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!!
Good luck with everything! Most new adventures don’t last 80 months, so you already beat the odds on that. Best wishes to you and your family.
It’s true! 80 months is amazing! We always enjoyed reading and commenting your blog and will definitely miss it. Good luck and great success with whatever your next adventure turns out to be!
I totally agree with Starr! You have shared more than we should have asked for! So happy for your new adventure!
Couldn’t agree more!
Congrats on the amazing (and totally one-of-a-kind) adventure that you have lived through.
I am not alone in saying that I will miss you times 100 (that’s totally weird, but true!).
You’re the best. Here’s to your next adventure being even bolder & more fulfilling!
Totally agree – devastated you’ve made this choice but I understand and respect why! Good luck for the future and may each day be better than the one before… You guys introduced me to the world of blogging – thanks so much for that too! Hugs and kisses to you both and your two kids… X
So sad for us, but so happy for you! I will miss you guys… but perhaps this is a move that the rest of us should reflect on. I know I find myself struggling with my life path and career choices as they aren’t truly aligning with where I’m at right now. I’m not as brave as you guys are yet, but you’ve inspired me to take action and move towards what I want…however unknown and risky it seems. Thanks for that and thanks for letting us grow along with you. xoxo.
can someone please explain whats happening! Are they just leaving us or coming back? Did they give up? Im not understanding the whole post.
I was so hopeful when I realised it was 10am and the 9th… Welcome, welcome, pull up a chair and tell me all about it! Oh wait, you did. I should read the post first.
I missed you!
Selfishly bummed, but grateful to have been inspired.
This comment encapsulates my feelings completely. So.sad.
Yep, this puts it perfectly. Best of luck in life, Petersiks! The world is lucky to have you.
Agree! Obviously, family and life comes first, but I’m so sad! And totally bummed I won’t get to see the rest of the house!
Agreed, in that I’m feeling very selfish about this. But I also understand the exponential increase in time required and pressure experienced when one goes from one child to two children (plus life and work and so much more). Sometimes a person needs a fresh start. I hope you both continue to find an outlet to express your creativity. And if you one day share that with the masses, well then we will be better for it, I’m sure.
100% agree, and I hope the archives stay alive to continue to inspire and guide others even after the new posts have dust on them. Best wishes, you will be sorely missed.
Exactly!! Have loved seeing all you have created and watching your beautiful family grow over the years. Excited for your new adventures – wishing you all the best!
Why does it feel like I lost a friend :( (But totally understand why.. but I don’t have to like it) Good luck guys!
Amen! Thanks, Petersiks, for everything, and best wishes on your next adventure!
Indeed. I am so sad that there will be nothing further here, but glad that you are doing what is right for your family, and thrilled to have been along for this part of your ride. Thank you for showing me that everyday people can be creative, crafty, can rip down wallpaper / upholster furniture / make decorating disasters but then laugh and do it again, better. Thank you for your honesty, your time, and your love. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give the babies a squeeze for us!
Couldn’t have expressed it better. Best wishes on your next challenge.
Yes, this! Very bummed, but happy for you guys to be moving forward in life. :) I really am going to miss you guys though!!
totally agree. i feel the same way. going to miss you guys!
Agreed. Thanks, guys, for getting me into DIY!
Me, too! Wishing you the best and bummed to the max all at the same time!
Ditto. :(
Same here! So sad to know that I won’t get to see the rest of the changes in your home! But happy to have been able to get to learn from you guys over the last several years. Are you guys still planning on keeping your Instagram account? I would love to see little bits of projects y’all do in the future on there or even just to follow along on other career adventures (updates on collections and the next book and such).
Love to your family and best wishes for your future!
Exactly my sentiments. I will miss your daily inspiration; your home, family and life. Wishing you a wonderful life of raising those two beautiful children who are fortunate to have parents who know how and when to set boundaries.
I feel the same exact way!! thanks for summarizing it the best!!
good luck John and Sherry in whatever awaits!!
Agreed…
Amen! Thank you so much for all the guidance and help – and all the best wishes for whatever adventures come next!
Agree 100%! Thank you so much for the inspiration! Your blog was definitely a bright spot in my day. I’ll miss you guys!!! Best of luck in your new adventures! Hope you find your way back to the blogosphere!
