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!!
Renee' says
Not to be unappreciative for everything y’all have given, but it sort of feels like I was in a long term relationship with someone and they basically broke up with me via text. Guess y’all’s farewell just feels disproportionate to our commitment as readers.
Samantha says
I can’t help but feel the same way. Maybe a goodbye video would have been a more personal touch?
Pat C says
You nailed it on the head Renee!
Pat C says
Oops – I did not mean that to be a criticism of J & S. Just that we really had a commitment to your blog. (No guilt intended. Just mourning the loss of you all)
J S says
I concur. Despite their entries about righting the ship, words on work/life balance, and suggestions of scaling back or trying new ventures, this departure STILL feels abrupt and incredibly sad. Selfishly, I really hope that their words of possibly returning in some capacity once both kids are in school do come true. I already sincerely miss them and will keep them on my blog roll just in case they ever decide to pop up to say hi. Don’t be strangers, Sherry-Beth and John.
Becca says
Renee, spot on!! Where’s my phonecall? Couldn’t we have talked about this over dinner and drinks? We were so committed to reading their highly informative, amusing, FREE content and all we get is this super heartfelt post? It just doesn’t make sense.
Renee' says
I sense a little sarcasm Becca. I wasn’t being rude. I’ve loved the blog and appreciate what they’ve given. I’m merely putting words to the human experience of losing something but feeling like you didn’t get the closure you expected. It’s not an insult to them or some entitled stance I have … it’s just me expressing an experience is all.
makymanoleMaky says
I will forever be thankful for the crazy amount of inspiration I took away from your blog throughout the years. And once I was done decorating, I simply enjoyed reading about all your adventures, regardless of topic.
I will miss you terribly and am hoping you won’t ‘fall off the face of this earth’ and will continue to grant us small insights into what you guys are up to.
All the best to you both and the kids and once more, THANK YOU. xxxxxx
Sarah says
I’ll miss you! Thanks for the inspiration and great ideas over the years. I’ll enjoy going back through your early posts and reading the ones I hadn’t gotten to yet. Best of luck to your whole family! I was happy to read in your update that you will still stay in touch a bit through facebook.
Lacy says
Good luck on your next adventure! I have enjoyed reading about your journey!! Thanks for the inspiration
Jen says
Sherry and John,
I have to say, I was caught off guard at how sad I was to read this. As humans, we all crave connection, and you guys have a special knack for making others feel a sense of it (hence all of the “I feel like I’ve lost a real friend” comments). That’s a beautiful thing, although I can understand how it can become totally overwhelming on such a large scale, and where the stakes (supporting your family) are so high. It took a leap of faith and courage to start blogging full time in the first place. Who knew that it would take a perhaps even bigger leap of faith and courage to quit blogging! I’m sure you’ll do great at whatever is next for you. You already know you will be missed, but I’ll chime in anyways and say that I too will miss you and your family, and I hope you don’t disappear totally.
Heidi says
Selfishly, I’m super bummed you won’t be blogging anymore. I mean, if it weren’t for YHL, I couldn’t have talked my parents into putting Blast Anthracite in their new bathroom remodel! Best of luck to you and hopefully we’ll be seeing you sooner, rather than later. xox, Heidi
stephanie says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Michelle H. says
You. Will. Be. Missed. Scratch that. You ARE missed. But it was a pleasure reading your posts and learning from you these past years. May God Bless you in this next phase.
Anne @ I need some inspiration says
I was reading a book, cuddling my 9 month old daughter, when I realized that yesterday was the 9th and you might have updated. I quickly shot to my phone, pulled up the site, and felt my heart sink when I saw the title. I couldn’t even read the post right away. My husband came into the room, and I told him I felt like crying. (How weird! But not. :) ) You guys have been my first click for years. Man, oh, man, thank you for all that you’ve shared over these three houses, two children, and lots of every day life in between. I pray for your life to be blessed in abundance of health, happiness, and job satisfaction. Someone else said it above: you be you, Petersiks. I sincerely wish you all the best life brings. I will certainly look forward to your second book. Thanks for the inspiration. :-)
Erin C. says
I also tried to explain to my husband..”you know that blog I’ve been reading for 6 years.? …They quit.” And I felt myself tearing up! So I quickly changed the subject cause I felt like an idiot lol.
