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!!
Sam says
As much as I love reading your blog — good for you! 7 years is a long time and you cannot be blamed for wanting to move on. Enjoy those babies and whatever comes next! Good luck!
Miranda says
I am reallyyyyy bummed by this and I wish I didn’t start the day reading this…… :(
I was hoping for maybe like an occasional blog instead of full time blog. (and I am totally ok if you eat your words and decide to come back in some capacity)
sigh.. but good luck and wish your family well and happy as always! :)
Sarah says
Awwwww, what.a.bummer!! I loved your updates, no matter how big or small. I’m sad we won’t get updates on what’s going on with your family or house :( But happy for you that you e found out what works (or doesn’t) for your family, because, in the end that’s what matters. Good luck to the five of you, and thanks for sharing so much for so many years! ??
Sarah says
Omit the question marks from the initial post! No idea where those came from :)
Jillian L says
Thank you so much for sharing your life & work over the past years. Like so many others, I too have to admit that I feel like crying. But we all wish you so much happiness, love, and continued success, in the future- in whatever shape that is. You are loved!
Alissa says
After five years enjoying a peek into your world, sad to “see you later” — but also so happy for the new adventures your lives will hold. Sending my love!
Miranda says
and did anyone was hoping today’s April 1st like I did?
diane taylor says
I did!!!
Hanna says
Will miss you guys so much. :(
Tammy says
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to see this post, but I think I’m speaking for everyone here when I say “I understand”. This is your life, you get one shot, you have young kids and a life you “need” to live. I can see how the blog would become all to encompassing for you. I hope that when your kiddies are in school (and that time will come sooner than you think) you will re-visit Young House Love and share some new fresh ideas with us. You guys are rock stars (seriously)! Cheers to new adventures!
Caroline A. says
Even though I don’t have a “family” of my own yet, I totally understand the decision to explore other options. And I truly wish you all the best. I agree with Jessica though – I know my feeling of betrayal is a bit unjustified because you’ve been so willing & open with sharing your lives with us for the past seven years, but it feels like losing a friend. It’s so sudden. I have to wonder if there is something going on “behind the scenes” that you’re not willing to share with us, which is fine, but to abandon something you’ve put so much into for so long is a bit baffling. But I digress, it’s selfish of me to want an explanation. I think I speak for all your loyal followers when I say I hope you’ll return someday, and we will miss you in the meantime.
Robin says
Happy trails to you four until we meet again … your presence will be missed. If you do emerge locally (Richmond) as a design source or in some other creative endeavor I hope I hear about it via news, advertising, other, as I know it would be an enterprise that I’d be interested in supporting. Mood boards Sherry? (just a hint) And us locals would also be so grateful if you did some paint color consults! (another hint) much love, Robin
Kate K says
I was so excited to check the blog this morning and see what you have decided. I’m am totally bummed that you won’t be here, even in a smaller capacity. Best of luck in your next adventure, but please check-in from time to time :)
Emily C. says
I’ve never commented, but my husband and I are some of the people who refer to you as “our friends John and Sherry.” We are tremendous admirers of your work and family and of you as people. I’m incredibly sad to hear we won’t be able to enjoy your posts anymore, but we wish you all the best and hope you find your joy. I do so hope you can leave the archives up – we’ve used them countless times – they are such a wonderful resource! Maybe we can crowd fund a payment for the storage?
Kirsten M says
So excited when I saw a new post then so sad when I read it! It’s like losing a friend! Thanks for sharing your lives with us, you will be missed so much. I will continue to use the archives for inspiration. Best wishes in your future, selfishly I hope that you miss blogging so much you’ll have to come back!
Robin O says
It feels weird to feel so sad, but I’m just totally bummed. This is the end of an era!! Really going to miss you guys and all the amazing inspiration! Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Y’all were awesome! Wish you all the best with your new endeavors! Enjoy those kiddos!
Angie@Echoes of Laughter says
You are making the right decision! You only get one chance to raise your children! Wishing you the very best in your new adventures and enjoy your family! Thank you for so many years of inspiring post and projects! xoxo
Daria Perrone says
There’s going to be a hell of a void in my feedly without your posts but I completely understand and absolutely respect your decision. You will absolutely be missed but I can’t wait to see where you guys go next! Good luck! :)
Chase says
Ahhh… all good things come to an end. Such is life. Best wishes to you all.
Beth says
Sad to read this- I have been following your blog since house #1, and feel like I know you guys. Like others have said, it feels like losing a friend… But yes, things happen in life and priorities change, so I totally understand. I wish you the best of luck and will miss reading your posts. Hope to see some personal updates on Facebook and Instagram!
Lisa says
This makes me so ridiculously, and selfishly, sad. I will miss this blog tremendously and I don’t think I could say that about any other blog out there.
