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!!
maggie says
Damn I hate break-ups! How will I ever know how to do anything around my house now??
Everyone has to live their own life, though. Best of luck to you all in the future. Thanks for all of the DIY inspiration and for sharing so much with us! <3
Larissa says
So excited for you, Petersiks! Thank you for everything!
martinpierceblog says
So weird..I just happened to check facebook for the first time in a very long time and there was this updated post from you. I will say that I never thought I would actually “miss” your daily posts but I found myself wondering what you were up to. I think people get upset because it is kind of like a friend saying you are no longer important to me and I am moving on. Your risk of course, is that when you are ready to return all of those fans may have grown up also and moved on as well but I do admire your willingness to take on that risk. I have a sneaky feeling, though, that you do know a little about what the future holds and that we will see you again in some format in the design world. Until then, consider this unsolicited motherly advice from someone much older than you, enjoy those babies and do what you feel is right for your family regardless of any criticism you receive. Good luck!
Heidi says
You will be missed. A lot. Thank you for sharing these years with us and I look forward to reading and rereading both of your books. Just so you know, I think there would also be interest in a book of the blog archives in the event the website ever fades away and we need our reference library of both inspiration and technical know-how. Thanks again for everything – time of our lives indeed!
Carlie (formerly OMG_YHL) says
Way back in 2009, when you guys changed your blog name, I changed my commenting username (from OMG_TOH to OMG_YHL) to reflect the update. You emailed me, completely out of the blue, just to say how much you enjoyed my new username (Also, not to make this awkward or anything, but you told me you loved me. No biggie.). It just reinforced the fact I already knew: you love your readers. You appreciate your readers, even if they are silly 17-year old girls (as I was back then) writing silly comments. I will miss you guys greatly! Please keep in touch–a yearly blog post, perhaps? Or simply periodic social media updates.
And if it wasn’t already obvious, I love you back.
Lesley E. says
I miss y’all and am totally bummed. You are a beautiful family and I am going to miss seeing you all grow and continue fixing your house. I am sure you guys felt like you were living in “The Truman Show” lately and it is probably hard to live so visible. So, I completely understand. Let me just tell you that your blog is one of the best ones out here on the www. You did it right. Great combination of fun, family, fixing, and love. Your wit was perfect and I totally enjoyed that about you. One day we would love to see how the house progresses so I look forward to that day if it comes.
So… Are either one of you guys going to be heading back to the 9-5? Starting your own business?
Char says
I can’t help but wonder how long it will take me to stop typing younghouselove.com into the web address box. It’s like a reflex now. Cheers to new adventures though!
Jerri says
I have been following your family since the wedding post. I will really miss watching Clara (and now Teddy) grow and seeing how the two of you transform a room. Your befores and afters are no match to anyone, in my opinion. Simply amazing. I wish you happiness and success in your new adventures. I’m going to go cry now.
Ann says
So, so, so sad to read this. I was hoping you would post maybe once a week, or once a month, just to keep all of your followers in the loop :( There will be a big void in the blogging community for a long time. You will be missed.
chesley says
Good luck, Petersiks! I miss you already. And I’ll miss your energy, perfectionism, ceramic animals, Rustoleum, cute kids (Teddy looks so much like John, btw), Eminem stories, and ideas. Y’all are awesome and it’s been fun to follow along. Thanks a million!
Amanda says
I’m going to miss you guys so much. I told my husband it felt like I’ve been broken up with ;) Thank you for everything you’ve done over the past 7 years. I wish you all the best. Have so much fun with this next chapter and with your adorable kids!
rachael says
What? Thats it? That’s all? This is so abrupt. We’re not even going to know what you guys are going to be doing? Did John get a job? How big is Teddy? What will the dining room look like? This is awful. This is the best freaken blog on the internet and….I’m pissed. F*** those people that set this in motion, write for me! Write for the people who actually love you! I’m probably gonna buy your next book but I’m gonna do it begrudgingly. And I probably won’t come to any book signings you have because it will be like seeing an ex-boyfriend who dumped you on text message. I probably won’t be as mad tomorrow but I’m super upset right now. Good luck with everything.
rachael says
Ok, I’m so glad you guys updated the post at the bottom. I’m not mad anymore (not like anyone should care anyways) but I am still sad! The original post seemed so void of any emotions or feeling, it felt like a big “Thanks and nice knowin ya” and the update was the feelings and information I was hoping to see in a good bye from you two.
