Yup, after months of working on a little behind the scenes blog makeover (not kidding, this stuff literally takes us months) we’ve FINALLY let ‘er rip. Like any project, there were unexpected delays: mysterious coding glitches, inexplicable site crashes (thanks for your patience on those, btw), an earthquake and even a hurricane to round things out. But before we let another excuse get in our way, we decided to just go for it. It’s not 100% done. It may crash the site again. There could be a blizzard next week. Who knows.
It’s actually surprising to us that we haven’t done this sooner. We’ve had the same exact blog look/background/layout since the spring of 2008 (if you can believe it). It seemed silly that we’ve been through so many room re-paintings, furniture re-arrangings, and even a move to a whole new house… but hadn’t so much as changed the background pattern for three whole years. So it was definitely time. It just sort of felt like we were wearing old clothes that didn’t quite fit anymore. So although we know there are probably folks out there who will miss the old look (we’re sentimental creatures too) we’re excited to finally put on a fresh new outfit.
Here’s a little bit of what we were hoping to accomplish with the new design:
- Update the look (colors/patterns/typefaces) to be more reflective of our design choices in the new house
- Make the header more inclusive of the things we blog about (folks kept saying it just represented the “house” part of our name)
- Lighten up a bit, since the old color scheme was feeling a bit dull & heavy at moments
- Improve navigation and help you guys discover content more easily
- Overall just make the site feel fresher, more 2011 and less 2008
So this is what our amateur web designing skills came up with. So far we really love it, even though there are definitely things we’re still trying to finesse. We’ve been tweaking it for the past several weeks, so we’re kinda used to it by now – but we understand if some of you are still skeptical of the change. Think of it like rearranging a room or painting a wall – you might just need to give it a few days to get used to it.
When it comes to the actual header, we photographed a collection of objects that had special meaning to us on white cardstock outside (you know we love keeping things personal). In case you can’t figure it all out on your own, here’s the meaning behind each item:
- Photostrips have always been something we’ve enjoyed, hence their appearance at our wedding
- Clara and Burger are as much a part of this blog as any DIY project, so their picture was a must
- A little wooden “C” block for Clara and a small bone-shaped dog treat (on the other side) were another way to tie them in
- Sherry and I met in 2004 when we lived in NYC, so the little wooden skyscraper and taxi cabs remind us of those early days
- We’re cheap. So we save our pennies. Hence the change, which actually adds up to seven cents – which is a lucky number of ours (plus the dates on each of the pennies are 2007, which is when we started this little ol’ blog)
- We live in (and love) Richmond. So we tossed in a little Richmond magnet. Represent.
- Paint swatches and fabric samples = our idea of a good time. So we picked a few that felt like our current house/style
- There’s not a much more sentimental object than the key to our house (although we altered the tip of it in Photoshop because we’re paranoid)
- Of course we also squeezed in a photo of our current house (had to have that happy yellow door in there somewhere)
- A white ceramic rhino is kind of our mascot at this point (at least behind Burger and our dearly departed ceramic dog).
When it comes to the background, we actually created that as an homage to our previous logo (you know that little YHL heart? the background is actually just a gazillion of those laid out at all different angles to make an abstract-ish pattern). And as for the actual functional changes that we made, here they are:
1. We added a new side-deal called Young House Life (see the “Life” title under the header on the right?) to serve as sort of a “mundane everyday happenings area” where we mostly share Clara & Burger pics/videos along with behind the scenes blog stuff and other odds and ends that aren’t beefy enough for a dedicated YHL post over here (you know we love to over-share). But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean Clara, Burger, and other life stuff (vacations, anniversaries, etc) will suddenly be gone from the main site. Those things have always been a huge part of who we are, so they stay. Just think of Young House Life is a little “bonus footage” spot. Oh and it has a separate feed address for you to subscribe to as well (if you’d like to get those updates on your reader).
2. We finally made a paint color page about all of the ones we’ve used in this house and linked to it from our sidebar (like this one that we made for our first house).
3. We also made a dedicated source list for where we got nearly everything in this house (like this one that we made for our first house) and also linked that up on the sidebar.
4. We tossed in a Fav. Posts button, also on the sidebar (with little thumbnails and links). We intend to update it every month or so with new faves (since we’re fickle folks and because we’ve also heard from a bunch of readers who’d love to see more archive stuff, but aren’t sure what’s worth digging around for).
5. We also added a Videos button on the sidebar, which shows thumbnails of a few of them. All of our videos used to be accessible from the bar under the header, but we moved some other stuff up there and thought videos could breathe better down below – so now you can access them all by clicking the link at the bottom of this button.