Lindsay Frey says
Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us! I have enjoyed your blog so much over the years, and I am glad the archives will remain up for all those great tutorials. I wish you all the best of luck! Congratulations!
XOXO
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
Best of luck to both of you. Being parents changes everything in life and I hope you are able to find balance in your new choices. Thank you for the endless amount of inspiration over the years!
Shelley
Christine@ Let's Get Crafty! says
Well guys, I’ve written a post about your post….and a little rhyme saying goodbye…
http://www.letsgetcrafty.org/breaking-young-house-love/
-Christine
Leah says
I’d still love a check-in, even if it’s just every few months. A “here’s what project we saved up for” kind of thing, if it were. I agree with the facebook comment that said something about how I feel like we got halfway through an irreplaceable book and lost it. I do totally feel you on taking your time to make this house a real forever home. I love how grown up your style is right now.
Of course, it’s your life and your house. Do what feels right for you. But even just an occasional check-in would make me happy. I would love to see the updated master bath (someday, eventually) and projects like that. Oh, and the bunkroom! So exciting!
I hope the new jobs work well for you — freelance or even office if you move back that way someday. How wonderful to be broad and flexible in your career options! You’ve done a wonderful thing here and inspired so many of us to push for more, both with small and large changes.
Pat C says
I respect your decision but I will really miss you all. You really were a one of a kind blog. Thanks for all the great tips and tutorials and for vicariously letting us be a part of your beautiful family. Now go, get on with your lives. It’s time for you to get back to glorious anonymity! May your future and family be forever blessed. XOXO
Meg says
Cheers guys! Best of luck with whatever you do next.
Erika says
Super, super sad (and frustrated with the rude people who provoked this) — but, completely respect your decision and fully support you. I will miss you — the projects, the adorable family, the sense of humor, and the uniquely positive place you have created here online. I’m cheering for a perfect, family/life balance position/opportunity that builds on your work and experience here to come along! And selfishly, perhaps one that allows your readers to check in with you from time to time!
Many, many blessings!
Chris says
Best wishes. I’m going to miss you. I’ve been reading your blog since almost from the beginning. It is going to be hard to not have you around.
That is a great family photo. The children are adorable.
Dawn says
Good luck!
Julie says
So I’ve been mulling over this since your announcement yesterday. And I realized that part of my disappointment (and that of others) with your retirement is that is does seem abrupt and there are a lot of outstanding questions. The update today helped, but I propose you have a Q&A forum where people can ask their questions of you and feel like we’re getting closure. This could be done here, like your previous Q&A’s, or on Facebook, or somewhere else. It could be in text or video form, live or pre-recorded/written, occur soon or after a month or so when you’ve hopefully found a new groove with your new jobs and have more reflection time. But I think that would help all of us come to peace with your decision, and also not feel quite so broken-up-with. Think of it as a final act of over-sharing.
Along with the obvious questions, one of mine would be if, reflecting back, you rethink some of the big decisions you made solely for the sake of the blog now that you know it’s ended. For instance, would you have stayed in House 1 or House 2 if you didn’t feel the need to have new projects as blog fodder? Were either of them sufficient for just daily living, when your livelihoods wouldn’t depend on their state?
Angela says
I don’t think I’ve ever commented before…maybe? Had to say how much I’ll miss checking this awesome blog of yours. You two are irreplaceable. Which makes me sad you’re moving on, but wishing you the very best in your new endeavors. I’ve learned so much from this site, tried projects I wouldn’t have otherwise, and have so enjoyed getting a glimpse into your beautiful home and family.
