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!!
Geri says
I’m really sad. Like really sad. I have literally clicked on your blog every day from the three month mark after you started blogging. I so hope those hamcats didn’t have any impact in swaying your decision (it’s only like a small handful of people doing all the commenting!). But I totally get your decision to live your life in a new and exciting way. Huge congratulations on putting together such a fantastic blog and keeping it going for as long as you have. Thank you for sharing every minute detail on each project – you have helped me in countless ways. Big love for a fantastic future ahead.
Mariangeles says
My husband doesn’t understand why I am so sad! I feel like you are my friends, and it hurts because you decided that you don’t want to be friends anymore ???? I do understand why you are making this decision, but that doesn’t mean it won’t hurt and you won’t be missed. Everyday.
I hope I could see Teddy grow up. He is exactly the same age than Teddy.
Be happy and enjoy whatever you do next.
Xo
Jaime says
It’s really funny that I’ve mostly lurked on this blog for a few years and I’m finally leaving a comment now. Just wanted to wish you all the best and tell you how much I’ve enjoyed following you and yours. Good luck with all your future endeavors. (Also to Sherry – those earring in the pic are fabulous and as a mom of a 10-month old relegated to posts that she can’t grab, I am totally jealous!)
Amanda says
I will miss this so much! I loved every post! Wish you all the best and can’t wait for the next book!
coco412 says
oh how i will miss you guys. thank you so so so much for the joy you brought thousands of people. i wish you all the best!
Paula says
I’m SO sad to see you guys go! Thank you for sharing so much of your beautiful life with us over the years and providing so much inspiration. Wishing you every happiness in the world and all the best with your next adventures :)
rena says
Honestly, I am glad you quit. You seem like such a sweet family with two precious children and it really makes me lose hope for humanity when I read really horrible and false things about you online. It is one thing to criticize and I know you guys said you don’t like to read thAt garbage but what some of these people say crosses the line and is cruel and malicious. If it taints your reputation in any way, it is considered libel. I think if people keep it up after you’ve gone offline, I would talk to a lawyer. Anyways, I am glad you are stepping away from all that and I wish you nothing but good things. Take care!
Kristi says
I found your blog when I was on maternity leave with my second child. He’s in first grade now and, with my other two children, has helped me paint the trim Simply White, weighed in with his opinions on Edgecomb Gray walls, and gathered up the screws as I spray painted the doorknobs with my trusty can of ORB. Thank you for keeping the archives available. I would be lost without them! Your homes and your lives have been such an inspiration. I will miss you like a good friend. I wish you and your family the very, very best. Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Jen says
I’m impressed that you guys are listening to what you & your family need rather than just trying to please the masses (although clearly, the masses love you!) :) What great memories you’ve made during your big adventure; thanks for sharing so much of your lives along the way.
I will greatly miss your posts and getting to see the changes your family & home undergo, but I’m also relieved that you guys can have the chance to just ‘go and do and be’ (as my mother-in-law says) ;), and not worry about documenting every detail.
Enjoy life and your next chapter, and Thank You.
Kristi says
Oh I’m just so sad!!! I want to be supportive of you guys and say things like “I’m happy for you!” or “I completely understand!”, and it’s not like those things aren’t true, but I’m sock-ya-in-the-stomach sad!!! I echo so many other readers’ feelings with saying I feel kinda dumped. I know that’s not fair to say, because I really do want you guys to be happy and satisfied in your work, but I can’t help feeling like I’m losing some dear, dear friends against my will. I was sad about the month off (it was a LONG month!), but so looked forward to your renewed and refreshed return. To find that you came back just to say good-bye is completely unexpected and sad on so many levels…I had no idea you guys weren’t happy. Every blog/career/adventure experiences growing pains, but it never occurred to me that you wouldn’t work through it and uncover a whole new angle or level of amazingness!
I love you guys, as much as anyone could love strangers-that-they-stalk-on-the blog…really, really love you guys. I’ll miss the wickedly brilliant design inspirations, I’ll miss the Burger photobombs, I’ll miss the Clara-wisdom, I’ll miss the SNL references…I’ll miss feeling like part of your family.
Please don’t go far…don’t give up on us.
ginny says
Noooooooooooooo!! So sad ????????????. Good luck with your new adventures! And please pop in once and a while.
Tina says
You will be missed as a vital part of my work day :) sad to see you go, but do you have suggestions of other home related blogs that I should get into? I read Bower Power and Our Fifth House fairly regularly–any new ones to dive into would be great to know.
