.
I’m kidding but I will really miss you guys. You’ve been my life coach for the past 6 years. I don’t know how I’ll navigate without you guys.
Please pop in ever once in a while with updates.
This is the end of an era I didn’t see coming.
Thanks for everything.
Maria says
Oh no… As much as I was hoping this wouldn’t be the case, I also just “knew” that… this is it. You’re going away.
I’m sad, REALLY sad! But having said that, I wish you the very best: you are such wonderful, wonderful people that you simply deserve to do what makes you happy, and if having some time and privacy again is what makes you happy, so be it.
Thank you, THANK YOU!, for having shared your life with us over the years. It has been an adventure, for both you and us, and I’m grateful.
And now go live the life you’re proud of =). Bye!
Deb D. says
As the Italians say, “Arrive derci!” I know that you all will pop up again somewhere, somehow. You’re both so bright and talented! Best of luck with whatever you end up doing — and thanks for the inspiration and memories. You guys pretty much set the standard for the DIY blogiverse and noone ever compared to both your humor and thoroughness. Enjoy your beautiful family — what lucky kids to have you two. — and Go ‘Hoos!
jill says
Thank you for sharing your journey and best of luck in the future. I loved reading about your life experiences and am excited for your family’s next chapter…even though I won’t be reading about it. Ahhh privacy!!!
Kala M. says
Awww man. Such sad news. I will miss reading your posts. And we didn’t even get to see a full kitchen remodel for this house. :( Good luck in your new adventures. Can’t wait for your next book.
Cheryl says
I have to admit…change is hard. Just heard the news a couple hours ago. Was out shopping all day. Standing in Marshall’s with a lump in my throat when I got the text from my stepdaughter…we both have followed you since the very beginning. She said she feels like she’s loosing friends. I concur. But it’s not about us so I know if she hasn’t already posted that her and I both wish your family the best of everything. I certainly understand pursuing new goals and gaining back your privacy. I’m just gonna miss Clara and Teddy updates, Burger, your family shopping and vacation updates and of course all the great home improvement ideas. You’ve been such a constant in blog land…one of 3 blogs I must visit each day! It may seem silly to say we feel like we’re loosing friends when we’ve never met but you are so personable and down to earth that I know thousands of others feel the same way. Hope you keep a Facebook page with periodic updates about the family because we all wanna here what’s next for the family and see/hear about the kids’ milestones. Best of luck! Xo
BCoe says
I have read your blog all the way from Thailand for 5 years and never left a comment. But just want to thank you for sharing your home and life ideas. I will really miss looking at this site every day!
Chrissie says
I’m gonna miss you guys and this wonderful blog! But I wish you all the best in your adventures going forward. Best of luck with everything. :)
Patsy Ledbetter says
Bless you all and thanks for sharing everything. You guys are my favorite reality show :). Real, honest, sweet family. Love to you all and best of luck in your your new adventure. Maybe I will run into you around town.
Maria says
Best of luck on your new adventure! You guys will be missed! :)
Jasmine says
I thought this was coming but desperately wanted you to still come back refreshed but maybe at a slower pace :(
I wish you all the best in whatever new adventure you find yourself in.
I will really miss you, as many have said this is THE ONLY blog I HAD to read everyday and now I feel lost. Who am I going to read now??? Tell me cos I need a S&J alternative like.. Now! Hehe
Farewell and good luck :D
Laura says
Your blog has been a staple for me for years, though I’ve rarely commented. I just wanted to say that you guys are amazing, and have inspired and instructed me so many times over the years. My own house has benefited so much from your influence and I’m so grateful to have shared the experience. Best of luck in all you do in the future! Have a most wonderful adventure!
Kellie says
You guys will be missed!! You are the first blog I ever followed and I feel like I’m losing a friend. ???? I completely understand and support your decision though! My toddler and baby are growing so fast and I don’t want to miss out! Enjoy your kids and your new adventures! Wish you the best and I look forward to any Instagram updates in the future!
Emily says
I’m really going to miss you. I’m also really going to miss the April Fool’s Day video, seeing what you made from Clara’s imagination for her Halloween costume, to everything in between. I’m also going to miss you telling me how to fix-up my house! Thank you for that and for everything. I have been missing you and I’ll continue to do it. It feels like it does the day after the finale episode of your favorite show. You miss your “friends.” At least here, I get to say a proper see you later and wish you and your family nothing but happiness. Much love! – Emily
Leandrea says
Best wishes! You are full of inspiration!
