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!!
Christine says
Congratulations! Life is short. Be proud of yourselves for putting your family first! Good luck with whatever you chose to do next!!
Sarah says
I’m so sorry to hear you won’t be coming back to the blog. Yours has been my favorite for more than two years and you’ve helped us so much during our own home renovations! That said, I can’t imagine the strain of sharing your personal life 24/7. I hope you both find some peace and happiness with whatever comes next!
Robyn H says
I am genuinely gutted! :( I’m really going to miss reading about you all.
Just…. so sad. :( Good luck for everything, I just wish there was a way of catching up with you to see what your next adventure is!
Gramacurrie says
Life is full of adventure and phases. We have gone through 37 years of “seasons”. Changing directions, giving up some things to be replaced with something else. God bless you as you continue on. ( ps. maybe an update on house projects once in awhile!;-))
Amy says
Absolutely thrilled for you, and grateful for the glimpse you allowed me into your sweet lives. I’ll miss your updates, but will continue to be inspired by all you have done! All my best to you for whatever is next!
Nicola says
Oh, I was so excited to see you had posted again, and now feel so sad :( i will miss you guys! I wish you all the best in your new ventures, and I hope that maybe one day, we’ll see you again in the internet bubble :)
Melissa says
love you guys forever. this is the equivalent of your black album (duck out while you’re on top) minus the releasing four more albums & going on a world tour with your pop superstar wife. although if one of you had a pop superstar wife, I don’t blame you for not wanting to blog anymore. okay, this got weird. just wanted to make my last comment a good one.
xx
Barb A. says
So bummed for selfish reasons but happy you’ve pur family first and excited for your new adventures. Prayers for you and your family.
Claire (from Brussels, Belgium, Europe :) ) says
Thank you for the inspiration, for making DIY look almost easy and for sharing so much with us! Thanks as well for updating the house tour and satisfying my willingness to know how the office curtains turned out, as well as discovering a few changes in other rooms. I will miss you, your style, your sense of humour and Clara’s conversations a lot. Thanks as well for updating the Teddy’s Photo Project, he’s grown up so much in a month! You guys were the only I was reading every day and I was so hoping to read you again on a regular basis, but I definitively understand and fully support your decision. Take care of you and of your sweet family, I hope to read you from time to time in the future :)
Brandi says
I certainly don’t blame you. The kids grow up so fast and luckily you are in a position where you can take this opportunity to spend more time with them. You have your priorities in the right place. Your decision sure has sparked a discussion among other blogs and news sites. I think a lot of people are feeling the same way you guys are feeling. It’ll be interesting to see what direction the blogs I’ve been reading for years take (almost all interior design blogs). Even with blogs slowing down content or stopping all together, there are more and more new blogs popping up to start where you left off. Maybe we’ll see a change, but maybe things will stay mostly the same, just with new little families anxious to start life and document for all to see. Good luck with everything. I’m sure we’ll be hearing from you in the future. Do you intend to tour for the second book? Will you do any promoting?
Julie says
I’m sad you guys are “leaving,” but it takes a lot of guts to know when to stop, and I respect you immensely for that. This is very cheesy and I am not a cheesy person, but I do want to say thanks for the inspiration. I started reading a few years before we bought our first house, and I can honestly say I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to buy a fixer-upper without you! You made me realize (much to my husband’s chagrin at times) that there was a lot we could do ourselves on a budget in order to create the house we wanted. Buying an ugly little run-down house during a housing slump ended up being one of the best decisions we’ve ever made, and now we have a beautiful home with a ton of equity – and I honestly do have you guys to thank. Best wishes, and I hope you find happiness in whatever you end up doing next.
Janice says
I have enjoyed reading your blog and seeing all the exciting new changes on your house. But I can understand that you found something else you want to do. I was looking at your pictures of your last house. You guys have did an amazing amount of work. And it looks so nice and fresh and clean. The colors you chose and the rooms look so much better than when you first started.
Best of luck to you both and those sweet babies.
Amy in PA says
You will be missed!!