6. We added a Giving Back button to share the love for three charities that we’re thrilled to support, each of which were chosen because they represent stuff we love (homes, kids, & dogs). We make an annual donation of $1,000 to the Richmond Habitat For Humanity along with $500 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and $500 to the Richmond SPCA (and we definitely encourage others to check them out – you can donate here, here, and here or find a local Habitat for Humanity or SPCA in your area here and here).
7. We retooled a lot of other buttons that have always been on our sidebar (like the House Crashing one) with some updated pics/type/colors. But that’s more decorative slash fun than functional. As is the new Twitter button which now goes by the name of Tweetersiks. Oh yeah, we officially out-punned Mr. Tom Petersik (my dear old dad).
8. Oh and we were inspired (by Kate over at Centsational Girl) to add a nice thorough pagination capability (so you can click back to the very first post in our archives, you know in case you have a year to spare reading 2,000+ of them).
So there it is. Of course we still have a bunch of stuff on our blog-to-do list, so here are just a few things that we’re hoping to roll out in the next few months (or years, you know how long these things can take us, haha):
- Completely “renovate” our Projects page so it has some images instead of just a ton of crazy links (can you believe we’ve tackled over 500 projects?)
- Update the designs/header on the Mood Boards and Room Gallery pages (since they’re still rocking the old tan stripes)
- Add about 100+ other makeovers to our Room Gallery (we have so many amazing Reader Redesigns in our archives to toss in)
Should keep us busy for a while. And we do have our $6 cabinets to finish. Might switch back over to DIY for at least a little bit. Web stuff is kind of fun (when you’re in the zone), but there’s nothing like paint under your nails and sawdust flying. Hope you guys like the new look. Has anyone else done a little site tweaking lately? Any new color schemes or functionality that makes you giddy in that “it’s 2:52 am and we’re still working on this post way?” Not that we are. That would be irresponsible parenting.
Melissa E. says
Of course it’s lovely. I don’t know why people would be bothered.
I think this colour scheme will frame the upcoming photos/posts wonderfully.
[email protected] says
Love, love, love the colors and the overall new look. Kinda miss the lower case header; I have a thing for all lower case. I’m really new to blogging, and trying to figure out all the design/computer stuff is almost beyond me. If I’m successful long-term I hope to hire someone to do it for me, so I give it to you for working through it all yourselves. Fabtastic!
Shannon says
So very happy for you both!!!! I’ve been following for quite some time, 2+ years…you were the first of my “blog obsessions” and still my fave. It’s so great to see how far you’ve come. Only the best for you both and that sweet baby girl!!
Heather W says
Love all the updates! Especially love the LIFE header and blogs.
Melanie @ Mailbox Journey says
The new look is fantastic!
Colleen says
I read your posts religiously but have never really commented until now. I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the new site! I don’t really like change much either, but I love new style! I especially love, love, love the life section – seeing the “everyday life” videos really brings home how down-to-earth you guys are.
Katherine says
Love the background and color changes (gray will always have a place in my heart!), though I gotta say, I’m missing the high-contrast bold color from the previous banner. While the new top banner is cool (and adorable, I might add), I think it could use a bit more bold color, a la Sue the Napkin!
Awesome job, though–you guys clearly worked hard on it, and the new navigation features are fabulous.
Centsational Girl says
Wow, looks amazing guys!! LOVE the new header and wallpaper, and that subtle use of trademark “YHL” hearts to create the design, fantastic!!! Thanks for the shout out too! Your site was always so reader and navigation friendly, but kudos to improving something already great!
Bravo friends!
xoxo
Kate
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kate. Your blog is awesomesauce. Thanks as always for the inspiration!
xo,
s
Misty says
Love it! I thought I had gone to the wrong website at first, then I started looking around. I must say…It feels like home! I love that your incorporated all the things you love the most. It’s a breath of fresh air and very homey. <3
Liz says
LOVE the new font!! The colors are great and keeping the original heart in the background is awesome. I know a trick to get rid of the little smiley face at the bottom of the page (to the right of the HOME ABOUT… links) if you’re interested!
YoungHouseLove says
We love that little guy! Haha. So funny there’s a trick though…
xo,
s
Yocheved says
Just FYI, I can also only see the beautiful turquoise box……thought it was House or Turquoise for a second there! Maybe i’ll be able to see it at home, thought nothing at work is usually blocked. Love the new colors so far!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry for the trouble! Here’s hoping we figure it out soon!
xo,
s
Marianne says
Love your new layout. Uhm, the layout of your site of course. Love the background LOL What software did you use to make it?