Agree with this completely! Selfishly bummed because you guys are my favorite bloggers ever, but respect that you are doing what’s right for you and your family. Best of luck!
totally agree!
100% agree! It’s odd how as a stranger I can feel so connected and inspired by you guys, but I’m just really thankful and happy for your family. THIS decision is just as inspiring as any ceramic animal or paint chip or sewing adventure or photoshop plan that you’ve shared :) THANK YOU and rest well with your decision! You’ll be missed!!!
My feelings also.
Couldn’t have said it better. Wishing you all nothing but the absolute best!
Exactly my feelings. Totally feel like I’m losing a friend and am so so sad to see you go. But I understand and wish you all the best!
I totally agree, too! I’m super (selfishly) bummed to not be “seeing” you guys so often, but I also know how priorities and life circumstances change, and I’m really excited and proud of you guys for doing what you know is right. I’ll be waiting very excitedly for your next book! (and maybe even a chance to meet you on a book tour?) I’m sure this is not the last we’ll all see of you, and I wish you all nothing but health, happiness, and success in whatever the next adventure brings!
Couldn’t agree more.. I don’t mean to sound stalkerish Petersiks, but any chance we can have an update every now and then on how the you and the children are doing? Strange how following along on your journeys has made you feel like distant family. I wish you all the best for the future. I am forever thankful for the many days you brightened! :)
Man, seonded, thirded, and then some.
You said it perfectly. We will welcome you back with arms wide open should you ever return to blogland.
Yep, genuinely sad and bummed and a tear shed. Ever since my aunt/now good friend first shared your site with me, it’s been one of my favourite blogs ever! And I read quite a lot… She even ordered your book and sent it to me in Japan as a gift. Our love for your work is serious, yo! But I have sensed the decline in passion and I would definitely rather you finish up than keep trying to eke out any last dregs of energy. I pray you guys feel much more at peace now, and enjoy your new-found freedom!
Yes, exactly! Thanks, Petersiks, for the inspiration, the “friendship,” everything. And best of luck on your new adventures!
100% agree. And with Susan in Colorado, too. All the best, Petersiks! <3
That sentiment is right on. Thanks for the inspiration you have been to someone who doesn’t have the natural talent for diy. You will be missed!
This is exactly what I was thinking!! I am so grateful to have been along for your journey for all these years! Good luck with your future adventures!! And thank you for sharing your lives and your talent with us!!
This short & perfect comment portrays what I’m sure most of your loyal followers are feeling. (But I’ll add, I hope you won’t be weirded out if I see you around town and am still ‘star struck’!! ; > )
I stumbled upon your blog last year and fell in love with your ideas and dedication! The quality and honesty of your posts made me want and feel like I was ready to have a home myself, and just 5 months later we moved in a beautiful home. Your tips and tricks have given me so many ideas that are doable and no longer daunting. We are just starting renovations here and there and will definitely miss you guys! Plus the Clara posts always entertained me :) I hope we will see a glimmer of your family once in a while because we have all gotten to know you and will miss seeing the kiddos grow and the house transform. Good luck wherever you end up!
saaaame here. BEYOND weird to be so attached to a blog – but that’s it. you guys are that good – but this is totally the right call for you rather than plowing on with your hearts not in it. I’ll selfishly leave a finger, toe, and or eyeball or two crossed that you’ll be back again (with inspiration and a this-is-right feeling) down the road though. so much love!
Agreed! I was really hoping this wouldn’t be your news. Wishing you the best and then some, and I think we’re all tremendously grateful for all you’ve shared over the years. But such sad news for us. :-( Good luck with the next adventures – I’m sure you’ll do amazing things!
This makes me so sad.
Me too!! I was on the verge of tears honestly.
I feel the same way. I was so happy, yay, new post! And then boom.
I teared up, which is crazy I am aware of this. We don’t know each other but I am going to miss you guys a lot. I wish you the best in life and thank you for being part of my day for the last few years.