Dawn R in NC says
I totally understand, but sniff, sniff… I am going to miss you guys. Thank you for sharing with us and I wish you all the best.
Kat says
Best of Luck – I wish you guys only the best in everything. I miss you so so much. This post was truly heartbreaking. I will miss watching the adventures of the Petersiks.
Thank you for leaving the archives up – I really hope that you can afford to keep them up for a long time – they are an amazing wealth of information. Maybe you could turn them into book 3? The Young House Love Anthology. I’d buy that.
Melanie says
I have been reading since year one, and have really enjoyed the ride. Thanks for sharing with us for so many years. Enjoy your new adventure!
Maureen says
Peace and Love to the four of you.
Kim says
I can only imagine how hard this decision was but I admire the courage to make this life change. Best wishes to your beautiful family. It honestly feels like great friends are moving away :) But when that happens, we toast to the good times and give a big (virtual) hug! xoxo
Becca G. says
Noooo…this makes me so sad! I even ORB’ed all my door knobs over your break for good luck, hoping you guys would come back. I will miss your posts each week. : (
Melissa says
Going to miss you guys- your creative genius has been an inspiration for many years. Wishing you well.
tripuranenis says
I will miss you Petersicks, my morning routine will not be the same without you :-( Totally understand your decision and good call to adapt to changing priorities. Wish you the very best!
Lauren (in PA) says
But waaaiiiiitttt……one quick thing before you go. What was that app or software you were using to capture Clara’s artwork?!! I have a box of my 21 year old’s masterpieces which I need to capture. I keep looking for it in the blog but I’m missing it…I think it was on the post about the bulliten board area in the office.
So good luck to you guys. You are and will continue to be missed….hoping for sporadic updates! Esp. the dining room and family room! All the best…
Lindsay says
I think it might have been Artkive.
Lauren S. says
Sad you won’t be coming back :(. Leaving with all the big dramatic rooms (bathrooms, kitchen, bunk room) still pending their big dramatic phase two redo feels like my favorite TV show getting cancelled mid season. Definitely glad you’re doing what’s right for you. All the best, thank you for sharing these many years.
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
WOW I am so sad I won’t be able to read a great post of yours anymore. But I completely understand your decision. Enjoy your new lives and enjoy your two little ones the most. I wish nothing but the best for both of you. Maybe we will see you sometime in the future back here in the blog world. Lots of luck to all of you. You will really really be missed!!!
Christy W says
I agree with the others who have said it, this feels like losing a friend. And, of course, as with the end of any relationship, I’m pointing the finger at us. Were we not supportive enough? Did we not comment enough? Did we not make you feel loved and valued and appreciated? Did you hate the way we left our socks on the floor??!?! Did our mothers drive you crazy???!?!
Seriously though, this sucks and you’ll be missed.
Laura Jinkins says
Way to go on putting family first! Truly, I can’t imagine how exhausting it must be to be DIY celebrities, and I think it’s super wise of you to end on a good note. Y’all are probably too young to remember “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or the Carol Burnett Show, but both shows CHOSE when to end, rather than be canceled. They went out at the top of their game — and both women went on to do fabulous work in other areas. I think that’s what you will do, too. Blessings to your little family and success in all you do, whatever it may be!
Jillian L says
Aw man… I am crying a little bit now after reading all these comments.
What a good comparison, Laura. So sweet, and very true. Sherry & John, you all will do wonderful work in the future- whether or not it’s public. Wishing you the best.
22209va says
So sad :( But I wish you the best and thank you for all the years of inspiration!
Martin Scott Dudek (@martinsdudek) says
I’m not going to lie. I’m devastated. I’ve had a hole in my habits over the last month, and I can’t imagine you guys being gone from my life from now. You’ve been inspirations, but I also feel like I know you. Truly wishing you all the best, but I’ll be missing you terribly.
Lou Anne says
I have to admit, this makes me SO SAD. I mean, really really bummed. I have missed you guys so very much in the last month. Teddy looks so big in that picture, and Clara is as sweet and beautiful as ever. I dislike the idea of letting go of all of you.
Having said all of that, I also feel really proud of you and so HAPPY for all of you! You are listening to your gut, and doing what’s right for YOUR family. Bravo. When I had my baby girl 17 months ago, I planned to continue working full time, but it just felt so off to me. So now I work 3 days a week and I’ve never been happier. So, I think I sort of get it. And I don’t blame you one single bit. In fact, I’m pretty impressed that you’ve made this decision and aren’t apologizing for it.
I will miss you horribly, and I will probably continue to check your site daily out of sheer habit, and of course, always hoping you’ve gotten “the bug” back.
I wish you all nothing but the best, and please know that I have so much respect and admiration for all of you. God bless!