Denise B. says
Young House Love has been the nicest little corner of the internet for a long time, I will miss it very much. Congratulations to you both on all of your splendid achievements so far, I wish you every success in your next big adventure. I hope your next big adventure involves your own ‘lifestyle’ show and I hope that ‘John and Sherry’ will be as big a deal on TV as they are in the blogosphere – that way I won’t feel like you’re gone for ever ;) Even if there isn’t a show and you do retire from the public gaze I will always be grateful for the blissful moments (okay, hours) I’ve spent with a cup of tea and YHL. My children are teenagers and young adults now and YHL reminded me what being a very young family was like.
Thanks for everything you’ve shared with us over the years. Even though we’ve never met, and I live on the other side of the world, you have made me feel like a valued friend and you have certainly felt like family.
I am watching you sail from safe harbour with a huge lump in my throat but I wish you good fortune and a long and happy life. xxxx
Sheila Ghador says
Will reaally going to miss you and your family – that has always been my favourite read besides the design and house stuff. *sob sob* But I’m sure your decision is for the best and wish your family well! *hugs and kisses*
Sherri says
I can’t say that I am surprised by your announcement. Disappointed of course but not surprised. You know when you first fall in love with someone, and you are obsessed and put all your thoughts and energy into that person and then somehow the feeling starts to fade. And you think, wow, this is such a good thing so why am I falling out of love? You have poured all of your heart and soul into this blog. It made you excited to share your creativity, your passion, your personal as well as professional goals. But life changes, and just like in relationships, you know when it is time to move on. If you can’t rekindle the spark, it’s time to do something that will fuel that burning desire that was once there. So I want to wish you and your family all the best. You deserve it. You have worked hard, and you are going out on top. There won’t be another blog that comes close to YHL. And that new picture of you guys is absolutely beautiful. What a happy family you have. You are indeed blessed!! Love ya Petersiks!!
Sheree says
Your blog has always been my favourite. It’s the first one I look up if I ever have a spare 5 minutes. Thank you so much for your inspiration and sharing your accomplishments. You will be missed! Good luck with all your future endeavours :)
johnny51 says
Peace, Love and Ceramic Animals! Classic sign-off.
Best of luck with whatever life has in store for you. If you ever find yourself in Philly, look me up. I’ll buy you a Federal Donut.
God Bless.
John@OHFS
Meg says
Wow. This totally stinks.
BrandanWH says
Take care of yourselves! It’s been a great pleasure ‘knowing’ you!
Maureen says
Thank you for sharing all that you have shared, it has been a lot of fun to tag along on your adventures! I wish you the very best.
Aryn says
You will be missed, Young House Lovers. But, as I was just saying to my husband today (we’ve also been running our own business together for seven years): You gotta be relentlessly selfish about who you are and what you want in life and business. LIfe is too short to not have fun! Best of luck to you…and maybe do pop in to let us know what you do with the bonus room some day. XO – Aryn
Hayley says
I feel like i lost my best friend………… I miss your blogs, am bummed its not coming back, but life changes many times, just not happy with this idea, but totally understandable…………. sadness doesn’t really say it enough……….. but its your life not ours…… you were so inspiring and real, we will just have to find our own new places of adventure. Best wishes.
Cristin says
Wow! Woah. I’ve been following along since October ’07, a little after I bought my first place. I’m really going to miss you.
XO
Vicky says
Thanks for the ideas, inspiration, and your selves. Best of luck to all of you!
Jessica says
I have followed you from the beginning! Will miss you guys but wish you and your family the best. I just referenced your crown molding post tonight so I hope you do keep the archives up. You are still the best home blog out there in my opinion! [email protected]
Kim McB says
Best wishes on your new adventure, Petersiks!!
Amy F. says
Petersik Family,
Thank you for bringing us along for the ride these last 80+ months.
I appreciated all your tips, tricks, mistakes and corrections you made and shared along the way.
You inspired me. I wish you health, happiness, peace, and contentment.
I hope to see occasional updates from you all via IG or FB. I also appreciate the updated Teddy’s photo project photos. My favorite new one being his 22 week photo in his VA born shirt.
Warmest regards to you!