Nothing but love coming to you from Central Illinois!
TP
Laura says
Good for you. I can only imagine how difficult a decision that would have been. BE HAPPY!!! However, this feels bitter sweet. I bought my first home a couple years back, discovered your blog, and you have been helping me through the process ever since :) I have ORBed everything. Every wall is some shade of grey or blue. I love white frames and ceramic animals. Your posts have made my laugh and cry over the years, so I feel like I know you personally. So on that note, like I would say to a friend making a similar step – Just Be Happy. Do what you feel is right for you and your family. If anyone disagrees, oh well. I wish the very best to you, Clara, Teddy and Burger and Good luck with your future endeavors! You will be great at whatever you do – you both are smart, hands-on and do your thing with grace and humor. ORBingly yours, Laura
[email protected] says
Thank you! I’ve always enjoyed your blog because you are so real. You reply to comments (don’t worry about this one as there over a 1,000!) and your sweet family always has a smile while sharing all of the hard work you’ve accomplished. I’ve just been blogging a little over a year and the time it takes is all-consuming when also working full-time. I know your future will be very bright! xx
Cathy says
I just found your site two weeks ago and bought the first book immediately. I love your design style and have already painted a bunch of interior doors and trim white, added some fun pillows and completely gotten my DIY home improvement bug back. (It had been dormant since 2002). Though I feel like I am late to the party finding you after you had already stopped posting, I will happily look through the archives! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation. If you ever start doing mood boards or design work again, I will be your first customer! Best of luck with your new adventures!
sydnijackson says
I’m sad for you guys because I love the consistency of your blog and that you’re always there. But I completely understand that you don’t have the time you want to devote to the blog, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine you having the time with your two little babies. Give them what they need, and what you need, which is for right now, to be a family. We’ll miss you.
Jennifer says
I guess it’s time to remove this bookmark… *sniff* not that I’ll need it to find you guys for reference! Good luck with your future awesomeness!
eileen marie says
Best of luck in this new chapter of your lives! I sure will miss you!
Raquel says
And now that I’m over the initial disappointment, let me say “THANK YOU!” All of you– John, Sherry, Clara, Burger and for just a wee bit it seemed, Teddy—added much joy to so many of as we connected across the blogosphere over the years. You did a good thing, and did it well. Thank you for your time with us–and continued blessings and miracles in your lives! We hope to cross paths again!
Erin says
I’m sorry to see you go. Thanks for all your advice and inspiration over the years. I will miss seeing what happens to your new home in the future! Good luck!
Theresa says
I know that it’s only one photo, but you all look so much happier, good luck with your new direction, this was a great blog, but you’re totally right to move on if you want to.
Sandra says
I’m soo sooo sooooooo sad to read this, and even needed to cry a little. I wish you all the best for the future, and actually I really hope that you will come back to blogging sometimes in the future. I mean we all need to see your “completed” new house, without blue trim, new kitchen, and so forth… you were literally part of my life, I checked your blog every weekday and it was my little escape from the real world. man… i will miss you so much!!! and now I won’t be able to tell my boyfriend how “john & sherry” did this and that and how far they came with blogging… ahhh.. again all the best and lots of love, from switzerland.
Caroline Leone says
Dear YHL Family, your departure from the blogosphere world feels like the series finale of a bunch of favorite tv shows all in one: Friends, Family Ties and Trading Spaces! Your blog is like one of the original primetime family classics, it’s hard to imagine the “www” without being able to tune in to YHL.
I’ve been a faithful reader since House 1 while I became obbssessed with a certain yellow Moroccan rug and stumbled on your blog! You’ve inspired me beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Since YHL I’ve tiled, painted multiple pieces of furniture, made headboards, sewed bed skirts and have grown a hankering for the odd animal creature here and there in my home decor! You guys have done way more than write fun posts and transformed your homes, over the years you’ve managed to reach into the homes of your readers and their hearts to help them grow in amazing creative ways! I’m sure I speak for many when I say, thanks to you I believed I could do something I would never have tried on my own. (Um replacing a tub faucet, check!) For all the hard work you’ve done, for the laughs and for the occasional nod to the great Marshall Mathers, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!
God Bless your beautiful family in this next chapter of your lives. I cannot wait for the YHL “Reunion” episodes to come :-)
-Caroline
Robin says
I have never posted comment but have been checking out your blog for years- as all have said- you’ll be missed. Thanks for everything!
Zabadu says
Where’s Burger? First time he’s been left out of a family portrait.
