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!!
Adriana says
Talvez vocês nem leiam… Acompanhei seu blog diariamente, vi meus filhos crescerem juntos com os seus, minha casa mudar junto com a de vocês… … Mas a vida é assim, empurra as pessoas para caminhos diferentes… Sentirei muita falta de vocês, diariamente… Obrigada por tanta inspiração. Boa sorte em seu novo caminho!.
Erin says
Thank you for sharing your time and life with us. It has been a pleasure. Wishing nothing but the best for you all both personally and professionally. See you on the flip side!
Samantha P says
i will miss you guys! all the best on your future adventures
Carla B. says
I’m definitely excited for you guys, your family, and the next great adventure and I do hope y’all will keep in touch, but I have to admit — I kinda feel like Carrie when Burger broke up with her on a post-it. I’m sure a 5,000 word post wouldn’t make me any less sad, but it all feels so abrupt. :-(
Best of luck to you all! You give whatever project(s) you’re working on your all, and I’m sure you’ll be just as happy and successful! :-)
Coren says
You’ve been generous with your ideas and your time; thanks for sharing yourselves with the world! I will miss not having your blog as a place to visit, but will continue to enjoy your first book and the skeleton-key hooks form your Target line :) Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.
Cat Benson says
Does anyone else remember when My So Called Life was cancelled? Right in the middle of such a unique and interesting story, with so many things left unresolved… I still think about those characters sometimes and how much I loved following there lives. This feels the same, and although I really admire the courage it takes to walk away from a former passion when its meaning has changed, I will miss your family and your stories! Best of Luck!
Holly L. says
Your blog has been a part of my morning routine for years. I will miss you all and of your wonderful and inspiring ideas! Best wishes on your next adventures.
Linda N. says
Best wishes! Have enjoyed tagging along on your homeowner adventures. But it’s a good thing you’re folding your blog tent — you need your privacy as a family. Happy trails!
Jessie says
Ok last comment because i need to start grieving and healing or else i will start to cry.. you will be truly missed.. I wish you guys would’ve weaned us off.. with 1-2 more post but i wish you wholeheartedly Good Luck.
Janine says
You will be missed. I was hoping you’d be back after your month off. Best of luck to all of you. I have an idea for your new adventure. How about an HGTV or DIY Network design show!
Heather says
John and Sherry- reader for about 5 years, I will miss your posts and house inspiration!! You guys are the reason I did a happy dance after painting my fireplace white! So fun! Good luck with your new adventure!
Megan says
Aw, I’m sad! But I wish you well. I looked at the updated house tour, and I was just blown away at how much you’ve accomplished on your house in such a short period of time. I’m curious if you’ll keep working on things (like the dining room and more extreme kitchen remodeling) even without the obligation to document it. Congratulations and peace in your transition!
Judy Beeksma says
So sad to see you go!
Erica says
Please continue to Instagram so all your “friends” can still keep up with you!
Natalie D. says
THANK YOU for being a part my life, daily, getting up midafternoon (nightshift nurse), pour my coffee and read the blog FIRST…. before facebook, before email, before all things “important” such as news, checking account balances, or bill pay….. THIS few minutes of my “morning” was my ALL TIME FAVORITE thing to view/read/see online. The joy it has been to see the ever evolving decorative and creative juices flow, while building a marriage, a family, and a home has made me feel as though I know you, and quite frankly grew to love you all like family. I am so proud of where this little blog went in the years I have followed.. thankful for the projects I have had the courage to attempt and conquer (painting kitchen cabinets!), because if you guys could do it, and give me all the details and step by step directions I could do it, too, and did! My husband took me to Maui, because I convinced him we could do it on a budget, because I learned it here… I could go on and on. I was THAT girl in Dallas that Sherry hugged while I cried during the book signing. . And I am the girl crying now, again, as I am filled with mixed emotions of gratitude, sadness, joy, and hope for YOUR beautiful future. The words ‘thank you’ often don’t express enough appreciation, but please know how thankful I, and so many, have been to be a part of your journey. . . May God continue to bless your life with love, prosperity, and beauty.. it’s a wonderful life.. carpe diem. Love, Natalie in Oklahoma
Meredith says
I was afraid of this, and I am so, so sad. October seems to be the month where things end (in my life, at least). I’m sure you’ll land on your feet and everything will work out, but tears are actually welling up for me at my desk. I have MISSED you this past month and to know that there are no new posts in my future (I have been a diehard reader since This Young House days)…it’s like losing a dear friend. Best of luck as you move forward with your lives and I will hope for periodic updates, somewhere, somehow.
Melissa says
Wow, I have this weird pit in my stomach, like i’m losing some good friends I visited everyday. I feel so sad… I guess I was hoping for a big come back story and rebound! I’m so surprised your giving up something people dream about.