Melanie P says
I hope you both continue to do something DIY and creative. I’d gladly still buy your books or products (or show houses!) even without a blog. I am incredibly sad to lose this part of my daily routine, but I really do wish you both the best of luck in your new adventure.
Rachel E says
Reading this was like getting news that a good friend is moving away. You know it is good for the other person, but it is still a little sad.
Good luck and thank you for inspiring me! Looking forward to book two next year!
Meredith says
You guys just made a very grown-up and professional decision that reflects your change and growth! As sad as it is, it’s totally the right decision. Your clarity shows that you have evolved from young carefree twenty somethings to an experienced business couple ready to evolve and move onto the next stage in life. Of course that change in tone is why you’re ready for the next chapter. But seriously, come back to visit sometimes, okay? I think everyone will need to reminisce about all of the awesome things you taught us from time to time.
And this doesn’t feel like the end of a novel to me, more like a DIY graduation for all of your readers!
Melissa T says
I’ll so miss seeing your projects and updates around the house. I hope you’ll post every once in a while when your new projects come out or to let us know if we can find you somewhere else. Best wishes. (I do hope you can keep the archives up indefinitely – I refer to them so often.)
Amands says
I practically teared up at this post! I’m SO sad to see you guys go and I’m going to have to fine a way to archive all the posts I’m going to need as we renovate our home. As sad as I am, I also totally get it. My husband and I are in a very similar situation in our lives and I 100% support you guys doing what’s best for your family. And, as hard as it is, for that reason I’m happy to see you go! Thanks for all the inspiration over the years!!! Love to your family from ours!
nikki says
You guys were such an inspiration to my diy projects. No other blog even comes close. I will truly miss the daily conversation w/ u (ur posts). I feel like my best friend is moving away. I know I’ll see u somewhere around again. Y’all are too awesome for a desk job. *sniffle*
Karen says
Well… that’s that, huh? Seems kind of abrupt and doesn’t really offer much to the fans who got you where you are. Good luck.
Aly says
They do not owe anyone anything for their success. We didn’t get them there, they did it themselves and they are now stepping down. Be thankful for the years of advice and inspiration they offered.
Jane says
Sounds generic, but best wishes in your future endeavors! I was always amazed at how much you were willing to share as a family in addition to the other content. Good for you for putting your priorities in order and recognizing what you need as a family! I will be scrambling to save off my fave projects somewhere. You were always one of the first blogs I read in the morning and I will miss your chipper tone and corny titles :)
On another note, that family photo is the most adorable one yet.
Kristen says
I’m sad to see you go! But I shall still be tuning into your blog for your archives for when I buy my first house soon! You both have proved to me that I can tackle things on my own if I just break them down into parts then its less intimidating. I wish you 5 the best and hopefully I’ll randomly see you have started to blog again in the future!
Kristen says
You guys will be very missed. I’m surprised it’s just ending so quickly, but everyone has to do what is best for their family!
Tiffini S. says
Wow. Well, that’s unexpected. I’ll miss the handy tips and your cool style. Been with this blog a long time, almost from the beginning, so it’s kinda like losing an old friend.
On the other hand, I just bought a 1970’s Colonial with amazing amounts of potential and almost no budget. Maybe I’ll jump into the blogosphere and see if I can’t earn a little dough help defray costs.
YAY! I get to be the new John and Sherry. But probably with more cussing and less references to bad 1990’s music.
Good luck, you crazy kids!
Tiff from Peoria, IL
woollab says
I have been with you from the first year…almost daily. Thank you for sharing your life with us! And all the best for the future. Please, keep us updated a little…like, once a month, huh?:)
And I am soooo happy to see Teddy’s photo project still going on!
Steph says
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I got a bit teary. Thank you for everything you have shared with us, I will miss you and your blog, and I wish your beautiful family all the best.
Erika says
The blog world is loosing a GREAT! I will miss your daily inspiration and honesty. Best of luck in the new adventure ahead. My blog feed will NEVER be the same.
Roma says
I have enjoyed your blog, but I think it’s great that you’re doing what’s best for your family.