Devon says
This is so sad, I’ve been following you guys for years. You two not only give me inspiration for design, but also for life. I wish you and your family the best, and much success as you follow your hearts, and dreams. Hopefully we will hear from you again someday.
Cathy says
We’ve all heard about how certain financial institutions are Too Big to Fail — I wonder if blogs (at least blogs that feature homes and families) may become Too Big to Continue. You all are really in unchartered waters here! I think college classes and business schools will analyze the phenomenon of YHL as part of a dialogue about blogging and the business of new media. As an academic matter, it’s interesting.
Of course, most of us are not thinking about this as an academic matter, but in terms of the real people behind a blog that we care about. I think what surprised me about the way it’s ending is that it seems somewhat reactive and unplanned, and you guys have always been meticulous planners! I never thought you would do this forever, but I’d always assumed that you’d go out more like Oprah, with maybe a blogiversary announcement a year before retirement, or the blogging equivalent of a Rivera/Jeter farewell ballpark tour (complete with Metallica playing “Enter Sandman” at the very end), or maybe the Friends series finale with one last cup of coffee at Central Perk? Because it seems sudden, I fear that you must have been pretty unhappy for a while, and I hate that, because (1) you guys seem like genuinely wonderful people, and (2) you’ve brought joy to many through your work.
I hope your next adventure brings you the peace, joy, and balance that you are looking for. I have no doubt that the future holds great things for your family. Thanks for an amazing run. Wahoowa! Cathy
Darcy says
Well said Cathy — I didn’t even realize that I felt the same way until I saw your words and I thought EXACTLY! It makes me totally sad to think that they have been unhappy for seemingly a long time!!
Kari says
Definitely going to miss your beautiful little snippets of life showing up in my e-mail box in the mornings. It’s hard to balance the needs for family privacy and special family things with sharing your life with the world. But for what it’s worth, the things that you shared have made a big difference and touched a lot of lives in many different ways.
I loved watching Teddy’s nursery get ready for his arrival as I was pregnant and nesting for my second child at the same time.
You guys are really special. Wishing you tons of happiness in your new adventures.
Lauren says
Do you think you could post updates on your house projects – maybe once or twice a year? Your blog has inspired me and more importantly, given me the know how to tackle some of my own home improvement projects. A big thank you!
Pat C says
BTW, love the new disclaimer above. Just because the internet allows us the opportunity to state our opinions, doesn’t mean it’s always prudent to do so. Thank you for your great example of respect, honesty, kindness and grace (under fire) John and Sherry.
Jamie P. says
Wow, as many others have stated, I feel like I’m losing a friend. I have followed you all for so long and I have done so many home projects because of you all! I was crossing my fingers that you would come back refreshed and ready for another few years of blogging after your break but I understand that you need to do the best thing for yourselves and your family. You will be missed!
Susan says
You guys will be sorely missed, but I very much understand the closing of one chapter and moving on to the next. Sincere best wishes for your next adventure and thank you for all of your inspiration. I will be referencing your archives for DIY help as long as you keep them open. Sending out virtual hugs and a “see you next time” to all you lovely Petersiks!
Cassie says
Wishing you all the best with whatever comes next for you guys! The blogosphere won’t be the same without you. I do hope you really will update FB & Insta from time to time so we can keep up with your family or any major house changes (like, say, the dining room someday?)
And just a thought, one you’ve had already I’m sure, but you TOTALLY need to print this whole blog out! I know there’s a TON of posts and it will probably be expensive, but how cool to have a hard copy of everything that you accomplished the last 7 years? I think it’ll display nicely next to your family yearbooks! Or maybe even do like a second volume for each year you had the blog. Ok, I’m done.
Again, best of luck!!! We will miss you!