Btw, this post is a little unclear- this is the last post on YHL for ever or at least until you maybe decide if you want to blog again? Nothing else until then?
Sarah says
You have been an immense inspiration to me and I will never forget you guys. Thank you so much for all you’ve done. You will be missed so much!!! Best of luck to you and your family!
Patty says
You never forget your first blog; your’s was my first, and will always be my favorite. Good luck and God Bless.
Toni From says
I am going to miss your blog so much. It was part of my daily routine. That being said, I wish you all the best and good luck in your future endeavors. Please let us know where you land.
Cinny says
I thought this might be the kind of post that would pop up here after your month off. I was right :(
Good luck to all that you do in the future.
Annie in Indiana says
Best of luck in whatever’s next for you!
Jen says
I’m so proud of you guys! Thank you for everything you’ve given us over the years!
Lisa E says
Hey you two. I honestly am not surpised at this announcement because I didn’t understand how long you could keep up that pace. I was one of those that suggested you slow down for your health and sanity’s sake, and most importantly family time. If anybody has paid attention to other bloggers that have commented on how much is involved in a blog, they should take heed plus how you went above and beyond other blogs with all of the personal responses and amount of posts. You two set a high standard and were always so gracious even with the negative few. That fact alone won so many of us over and one of the reasons we grew to love and appreciate you and will now really miss you. I’m not going to selfishly beg you to stay, but instead applaud your decision. You are doing what’s best for the most important part of anybody’s life….loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your time, effort and love you put into this blog and for sharing it so graciously and free! Thank you also for continuing to keep it public for our access. I don’t know if you’ll ever really grasp how many lives you have inspired and/or left an impact on in so many areas. I wish you and your beautiful and adorable family all the best and much happiness. You keep being you and loving on each other. God’s blessing to you on your new journey.
Lucy says
Wow, I didn’t expect this today (actually I missed the post about taking some time off, was wondering where the fb posts were the other day). Started reading your blog when I was pregnant with my now almost 4 year old. Was suggested by a friend bc we were doing the cloth diaper thing too. I then was hooked. I’m now 7 months pregnant with second and feel like I’ve come full circle. Best of luck to your family! Sad to see this go and I’ll be putting the book on my birthday list :-)
alexandraoldandnew says
=( please keep the blog archives up so we can come back and “visit” there’s so much helpful diy genius in these pages!
bennissa says
You will be missed! Thank you for sharing so much creativity and joy on a daily basis for so long. . .It was truly a gift. Sending good thoughts for your next adventure!
Megan says
John and Sherry,
I’m sad for me but happy for you all. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from you. I hope you find a way to keep the website up for completely selfish reasons. I love looking at past projects. As someone who is very career oriented I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I find myself wanting to give you all kinds of parting wisdom which seems crazy because I only know you through the internet. I will say I suggest reading “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg in case you haven’t. (I’m sure you’ve heard of it.) I feel like we have grown together in a way. Hope to read something from you soon.
Sincerely,
Megan
Pamela says
Congratulations! You have always had a HUGE sense of adventure and adventurers must always seek other shores. There’s also the fact that most folks your age change jobs every FOUR years. You guys stuck it out longer than most. And surely your Blog lasted longer than most too!!! For all the sad fans who want to keep knowing you, I cannot imagine your unique voices and bubbly, attractive personalities staying hidden for too long. Can’t wait to see where y’all pop up next! Here’s to BIG DREAMS! Go Petersiks!
Ursula Ellis says
Best of luck to you all, and thanks for the many, many hours of reading pleasure you afforded me. I’m sure the design/diy world will hear much more about you–you’re too good and popular to drop from sight completely.
Lindsay says
So so sad!! Best of luck to you guys!!
Girl Named Allyn says
I’m so happy that you guys are leaving now on your terms! Life is an adventure, and chances are worth taking! We moved here to NYC from TN last year for an adventure, and now we’ve just been told we’re moving to Cincinnati in less than a month for another adventure! I just view it all as chapters in our awesome book of life. Hope you guys find what makes your life full (still kind of hoping you wind up making the children’s toy line you’ve mentioned before…).
So lucky to have been reading since 2008. You guys have brought a lot of happiness to the world!
Melissa says
Btw, I should also mention I hope the negative feedback and nasty comments from haters on your last few posts have nothing to do with why your leaving – you guys are great. This is not a fall from grace :)
jennifer says
Oh no..I was missing you guys!!! I wish you all the best but selfishly am upset. .some small updates here and there of the house and family would be great for us faithful followers. Following you all these years its like we are losing friends. God bless..xoxo
Shannon says
Is it weird that I want to cry right now? Just thought I’d leave a note wishing you all the best of luck with your future adventures. YHL was the very first home-related blog that I started to follow…and I’ll miss seeing you guys on my blog feed! I’ve bookmarked dozens of posts that included projects I was hoping to do to my own home one day (so pretty please, keep the blog posts archived!). You all are such an inspiration! Wishing you all lots of love, happiness, and fun adventures for the future! We will miss you!!