There is only one thing….
I had to scroll all the way down to the “leave a reply” box. Maybe it is a good idea to put the box right after your post en before all comments.
Just a thought that crossed my mind while scrolling down ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! We’ve tried to move that comment box up a million times but just can’t get it to work! Someday, hopefully! As for what software we use, we use wordpress.org with wpremix as our template. Coding is pretty much trial and error (and we use Photoshop to create many of the graphics/buttons/the background. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
kelsy says
what, no ORB in that header ;) hee hee
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, I should have just ORBed the dog treat or the magnet or something. Haha.
xo,
s
Sandra Dögg says
Great job, it looks amazing!
I wonder if you have noticed that all the YHL hearts in the background also kind of look like a bunch of four leaf clovers :)
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh, for luck. Never noticed but I love it!
xo,
s
Becky says
It’s nice but I prefer the old set up. I’ll still read though – only an neon orange and baby pink color scheme could tear me away!
Elizabeth says
Random note, I noticed that if you hover over your gravatar it still says thisyounghouse!
YoungHouseLove says
Weirddddd! Thanks for the tip.
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I L O V E the new look of the site! You guys are such an inspiration to fellow home re-doers like my self!
Caitlin says
I love the new look and feel, it is light, airy (as airy can be through a monitor) and fresh! Have you ever thought about writing a blogging/website post? I recently started my own blog (in April) and love to hear about what you have learned!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve actually decided to write a post or two about it during our blogiversary since so many folks have requested one. Our crazy trial and error method isn’t exactly professional, but we’d love to share some tips!
xo,
s
Barbara says
I noticed it right away too! It looks great! Your hard work has really made it so nice! Great job!
Haley says
Love the new layout and look. The only thing that the lime green header can make white text a little harder to read especially if the resolution on a computer is a little off. I slightly darker or more saturated green might help, but it tis a little thing. Love the new look!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Haley! We’re learning that certain colors read so differently on different monitors- so we’re definitely planning to tweak a few things!
xo,
s
Haley says
Oh, also it would be nice to have a subscribe to replies option when commenting since the number of comments has increased. When you get to it, between feedings, projects, meetings, life. :)
YoungHouseLove says
We would love to add that! We have done it before and it crashes our site every time. Someday we’ll figure it out and have a dance party to celebrate!
xo,
s
Haley says
Oooo….. I love dance parties!
marissa says
pleasant and refreshing update :) the graphic “YHL” heart pattern is pretty darn nifty. can’t wait to take a new look around.
Rachei says
Love the look:) Also I am so happy that you guys are okay and made it safely through the hurricane:)
Jamie M says
Love it!
Bethany says
Love it. Love. It. Well done.
Amanda S. says
I love it!! It looks happy and bright. I especially love your background you made out of your heart logo – perfect!!
Alison says
Wow it looks great. I’m sure it would take me months too and my blog is not even close to being as incredible and involved as yours. I can’t wait to explore it!
Kristin says
I absolutely love the design changes and your blog! You guys are such an inspiration for me as a new homeowner and a new blogger. Keep up the amazing work!
iwannabeKATE! says
Wowza, YHL is looking lovely! Would a wolf whistle be appropriate…?
ClaraSis/BurgerBro pic in the header is a real winner – such lookers!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- the wolf whistle thing made me snort.
xo,
s
Michele says
Love the new look! Especially the “grellow” and teal color scheme.
Susan says
Love it!
I just had a thought, though, you guys are pretty big now–you know, you post a new gallery and crash Pinterest. Do you think your repeated site crashes contributed in any way to the freak East Coast earthquake? ;)
Also, I only started regularly reading your blog late last fall and I’ve been slowly reading through the archives while nursing my baby since about February. I do a lot of nursing. And I just finished yesterday. You’ve had a busy few years!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I’m not sure we can be blamed for the earthquake- although it did originate pretty close to home. If anything I’d blame Burger. He was acting pretty odd before it happened- must have been an inside chihuahua job.
xo,
s
Tiffany @ The Nest Effect says
Love it all! Looks amazing!
Relevant Notes says
Love, love, LOVE it!