Darcy says
I really appreciate the update today! It felt a lot more like you than yesterday’s post. I have so appreciated you and your blog for a few years now — I found you from a co-worker in 2011, we were talking about how I felt stuck in decorating my house, and just didn’t know what to do, she recommended I take a look at your blog, and I have been hooked ever since! Thank you for updating your house tour and letting us see what changes have been going on over there and for updating Mr. Teddy’s weekly pictures — I had always thought Clara looked like John when she was a baby, but Teddy even more so! They are both just so darn cute, as you both are as well. I just really hope that designing and/or writing is still a part of your lives — you are both soooooo good at it, it would really be a shame for you to not be doing them. I completely understand that at this point, you are just fried/burnt out from it all, and right now you need a break and time to recalibrate. I can only imagine that in this month off you have been inundated with comments (I’m guilty here too), contacted by the New York Times and the Washington Post to discuss what is going on. That really does not lend itself to taking a break and figuring things out. I truly hope for your sakes that you get the time soon to really be able to see what it is that you want for your lives.
Well, I will sincerely miss you and your adventures (DIY and family) and will be happy to see anything that you post, write, whatever. Best of luck to you in whatever path you choose!! I hope to see you soon (not to soon, but also, don’t hide for months or anything!) on FB, Instagram,, whatevs!
Liz says
I’ve been reading since I was freshly married in 2010 and I feel like I am loosing my friends! So sad to hear this:(
Amy says
I will miss you guys so much!! YHL was one of only a few blogs I read everyday. I loved watching you guys do your thing and then get inspired myself! I must admit this is not what I envisioned you doing. I thought you’d come back at least a little. Because it never mattered to me if you posted a little or a lot. I certainly didn’t have to read it if it didn’t interest me as much (although I did anyway :)) So I’m sad for me but hoping you guys find the balance you are looking for! Thank you for all the inspiration through the years!
Stacy says
You all will be greatly missed. It’s like losing a best friend, but we all understand.
Jill says
Well, heck. I just discovered your blog about a year ago, and had come to rely on it for inspiration and information. I’m doing the same thing you’re doing Obviously, do what you have to do right now, but a lot of us hope you’ll return in a similar format sooner, rather than later. Like a previous poster, I’ll try to go back and pretend it is 80 posts ago, and start from the beginning. Hope you are able to keep it online. Very valuable info, imo! IMO please don’t take the professional naysayers too seriously. You’re obviously much loved out by the real world readers here in blog land.
Karen Z says
I really am going to miss you guys – but thanks so much for all of your tips – you have turned me into a great painter of rooms! No more taping off for me! I am hoping you will post/Instagram/whatever every now and then and I would love to see how your new house is progressing.
As others have said – enjoy your little ones now – they do grow up really fast!
JoDi says
I’ve been reading since House 1 and have enjoyed watching this adventure you’ve been on unfold. I totally understand the need to sometimes disconnect from something completely instead of battling daily to keep it from taking over everything. I will really miss reading about your house projects and family, but I wish you all the very best in the adventures that lay ahead!
Kristen says
I can’t even imagine how stressful this blog must have been for you, even with all the good. Just wanted to say thank you and wish you all the best!
Amy D says
I’m glad you are doing what is necessary for your family but we will most certainly miss you. Thank you for many years of inspiration! I do hope you post every now and then – I would love to see how your unused/bunk room space evolves! Take care & best of luck to you in the future.
izzycoric says
I’m literally so confused, are you done with this blog.. or just taking more time off. Did you quit? Can someone please explain.
Erin @ Dwell & Tell says
A couple of things:
– Notice that I read this yesterday and literally haven’t been able to get it off my mind. I had to check in again today (didn’t expect anything to change, but couldn’t help myself) and I WAS SO RELIEVED TO READ YOUR UPDATE. Like when you break up and you’re heartbroken and the guy calls you the next day!
– You just can’t quit us! You are right! We love you!