Me too! I have missed their posts. I was always left with such motivation to make my home a better place.
very very sad…so few GOOD people in the public eye…we see so much horror on the news, in the world…you were adding to the universe to counteract that…very very sad
Ditto! *sigh*
Wow, that actually makes me feel really sad, and kinda weird that I’m not gonna know what you guys are up to (it’s like losing a friend!), but thanks so much for everything, and wishing your family the best in wherever life takes you, as I’ve always said, y’all are great people
agreed…it feels kind of silly, but it’s like a break-up or losing a friend! so sad. there will be a huge void in the DIY/decorating blogging world that i’m not sure anyone else can fill.
I agree! This is one of the only blogs that I followed religiously for the past 5 years. I’m definitely going to miss all of it!
I agree! It does feel like losing a friend. But of course I wish all of you all the best. And may your new adventure be even better than the last!
Totally feeling the same way… I’m so sad, and so grateful and so happy for you (but so sad, did I mention it?)
Wish you the best new adventures!
So sad, but realize that’s pretty selfish of me :(
Completely understand and get it – thank you for everything.
Gosh, why does it feel like I’m losing a friend. So weird, since we all never knew you :(
Best of luck, I’m sure whatever you do will work out just great! Take care guys~
Agreed!!! Why do I feel like I’m losing friends?? Reading YHL has been a part of my morning routine for years. Hoping your next adventure is as great for your family as your blog has been for me.
Agreed! I am a longtime reader and I just can’t believe it! No more 9am check-ins with my besties! I feel like I am breaking up with a good friend after many years of fun. You all have inspired me, and made homeownership easier. As a new mom though, I totally understand wanting to take more time with family and revaluate what is important. Enjoy your time together and wherever you all end up I hope it is filled with lots of love and happiness… and ceramic animals, of course!
Yes…exactly. Good luck with everything, Petersiks! Sad that typing “Y” in the URL bar won’t bring up younghouselove.com after a while, but wishing you the best. Thanks for the memories!
My feelings, exactly! Will you still update your Instagram? Would love to see how you all are doing!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE BACK!!!!! THIS WAS THE LONGEST MONTH!
I probably should have read the post first, right?
I almost did that too. And then when I started to comment I read other peoples and realized something wasn’t right…. :(
I totally understood and encouraged y’all decision to step away for the month…but I guess I never realized you might step away for good! I was hoping for a “Sherry Lifestyle Blog”! Oh well, the best to you! Hope to see pics of that sweet family on Insta!!!
Oh man, this is not what I was expecting! Thank you for everything, and best of luck to all of you with your new adventures!
Yikes. This feels like a super polite breakup. Your family and your blog are so well loved and have become such a quotidian part of our lives that we really feel like you’re our friends, that we have some relationship with you. So to end the relationship so abruptly leaves this big void that will be hard to fill. We want you to be happy and do what’s best for your family!! But it still hurts. Best wishes and blessing to you.
Woah…big news. I knew change was coming, but I wasn’t really expecting this. Wishing you and your family all the best as you embark on this new chapter in your lives.
Enjoy your new adventures and thank you SO very much for sharing your previous ones with us!
All the best to you and your family!
Best of luck for anything/everything that comes up in your future. I just had a dream about you guys last night (creepy?! perhaps! lol) and was wondering when we would hear from you again…I look forward to whatever you share with us in the future!
xoxo – Love from Canada
I too had a dream about them last night! Crazy. I didn’t realize it was exactly a month since they had been gone…a sign maybe?… I was so hopeful, but as i read each sentence, I realized it was another goodbye (see you later). I’m going to miss them so much.
I didn’t dream, but somehow I did think about them a lot today – and I live in Europe, so I woke up way earlier ;) And just by instinct I checked and… :( But totally understand it as a blogger myself.
Wait.. what?? NOOOOOOOOOOOO COME BAAAAAAAAAACCKKKKKK!!!!!
I have enjoyed following your family and updates and I am so happy for your next step!!! PS could Clara and Teddy be any cuter :)
All the best to your sweet little family. Will definitely miss you!
I have tears in my eyes. I’m glad this time has been good for you. I’ll miss your family so much and truly hope this isn’t the end of all of it, but I understand if it is. Best of luck to all 4 of you in all future endeavors.
Me too, I’m crying now. I want them to be a part of my life forever, but like my own kids moving out after they grow up –I must love them from afar. I need a new start too, and maybe this will inspire me to do just that. Good Luck Young ones, can a suggest possibly a monthly kids picture so we don’t miss them too much. xoxoxo
I guess I don’t really fully understand this. After seven years, just going away so abruptly. You have shared your lives for so long, and are now just shutting the world out. I am immensely sad. Best of luck to you.