Susie says
Love it!!! I was just explaining to my husband last night why I love your blog so much. I visit many a day, but I’m always most excited and feel the best when I look at yours – must release some oxytocin or something! I told him I think it’s because you guys keep it fresh, simple, funny, and how you instill confidence – I really feel like I can do the things you guys do. You’re not “show-offy” or annoying in any way. hahaha, keep it up! Great job : )
Lindsay says
WOW! You guys work your tails off!! The new features are awesome and the page looks fantastic. Well done :)
Michelle says
Took me all of 5 minutes to get used to the new design. Not going to lie, my first thought was “why change something so good?” Well, this is SO MUCH BETTER, I love it! I really love the Life banner too! Good thing you found the “c” :) Awesome job guys, makes me want to explore everything all over again!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Michelle! I ran all over the house looking for little objects and that grellow C was too perfect not to use. I also wanted to use a bean and a hamburger (for “the kids”) but John said that was too messy/weird. Haha. So dog treat and c-block it was!
xo,
s
Christina says
Love the new look. My favorite part- the rhino. I giggled when I saw it because of Sherry’s addiction to white ceramic animals. I’m such a dork because when I’m out shopping and see one, I always wonder if Sherry has that particular one already. I think that if Sherry had the Spelling mansion as her abode, instead of a doll room like Candy Spelling had, I think she’d have a ceramic animal room. In any case- loved the old look but really love the new one. Looks fun and fresh and suits you :)
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
what a HUGE change! I’m totally digging the boldness of the header and the dedicated heart background- nice homage! The header has tons going on, but that is really perfect because you guys have tons going on… it’s Petersik Perfect! ;) LOL
LOVE the new layouts of the sidebars too!
cjw says
I actually am in the middle of reading all the archives! I’m currently up to July 30, 2009: The Grass Is Always Greener Freebie Winner!
It’s a trek, but an enjoyable one!
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow, you’re in 2009! You’ve come a long way!
xo,
s
Kristen says
When I found YHL, it was right before Clara was born, and I would swap back and forth between archives and the new posts to see if “the bean” had arrived yet! It took me about six months to read everything, and I still love to browse on occasion – so the new “Fav Posts” sidebar is awesomesauce!
Sherry & John – it says a lot about your writing skills and style that people don’t mind re-reading posts or browsing the archives. I’ve read some posts (the old house’s kitchen reveal) four or five times! You guys are awesome at what you do!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Kristen! It’s always funny to read old posts because we’re shocked at how little we explain. Now we just drone on and on. Haha.
xo,
s
Martha says
AH! I love the new site :-) The colors are so fresh and remind me of spring.
Kacie says
WOW! It looks fantastic. It’s so much cleaner and easier to get a sense of what you guys are all about!
I just redid my whole blog too and it was a big undertaking. Congrats!
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.com/
megan says
LOVE it! I was just thinking yesterday that you guys should change up your design! Looks awesome!
Jessica says
LOVE IT!!! I especially love the background!
mp says
YAY!!! I love it!
Mai says
The new design is awesome! Love it.
Cory says
Great new look – my wife just recently said “why don’t we blog about our new apartment projects like that ‘house love whatever’ thing you’re always talking about.” I may just need to lock in the domain name today. Is the “Young House Life” bit a totally separate deal or does WordPress have a magic “I sometimes want to write about other things” add-on?
YoungHouseLove says
We had to create another site (sort of like we did to make the mood board and inspiration photo galleries). It can take some time, but it’s really nice to have things separate like that so not everything shows up on the same feed (only folks who want to see Young House Life stuff will see it by clicking over there or subscribing over there, so it won’t pop up between every normal YHL post). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
JoAnna says
Love the new look. The section Young House Life just makes it so much better. I LOVE that section! The colors just makes it seem much more bright and fun. I seriously am looking at your blog every single day! Every time I read a post, I can’t wait till you guys post another. It’s like a new obsession! Keep up the good work! :)
Maren says
It totally doesn’t take a whole year to read every single one of your posts…I just did (is that creepy?) and it “only” took five or so months (of only reading during 3x daily pumping sessions…again, tmi?) Thanks for keeping me company!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love it. That’s dedication.
xo,
s
Monique says
Love the new look!
Kiki says
Love the new look! I’m a huge fan of grey and the new look definitely says 2011. I really love the header and the fact that you guys DIY blog design,too! I think I’ll be perusing your blog a lot longer today (and on the Young House Life page as well!).
Stephanie says
Hey John,
Amazing redesign! I love that you pulled in the grellow on the site. :)
I wanted to suggest one additional update: that you add a “Scroll to Top” button (as seen on Pintrest). I love all of the photos you use, but think it would be awesome to jump back to the top after reaching the end of a post!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion! That would be awesome and we’d both use it all the time. So smart. Here’s hoping we can figure it out!
xo,
s