– Move on, but please consider making this your hobby again?? No pressure to post regularly. Just “here’s what we’ve been up to” every now and then?! Maybe once a month, or whatever frequency you like.
Hugs, J & S!
laiba7aj says
Is it weird to shed a tear?! I found your blog three years ago when my husband and I bought our first house and I can’t tell you how many times I referenced your blog for ideas, inspiration, and tutorials. I literally worked my way backwards to your very first post so that I could read everything on your site. It took like 3 days, but dang-it, I read them all! You have provided so much inspiration for couples that have that “can-do” attitude but without the prior knowledge of the actual doing. Thank you, thank you, thank for being so rad and inspiring so many peeps! I can’t wait for your next book (your first one is on my coffee table along with Domino, Dwell, and Good Bones Great Pieces) and hope you keep us posted on your house via instagram! Enjoy life!
katie {deranchification} says
You will be missed, but I’m sure y’all will do amazing at whatever you take on next! You two are so talented that I feel like even without the blog y’all will get a million design deals and we’ll be seeing you :) Take care!
carrye chen says
Thanks for everything! (From the girl who gave you the teeny tiny Valentine’s cards for Clara at the Austin Book Signing. :) Best wishes!
Jasmin S. says
I’m not big on commenting, but since I’ve been reading your blog for three years I felt like I needed to comment to get closure about your departure. Thank you for sharing your houses with me these last few years. I’ve come to know and love them nearly as well as my own! Most blogs today are too “produced” for my taste so I’ve really appreciated how you were able to grow in popularity and still be YOU. Thanks for being an inspiration to me, and I hope you decide to do at least an annual update so we can keep in touch :)
mlstu says
I understand the desire to get a new career. I’ve never worked at a job longer than 3 years so I’m sure I’d feel burned out too!! I hope you find something that supports your family and keeps you happy. Maybe you could be like that cute couple in Texas that had the show “Fixer Upper” for a season and runs a cute business of renovating old homes. It isn’t writing or advertising, but it seems like fun.
Anyway, I guess I’ll finally become a subscriber so that I know if you ever post again.
And… I hope to see your kitchen redesign someday. I know it will be gorgeous! I hope you share it with the world in some capacity whether it be in a book, a magazine, or here.
Claudia says
I’m so sorry to see you go and I will miss you. But I’ve been blogging for over 6 years and not nearly at the detailed, project tutorial level that you have, so I understand. And I admire you for making a choice for YOU, not us. We were the lucky ones, to have access to your blog and all your ideas for free and to get the chance to know you.
Thank you, and bless you.
Maggie Wallace says
Very best of luck to you all! I have really enjoyed your blog. Just one ask – please let us know when your book comes out. Guess others may have asked for this too, but haven’t time to read all of the comments. It just goes to show how much you’ve touched peoples lives. :-) Live long and prosper. Love and virtual hugs from Liverpool.
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
if a big design firm doesn’t hire you guys to freelance, they’re missing out. ahem. please please pop in and say hi to us! seriously – i can say that a bunch of us will miss our good “friends,” the petersiks!
CampDallas says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful lives, your beautiful home, and your beautiful selves with us over the past 7 years. As we say to to our son in the morning at daycare dropoff….”I’m going to miss you, but I’ll be happy when I see you.” And even if I never “see” the Petersiks again, I will have a sense of peace, knowing that you are enjoying your sweet little family in your corner of this big world. Best wishes!
Hannah says
Thank you for all your posts. I’m really going to miss you and this place. I hope your archives will still be up by the time I have a house, I feel empowered to do DIY because of you guys. You’re a real inspiration as a family and as DIYers.
As sad as I am for us lot, left without you, I’m excited for what the future will hold for you guys, with your incredible creativity and work ethic and the joy and time you’ll have for your family and friends.
Miss you x
Zulfa says
Am guttted! All the very best to your darling family. You have inspired me. This little corner if the interwebs wont be the same without you.