Jordan@the2seasons says
Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for so long. Enjoy your next adventure.
michelle@decorandthedog says
Thanks for paving the way for home diy blogs! Good luck on your next adventures!
Nicole S. says
I’m so bummed but also so happy for you all. I pray that life gives you everything you’ve hoped for and much, much more. You all are such an inspiration and I admire you more for putting your family first. Looking forward to your second book. Good luck!
Eileen malec says
No!!! Can I have a temper tantrum now? You two have influenced my home more than you know! ( just bought a Teil Duncan print!)… And I matted it with linen in honor of you! You are talented and you are already sorely missed!!! Off to Avery sodas right now to wallow in misery ( ode to your soda gift to John!)… It’s down the street! Hugs from CT!
Gaby says
This isn’t the best breakup letter. Over sharing to this? Guess it really shows how over blogging you are. I would have preferred to have the posts slow down and stop rather than stop out of the blue. Seems abrupt and unfair to faithful readers and supporters. Sad. Now I don’t really want to buy your second book. Good luck.
Jess says
Hi John and Sherry, I discovered your blog last year and I’ve been reading your blog almost on a daily basis ever since. My husband and I moved to our first house last year and you have been such an amazing inspiration for me! I love reading your posts and getting ideas for our new house. We even stopped by your showhouse in Richmond VA! Thank you for providing me with such great reads this past year and sharing your home and snippets of your lives. You will truly be missed and I wish you all the best for the future!!!
Jamie says
I bet Brett Favre wishes he had quit while he was ahead too. We are going to miss you all so much! I wish you the best on your next adventure and cannot wait to hear from you again!!!
Clara Uribe says
Ohhh, this makes me so sad, you have no idea!!!???? But it makes me think maybe I should start blogging since I won’t have anything to read now LOL. You’ll be missed BIG TIME!! I’m so glad I got to personally meet you, and can’t wait tronget the second book (wish it was signed as the first one though) Good luck with all your new family projects, and please send Clara a big hug from Clara from Texas. Oh, and please please follow me on Instagram ????????
steph says
I think it’s too bad your quitting rather than re-directing (the blog). But that is OK. I’ll miss hearing about your lives.
Good luck.
Rebecca says
Thank you for everything! You’ve inspired me countless times and I’ve enjoyed seeing your family and style evolve. Best of luck in everything you do!
Angela says
I literally just started reading your blog 2 weeks ago…Whaaa???? Late to the party that is now over! Crappy. I am an Interior Designer by trade, I’ve been involved in alot of big commercial and residential projects and I will tell you guys something from the little bits and pieces that I have seen….you two are in your RIGHT profession here. That is no small thing, people search years for that. Your balance was way way off which happens ALL the time to people who are very good at their jobs. At a regular job when that happens though it usually just affects a small circle of people, in blog land it affects thousands. Very stressful I can imagine. Find your balance within the design world, and internet world because yes you do need to share your gifts, and you will be golden. Hanging it all up on the shelf for good would be a total shame. Just my two cents worth, from someone who’s been in the bizz for a long time! (not old enough to be your mother, definitely a wise older sister!)
amy c says
=( this makes me incredibly sad. happy for you, but sad for me. i promise i’m not poo-pooing your decisions, you gotta do what you gotta do, but i’m sure going to miss you guys! heck, i’ve been missing you. i wish you well!
Delores says
Thank you for making me feel/see that I was capable of making changes in my home that i thought I had to pay someone to do. (Both big and little changes) I will miss your posts. Good luck in your future endeavors and I wish you and your family many happy days!
Melissa says
If and when you complete this house please please please update us? It’s killing me to know I’ll never get closure on the dining room’s built ins and blue trim! Happy trails Petersiks :) ???
Michelle B. says
I will selfishly miss seeing your site and inspiration and hope that you can report back every now and again with a project even if its 3 months, 6 months to a year. But the way you had to do projects to keep up with the site and your readers is I am sure very taxing on the family and when the house is out of sorts and the kids need your attention its hard to keep up not to mention you made it look easy but its much harder to do and document every step along the way. I really appreciate your honesty with what you can handle now and so glad you are choosing the best course for the two of you and its your family unit and kids first… its really refreshing to see this and a rarity if you ask me. Looking forward to your book next year and the best of luck and love to your family! Thanks for your creativity and helpful hits over the years!