Amanda says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don’t go!!! Okay, now that I got that out, I’m happy that you are happy and I wish you all of the best. You two are amazing and are destined for even more great things. I will be watching every step of the way. My house will surly be stuck in a rut now that I won’t be getting more great ideas from you, but I can live with that. Thank you for giving us so much. You helped me make my house a home, and you entertained me along the way. Good luck on your next adventure. You will be missed here.
Alyssa Jeffers says
Even though I understand, I’m still sad. I missed you guys this past month and was so hoping you’d come back feeling refreshed and ready to go! I even saw two monogrammed coffee cups at Target this morning (before I saw this post) one with a J and one with a P and John popped into my head. Wow! That sounds really weird now that I think about it!! Anyway….they were next to each other, out of alphabetical order and thought it must be a sign that you guys were coming back!! Well, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following along with is blog. Not just the decorating/redecorating posts but also with your family happenings. Obviously you will truly be missed. Take care and BEST of luck with all of your future endeavors.
Amy says
Dear John & Sherry,
I don’t know if you’ll read this among the sea of comments, but I’ve never commented before, but this looks to be my last chance. I just wanted to let you know that I stumbled across your blog back when it was still This Young House and I sincerely enjoyed following along on your DIY adventures. I haven’t really had time to read as much since sometime during House #2, but still checked in once in a while to see what kind of progress y’all had made.
I admit it makes me kind of sad to see you go. I feel like even with all the love you guys get from your readers, the criticism and endless snarking you’ve endured has cut deep. I can totally see why it must feel like no matter what you do, you’re letting someone down.
I’m very glad y’all are deciding to put your own well being first. I can’t begin to imagine the toll that balancing that the blog, side projects, and children has had your health and relationship. There comes a point where something has got to give, and I’m glad you’ve chosen your family above all else, because that’s really all we have at the end of the day.
So, thanks for sharing all you have with the world guys. I hope you leave the archives up for a long time to come because they can be a great resource for people on their own DIY journey.
I also live in Chesterfield, so maybe I’ll see y’all around:)
(Don’t worry, all you’ll get from me is a smile and a wave; I respect that old concept referred to as “privacy.”)
Take care guys, and good luck on your future endeavors!
Megan says
What a wonderful family you are! Thanks for all you have shared. We painted or kitchen cabinets with motivation and of course tips all along the way with you guys. I wish you the best in your new adventures-I have 3 boys under 7 and I know how much joy it brings to really focus on them and to sirens time together before they don’t want to! Best wishes and God bless!
bethanyb says
why do I feel like crying; and kind of like screaming “NO”! but alas, it is not my life or circumstances, I know you guys are doing what is best for your own family. You will be greatly missed old “friends”!
LM says
Oddly enough, when you posted your ‘Feeeelings’ last month, I had a very strong feeling that in your own way, you were preparing everyone (maybe even yourselves), for your decision to say goodbye — even if it isn’t necessarily forever. Sort of like a ‘soft exit,’ if you will. And I, for one, commend you for it.
Let me explain… Your blog has been one that I’ve checked on the daily even since I came across it about 5+ years ago. I loved it so much that I even spent hours backtracking through posts to make sure I got to see + read all of your incredible DIY progress from the beginning. I’ve truly enjoyed every aspect of your blog, from family news and the more personal posts to your house projects, shopping trips, and everything in between. And I will miss reading your words and seeing your photos immensely. You’ve both been true inspirations, because even if I haven’t tackled a fraction of the home projects you both have, I’ve been so energized to step that much further out of my comfort zone, even if sometimes it has resulted in a big fat failure. Which I learn from, tweak, and try again. So thank you so much for your openness, generosity, integrity, and total zest for life.
But… every single life goes through phases, and every individual (and family!) needs to move in the direction that suits it best. You’re ready to start your next chapter — whatever it may be — and I hope it’s the greatest and most fulfilling road for each of you and your family. And as someone who is in the midst of retooling her own {major omg terrifying but so dang exciting} life change, I wish you the very very best in everything.