That’s ok.
What a courageous move. Bravo, Petersiks! Thank you for the wonderful past 7 years, the diligence, the creativity, and the open arms you held for us to share in your lives.
An Old Irish blessing popped into my head:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I totally agree! I guess it’s not random bc people were (and the Petersiks, too) saying things were “off” lately, but it feels totally abrupt to me. It totally feels like a break-up. Yes, of course, we wish you the best and understand if you’re not happy, you’re not happy, but I have to admit there is an element of “What?!?! We’ve been together SEVEN YEARS!!!” And also, and this is terrible, but there is also an element of “We bought you that house with all of our page views and book purchases and then, that’s it- its over?!” I’m bummed and confused- and clearly really bad at being broken up with. :(
Katherine says:
October 9, 2014 at 11:52 am
And also, and this is terrible, but there is also an element of “We bought you that house with all of our page views and book purchases and then, that’s it- its over?!” I’m bummed and confused- and clearly really bad at being broken up with. :(
No, Katherine. THEY bought that house with the money they EARNED running a business. I will miss this blog and their family, but they owe me nothing.
Bravo, Stephanie. And thank you Sherry & John for the 80 months o’ fun. Happy trails!
Stephanie says:
No, Katherine. THEY bought that house with the money they EARNED running a business. I will miss this blog and their family, but they owe me nothing.
agreed, Jessica
Katherine says: “And also, and this is terrible…”
You’re right…that’s terrible. Which begs the question: why would you say something you know is terrible?
Can you imagine total strangers having thoughts like that about you – and having the gall to express them?
Yet another reason the Petersiks made the right decision.
Best of luck to your family and your next adventure!
You never regret making the choice that’s best for you and your family.
I hope you enjoy all the places your new paths lead to! I’ve only been following for a year or so, but your blog has brought a lot of happiness to my life. I wish all of you nothing but the best.
Rats. But, OK. Best wishes for whatever your future(s) hold. Thanks for sharing with us for so long.
I’ll be honest – this makes me want to cry! Good luck with all the new adventures! :-)
So sad to hear it….hope we’ll still here from you in the future and can’t wait to see where you go next!
So very very sad to read this today. Although I completely understand. I’ve read your blog for years and feel like I am losing a friend. Love you guys foreverrr and alwaaaays!!
EXACTLY!!!!!
Ditto!!
Best wishes in everything you do!
So sorry to see you go. What will you do for a living – go back to marketing?
I’m also curious for a brief update on where they go from a work/money earning capacity. Mainly like a good friend. Maybe a ‘Christmas card’ style post to update family and friends…
It certainly sounds like an end of an era, and you’d been such an inspiration for such interesting but also consistent postings. I’ve learnt so much from you, and I dream about Clara regularly (weird, but different from my colleagues who also recently feature). I can TOTALLY empathise, as my work has slowly sapped my blogging mojo :(
I feel like crying. But I’m glad for you guys to follow your heart and what’s best for you.
Love, Mary
P.S. John I still wear the shirt you drew red Christmas trees on at the book signing in Richmond, it’s my painting shirt ;)
So happy to have been on this journey with you. I do miss your posts and see sweet pictures of Clara and Teddy and of course Burger but I understand. You guys will always be my first blog loves and I wish you all the best in the whole wide world. Can’t wait for the second book and can’t wait to see what else you guys come up with! Best of luck!!!
Good luck and best wishes!!!
Selfishly, I am so sad to see you go. I was late to your blog (last year or so), but use it for inspiration on my house all the time. I also use it for local sources (am also in RIC). I totally get why you need a change, too, though, and applaud your decision and bravery. Change is hard, even when it’s the right time. Also, LOVE the Dirty Dancing reference. You had me at time of my life … ;-) All the best to you all!
Wow, I hate to see you go, but best of luck.
Wow. Bloggers really are dropping like flies. I thought the two of ou would be in it for the long haul. Sad to see you go. Good luck.
I will miss reading your blog and being part of your DIY adventure (5 years now for me), but to everything there is a season. Good luck with this next chapter in your lives/careers/marriage/parenthood!!!