Lou Anne
Melissa says
I’ve learned so much from you over these last few years, and we used so many of your tips in redecorating and renovating our home. Thank you for all the time you’ve devoted to sharing your adventures to help all of us! And, thank you for keeping the archives available — I hope they can be around for a long time! Best wishes always!
Kelly says
Thank you John and Sherry for the privilege of sharing in your world, it has truly been inspiring, fun and a blessing!
a says
Good luck on your next journey.
Your “hiatus” has also made me rethink my priorities. As much as I love my family, I’m hugely introverted – it took my years to realize it. I used to get so lost in the internet – reading blogs, pathetically turning every wikipedia search into a history lesson on whatever I was originally searching for, maybe trying to start my own blog, etc… Anyways, the point is, I would rather sit on the couch reading blogs about cool moms doing cool things with their cool kids, decorating their cool houses – that I wasn’t doing cool things with my own cool kids making my house into a cool house. (Sorry for the overuse of cool, ladies). My point is, there are a lot of RABID fangurls on here, obsessed with you and your kids, or obsessed with snarking on you – and I challenge each and every one of you to put down the smart phone, walk away from the computer screen and go to Lowes by a can of paint, save up money for that piece you’ve been ogling over at West Elm, take your kids to the local children’s museum or playground and make your OWN life *blogworthy*. I don’t mean you have to write a blog….. I mean live the life you feel you lack that you see on the blogs. (And i’m not saying everyone who reads your blog is a rabid fangurl, or is an introvert who has no life outside of the internet, but I know I’m not the only one so….there’s my 2 cents)
Laura Jinkins says
Amen and amen!!!!
April says
I’m a bit bummed, but mostly happy for your family. I’ve been a reader since the Clara-in-utero days, and while I’ve always enjoyed your blog, it’s blown my mind that you’ve been able to keep at it for so long. I would have been sick of it years ago. Finally, with house #3, you can live in your home at your own pace, and actually ENJOY your renovations rather than having to rush onto the next thing. So while you will be missed, I admire your decision, and wish you all the best! <3
Chelsea says
Kudos to you for landing on the decision that’s best for you and your family. Wishing you well as you begin this new season of life. You’ll be missed!
Amanda says
As a long-time reader I will miss reading about your creative ideas and sweet family, but wish you all the best as you embrace a new adventure. And as cheesy as it sounds, you have been an inspiration – so thank you for sharing so much of your life with us all!
Jen D. says
Best wishes to you all!
Cathy says
Argh. I don’t like it. But I get it. THANK YOU for 7 great years!!
Megan says
Thanks for all of the years of inspiration and hard work. I totally understand your decision and I’m happy that you were able to do what is best for your family even though it’s tough. Stepping out of your comfort zone is always hard but rewarding, so I can’t wait to see what you will do next. I’m sure it will be something even more amazing than YHL!
Appletini Photography says
nooooooooooooooooooooooooo this makes me what to cry! I’ll never look at a ceramic animal again! Thank you for days and days of reading your amazing adventures!
Kelly says
Aww – I may or may not be crying a little bit in my office. Thank you so, so much for letting all of your readers be a part of your life. I wish you all the best in your next adventure, I know you guys are going to rock it, whatever it is!!
Diane says
Wow, feeling a little sad you won’t be coming back. Your blog was the first and only one I’ve read daily in the past three years. Thanks for sharing. Wish you and the family the very best God has to offer. Peace.
Isabel says
I think we’ve all been there at one time or another of our lives so we’re with you and wish you all the best. You’ll be sorely missed is the understatement of the decade but thank you for all the inspiration and for keeping the blog up so we can go back when YHL withdrawal strikes, which will is every day! All the best to the five of you. See you later!
Kim R. says
Dang it.
I’ve stopped by a half dozen times while you were gone and I see that others have too. Sad to see your Internet presence go. Hope you’ll occasionally post some before and afters on your Facebook page or Pinterest or online mags something, if not your blog. I completely understand. It must be weird to be ‘net celebs and have people feel they can openly bash you (or know so much about your family when they just don’t.) I hope you’ll be able to keep a part of the brand alive so you can still keep the books or DIY business going on a professional level, if not quite so personal.
My bet is that the site crashes today from all the people posting.
Could you estimate the amount of time you’ll keep the server and archives going? I’m sure you’re still getting quite a few clicks and traffic and I like to use your tutorials. (Like someone above said, 6 months? 6 years?) Good-bye online friends. Thanks for letting us strangely spy on your family. Maybe you’ll get a tv show now? For a while? You’ve certainly been an Internet success story. Hugs, and see you ’round the www.
(When does the book come out? Will there still be a book?)
Kayla M. says
Will you still keep your Instagram going so I can get my Petersik fix?? You guys have been such an inspiration. I cloth diapered because of you, did BLW with both my girls because of you, and followed countless tutorials for projects in our home. You will be missed and I wish you only the best in whatever the next chapter holds for you!! xoxo