Elisa says
Best wishes to you guys! New adventures await…enjoy every second! :)
Amanda says
NOOOOOOOOOO! Don’t go! Okay now that I got that out of the way, I’m happy that you are happy. I’m going to miss you here, but you two are amazing, and I’m sure that you have even more greatness in your future. My house will surely be stuck in a rut now that I won’t be getting great ideas from you guys, but I can live with that. You helped me make my house a home, and I will forever be grateful. Best of luck on your next adventure! I miss you already.
Andrea B says
You guys are wonderful, and just like that other poster, I’m selfishly bummed. You were the source of a lot of my inspiration, and I fell in love with your precious little family. I’m happy that you’re blazing new trails and making yourselves happy, which is all that really matters, but you will most definitely be missed! I hope you’ll give us updates on yourselves every once in a while because we care about you as much as you care about us :) Best of luck in everything you do!
Kat says
Bravo John and Sherry! I wish you the very best on your new adventure. I’ve enjoyed following your blog since house 1. YHL has been a mid-morning work break for me for years, and I thank you for that! Best wishes to you and your family and I hope you find something new that you love!
KimberlyJ says
Have definitely missed your posts and blog but totally support your decision. The updated family photo is great, and the baby is getting so big…and his eyes! Ju
Joy says
I know the number 7 is important to you…here’s another 7 to celebrate- 7 years of an amazing blog, an amazing family, an amazing adventure. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
harsha says
Your blog was my entryway into the world of diy … you guys have changed the way i look at things.. hope you continue to make magic in whatever you choose to do
Gina says
I have been thinking about you the past few days and was wondering when a month would be over. While I am certainly happy for you and your family for clarity and what to do next I am sad at the same time. It is strange how over time reading someone’s blog makes you feel like you truly know them. Haha, creepy, I know! ;) But I do feel like I “know” you and will miss your blog posts!! Hope you’ll still be on instagram so I can look in occasionally. May you have much success and peace in your lives!! God Bless!! :)
Katie B. says
I crying! I crying! (To mimic my 20-month-old daughter.)
Sad day, America.
But I can’t wait to see what’s next!!! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put into this blog and into creating a fun, uplifting, and inspiring place for people to enjoy for so long. See ya later!
maryannroebuck says
Like others have already said, this post made me cry a little and you’ll be missed. But, as always, I’m impressed with your honesty and your levelheadedness. I think brave life decisions, especially ones that prioritize life balance, are challenging but so worthwhile. I wish you all the very very very best.
Rosie S says
Best of luck with all that the future brings! I will miss your blog, but will look forward to the book and any other projects! Thank you!!
Amy says
I have read your blog for so many years and have never commented before. You will be greatly missed, but after so many years and so many loyal followers it would have been great to know a little bit about what you will be pursuing (more traditional jobs, Sher/john staying home, more design work, etc.) it is like a book without an ending :(
Kaylin (@theleastshrew) says
Wow, say goodbye to book sales for that 2nd book… seems like a strange decision at this point in time. Oh well, sad to see this blog go, one of my favorites!
Ryan says
I think this is a great decision. I’ve loved being along for the ride through the years, so it’s a bit of a bummer, but love that you’re brave enough to admit when something needs to be tweaked.
However, since we’re practically internet besties, I feel like should just leave this here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eocCPDxKq1o
Take care guys.
Jayne from Australia says
Thank you for all your hard work over the years so I could enjoy reading your blog, I wish you guys every happiness in the world! Whatever you choose to do in the future I know you will have fun and succeed. You should feel extremely proud of yourselves, good luck in the future! Xj
Katie K says
I’ve been following since House #1 and this is my first time commenting. I have been in awe of your creativity and zest for living. You both bring your game face for every adventure–from parenting to renovation to home decor–and you’ve inspired me to try new things and have faith in my vision and skills. Thank you for sharing your humor, honesty, and love of hip hop–and for taking us along on your journey. The blog-o-sphere can feel corporate-y and your voices and thoughts were original and honest. Good luck and I hope that you feel the love that everyone so clearly has for you and your family!