You will be so missed! Good luck on your adventure…I feel like I’m losing a friend, but it’s all about perspective and I appreciate all the time, talent and love you have given me over the years. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
well darn! Was definitely hoping the spark would catch again for you as well! But, alas, change happens, right!?
I wish you well in all your endeavors and will definitely be picking up your book! A YEAR AWAY!? GAH!
Will you still be doing instagram and facebook?? Honestly, I was always more interested in what adventures y’all were up to and a tiny bit less interested in the DIY stuff (though that is also gold lol).
Good to hear from you though!!
Much love Petersiks =) you do you ;)
You guys were the highlight of my day, but wish you nothing but the best…..will really miss you.
A part of me loves that you are taking a chance and moving on. The other part of me is mourning like a 3 year old: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
I will so miss your words, you two. Take care!
You will be oh so missed! Please keep your blog up–your tutorials are a major help as we work on our home. Best of luck to your beautiful family! Thanks for sharing your lives!
I was so happy about your return…and now so sad.
Well done. Thank you very much. I wish all five of you the best.
I agree with another commentor – it’s like losing friends! So sad to see you go, but understand that focuses change and the need to grow. Wishing you all the best and hoping you decide to change your mind haha
Oh, will you still be updating your instagram account? Or is that done too?
noooooo, this was so not what i was hoping for. Guess i will have to go back and read your blog start to finish before that’s gone too. Wishing you and the fam jam the best of luck. you are truly and inspiration for me and my new house!
Sad sad sad for me, but happy for you guys if this is what you want. My daily routine has a big hole in it now, though!
Best of luck with what comes next, and I hope you’ll still find time to share a few pictures of your fam on Instagram or wherever! You’ll be very much missed. xo
Wishing you happiness and peace!
I will miss your updates greatly!! But am so happy for you guys. I hope and pray your next adventure is even better than this one has been for you. Thanks for sharing all of your expertise and inspiration. I met you both on your book tour in Chicago and it was like meeting celebrities! I was a bit star struck. I will continue to search your archives for as long as I can and cannot wait for book 2! Best of luck to you and your family!!
You all look so happy and refreshed! Glad that you are spending time as a family and stepping back, if that’s what’s right for you. We will definitely miss you all and really appreciate all that you’ve done over the years to help and inspire. Yours is truly the best blog out there. Shucks, I feel like I’m saying ‘good-bye’ to friends and neighbours that are moving away! :O( All the best in everything you do. You all deserve it! xo
That’s what I thought when I saw the picture too! I’m so sad you guys are going away from blogging (I’ve been following since before you announced your pregnancy with Clara, and already back then people on Apartment Therapy were calling you the Brad and Angelina of the home blogging world!) but I also completely respect your decision, and I hope you LOVE the next phrase in life!! Good luck!!!
Sobbbbbbbbbb :'(
Thank you for everything! Your chronicles of home DIY have helped countless people and I hope that the archives will still be available when my husband and I buy our first house next year (we do own your book but the videos are priceless!). I am also, as another commenter said, selfishly sad. You are such likeable, kind people and your presence on the Interwebz will be missed. All the best to you, Clara, Teddy, and Burger. I am looking forward to your next adventure!
I have missed you so! Thank you for being an inspiration and wishing you nothing but the best!
I was just thinking yesterday that surely you would be posting again soon! Sad you won’t be back.
You will be missed. Now what am I to do on my down time at work?!? lol I loved your ideas and have been following for years. I have also done many of the same projects you post. I purchased your items from Target! I can honestly say I loved coming on daily for inspiration and looked forward to what you did next. Good luck!
It’s taken me about 25 minutes for this to soak in. Eyes welled up… that feeling of losing your parents at the mall… that’s how I feel right now. I’ve been following you for five years. I’ve even been tempted to name my kids after your kids! I’ve always pictured you guys blogging in to your 80s. That’s how good you guys are. This is hands down the best DIY blog. I’ve never had to search for another one… until now. Any suggestions? I beg you to do annual or holiday posts just so we know you’re still doing okay. That would be great!! I’m sure I’m not alone on this. God bless you and your kids. Good luck on your house and in your future. Whatever you put your hands on – you will succeed. Now please excuse me while I go bury my head in a sofa pillow.