Jessica Jones says
So very sad like many of the fellow commenters. Surprised when I saw there was an update but tears were in my eyes as I finished reading your post! (cheesy, I know)…I first came across your blog years and years ago as you were completing kitchen renovations in your first home (how many years ago?!) and as I had just begun college and was looking for some decorating tips. I didn’t read with any regularity then but I have as time passed. I’ve tried to ‘get into’ other decorating/DIY blogs but just never could. There is something special about you guys! Your blog is just so quirky and the nerdy references and personal posts have made me (and I’m sure masses of others) feel like we are buddies. I’ve never left comments for you guys but instead have always been one from the ‘lurkers’ who doesn’t have my own really awesomely decorated home or cool design and decorating blog of my own (am I the only one??). You guys have really has just amazed me over the years by how easily you guys are able to put together a room with coordinating colors and finishing touches, and as things have developed in your lives, I have followed your lives (sorry if this is getting weirder) and watched in amazement and awe as some of the truly unbelievable things have come your way. I am truly going to miss checking in on you guys to see what your up to. To think of some of my favorite posts throughout the years- the front porch remodel on your first home, the surprise of you moving into your second home (and later, third), Clara’s welcoming and long awaited birth story, and then the risks your guys took decorating-wise with the second house, I just will miss it all and I know I am not alone…I am married and have my own little one now and to think back to when I first came across your blog..Ugh! I just can’t believe it…But, on the same hand I can understand it. Life gets busy and the amount of comments that you have sifted through as you’ve grown must be overwhelming on its own. I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you guys for everything- for being yourselves, for caring so much for this ‘baby’ and for staying true to yourselves when so many others are easily influenced by free stuff and whatnot. I hope that with time and other, new adventures begin that maybe you can come back to the blog in the way that it once was- and update for family and friends. Because people who admire you and buy your books that creep on your blog that you’ve never met can be your friends too, right? Ok, well either way, good luck to your family and maybe one day you can give us an update on the new(set) house once its complete. I will just hope for that!
See you another time!
Jessica
Bethany says
I’m sad. It’s a shame you can’t keep blogging your brilliant house and life stuff without all the other stuff like ads, giveaways or even comments (in other words not as a way to make money but to just be cool like in the old days). We will miss getting to see Teddy grow up like we’ve gotten to see Clara. Will miss you guys!
Sayee says
I have followed your blog for a long time. I also follow a few other great diy/home decor blogs. A huge difference between your blog and other blogs is that your posts are waaayyy longer, detailed and technical. I guess it is not easy with two young children to write such long and complicated posts regularly… and this may have caused your burn out. You guys were too hard on yourselves. If you had written short and sweet posts few times a week, people would still have loved you… AND it would have been lesser stress on your personal life. Any way, I still love you and wish you all the best for your future.
Amy P says
No shocked, but extremely disappointed… Best of luck!
Keri says
I’m so, so very sad to lose your blog. I’ve had almost two days to process this news and my heart actually aches a little when I think about how much I’m going to miss it every day. I wish you all the happiness ever and I will keep my eyes peeled for updates. I can’t wait to get my hands on book number two!
Sharon Cranford says
Thank you for so many great ideas! Oil-rubbed bronze paint! Who knew? Your “how to put down a wood floor” lesson is about to hit my husband’s Honey Do List as we remake and update our 1980’s colonial. From your new pix, you look more rested and ready for whatever lies ahead. Looking forward to your next book and wish you all the best on your new adventures!
Lacey Shannon Cornwell says
I haven’t commented in years, but here’s hoping for a Domino mag style return. Future special editions with all the style and class that has always existed.Best of luck!
Amie says
This!!! yes!
Bec says
Agree! A “Christmas card” to your YHL community, or a bit of a summary when you finish the kitchen or the storage space or whatever. I’ll miss you Petersiks and I wish you well.
Marta says
You will be missed.
Good luck in your new adventures!!
Pippa S says
Good Luck John & Sherry, you will be missed!!
Amy says
Thank you for this blog. You’ve given me so many great ideas and inspiration for my own home over the years. I will miss your ideas and your positive energy. You will forever be in my heart and my Pinterest. ;) Best wishes. Will hopefully see you on the book tour. :)
Martha says
Thank you so much for letting me into your home (and your family’s life) these past few years. You two have a special combination of wit, grace, smarts, humility, and determination, and I have been blown away by what you have accomplished in each of your homes. You have inspired me as I work on my own home, and I appreciate the care you took to explain the details of all your projects big and small. You will be missed, and I wish you guys nothing but the very best as you start the next chapter.
Jodi A says
Wow. Just wow. The sadness after reading this post has hit me like a big wave. I’ve followed your blog from day dot from all the way over in Australia. You’ve given me so much inspiration, and I’m going to miss you guys and this blog A LOT.
Good luck with your future adventures, life is about change after all.
THANK YOU for everything.
Shelly says
This hurts! Gotta do what you gotta do though.
Julie says
I’ve read your blog for just the past year but have truly enjoyed it and have used your tutorials to do a peel and stick floor in a bathroom and (today!) to spray paint the brass door knob in our home. Thank you for the great directions! You are talented, daring, wonderful people. Thank you for the inspiration and information on this blog. I hope you find everything you are looking for and that we see your future endeavors whether in print or somewhere else!
Jen says
Just commenting again because I keep checking back out of habit/denial. I will really miss this blog. Just another thing I’m “stealing” from you this fall… your “thanks” jar. Ahhhhh. Will really miss you guys.
Penny Metzger says
You guys are experiencing what we all do after a couple of kids. I can speak to this as I have 5 kids and 9 grandchildren. Life gets in the way for all of us. We are all tap dancing our way through life. That doesn’t mean you still don’t have a voice. How do young marrieds/parents hold down jobs, take care of kids AND renovate on a budget. Much like when you started but BEFORE you were professional bloggers and parents. Hey! If this gig doesn’t do it for you anymore than bag it (OK, leave it up for all of us to enjoy and take inspiration from) but move on. But, if you do still get a tingle over renovation? Does the sight of new appliances, rugs, lamps, tile still get you excited, then maybe you can have the best of both worlds. Your daytime jobs plus be an inspiration so all young couples/parents can believe that they can do it too. Regardless of what you choose, I wish you well. I’ll just miss you………
Lisa Sylvia says
So happy for you. You will be greatly missed but I understand that you must do what is best for you and your family, after all, that is what is most important. Thank you for sharing so much of your life. Clara is so darling and getting so big and Teddy is adorable and also is getting so big. You are such a sweet family. May you have much joy in your new adventures :)
Jessica Smith. says
I wish you all the best. I’ve followed your blog for 6 years now and I have learned so much from you! we are in the final phase of sealing our concrete over laminate countertops ( from your tutorial) wow it was messy and time consuming but we LOVE the results. We added charcoal liquid concrete stain to the Ardex. We also followed your painting cabinets steps and have been painting our cabinets white. You guys are wonderful at what you do. You’ll be missed. I will be referencing your blog frequently though. ????. I pray for God’s grace on your life.
krista says
Can I just thank you? Discovering your blog helped me to find the courage to just DO STUFF with my house. That might sound stupid, but there are just so many things I haven’t known how to do, and it was refreshing to find you guys because you’ve always been willing to jump in and do things – and you made me realize that I could too! I was just thinking about you the other day because I want to paint my front door – who doesn’t know how to paint a front door, right? Me. And I remembered that you had a post explaining how to do it. I’ll be thinking about you when I tackle my kitchen. And my bathrooms. And every other project that starts out with me thinking I have no idea what I’m doing. So thank you. Thank you for sharing your adventures, your successes, and your mistakes. I’m very sad to see you guys go, but I totally understand. You’ll be missed!
Mick says
Loved the blog! Please keep the archives for us. Good luck!
Chana says
Wow! I haven’t been following you that long, maybe about two years but I love your website. I’m glad you are keeping it up because it’s an awesome resource. Thank you for sharing so much.
erin says
Thank you for a great run. I don’t know how many times a day I refreshed your site to read new posts or comments, but I sure am glad I’m my own boss or I know my a$$ would be fired. I left a sweetish full-time gig because I was spent – emotionally, physically and creatively – after my son turned 3 months old three years ago. I became a copywriter freelancer (in RVA) and I do the whole work-at-home parent thing. I have not looked back or regretted my decision once. I’m sure you have lots of connections and doors opening for you both now. Much luck and love!
Sophie says
Life is never gonna be the same again.
BamaCarol says
May you be blessed with your new careers and adventures. Thank you for sharing your lives with us for as long as you have. You will be missed.
Sara T says
I have really, really enjoyed reading your blog! Thanks for all your hard work and creativity! I am super sad: it feels like my favorite T.V. show has ended or something. :) Good luck with your new endeavors! You are both admirable people!!