Anyways, thanks for all the inspiration over the years and I wish you two so much love and peace for your future. Hope to see you around.
Katie G says
Obviously you should do what is best for you and your family, and I am happy you feel like you’ve made that decision with some clarity, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t secretly hoping this was a April Fools joke in October. I will miss this blog so much, but I hope you find something even more satisfying and fulfilling out there!
Meredith Jones says
I have tears welling in my eyes sitting here at my desk at work. I feel like everyone else seems to feel, like I’ve lost a dear friend! I’ve read your blog for so long, I don’t know what to do now! I always saved your blog to read last, you know… best for last? I wish you so much happiness and luck in your future endeavors, I truly hope you’ll check back in somehow once in awhile. I’ll miss watching your babes grow up and seeing all your super fun projects. SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH
Courtney says
Saaaddd! I was so hoping to see you finish the rest of your house and all the phase 2’s!!!! Good luck with everything!
Lisa S says
I was actually surprised to see a post this morning and I’m so glad that you gained that clarity you were hoping for over your break. And good for you guys for keeping the details of your much deserved break to yourselves! I have loved you and I will miss you but by the end of this post I was just smiling. Cheers to new adventures and peace within your hearts! Well done, guys. Thank you for all of it.
Line says
Aaaaaaw, I hoped that you would come back full steam, but I do have respect for you new life decision.
I find that “You should do what YOU want to and not what everyone else think you should do” :)
I have been so inspired by your work and when we do get out of our apartment and into a house, I know where to find tips and inspiration.
Enjoy your home, children, families and new adventures.
Love,
Line – who is still selfishly sad to see you go :)
Brenda A. says
I’m a a bit late to the YHL party but have enjoyed reading your blog. I like that you write about your thought process, planning, step by step help, and that you’re not above ‘rescuing’ a road-side treasure for your use. Your home looks lovely and functional.
I was pleased to see your post in my FB newsfeed (Oh, good; they’re back!) Then I read it and was a bit saddened. But this is your life (and your adventure) and I applaud you for living it. For first-timers at many things – you’ve done it well. And now you are the seasoned pros and you’ll tackle your next adventure with the same aplomb.
All the best to you and your family.
Jeanna says
I actually yelled “They’re Back!”……………… and then whomp, whomp………………Yours is the only blog that I couldn’t wait to read every day. I was hoping the step back would leave you feeling refreshed and ready to charge back in, and I feel so very sad that you are leaving. I will now try to be the adult, and say that I wish you all the very best in life, and I hope you and your sweet family benefit in all the best ways from this new direction you are taking. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Christina says
Wow… I think my heart just broke a little… I know that sounds ridiculously dramatic, but it’s true. I literally have tears in my eyes. Obviously this is me being selfish – 100%. This has been 1 of 2 blogs that I have followed religiously – every day – looking forward to reading and catching up with my old ‘friends’. That’s it – I know we aren’t real life friends, but it kind of counts.. right?! I’ve checked back every.single.day. since your last post – hoping, wishing, praying that you would be back. I can honestly say I did not expect this at all. I thought for sure you would be back — but probably in a different capacity, maybe one of you would be working outside the home full time and the other one would be blogging part-time… something. Let me also say – I totally respect you guys and your decision. You always have to do what makes you happy and what is right for you and your family. I get it. I don’t like it, but I get it. It’s going to take some time to mourn this one… I’ve tried finding new blogs to fill the void – not the same. I am very happy that you still have YHL ‘the brand’ and will be putting out product and the new book… can’t wait for the book. A whole year?! It’s going to be tough. I’ll end with – I 110% wish you all the best… an amazing life… and true happiness. Always choose happiness… <3 you guys! Hope to hear from you again one day :)
tashiadoyle says
I’m sooooo sad! You will be missed. Thanks for the inspiration. Wishing you all the best!
Mallory says
I’m so sad and will miss you terribly but you’ve given me such inspiration for my own home that I will forever appreciate. Enjoy this amazing time with your family, you deserve it!!!!!
Zeba says
I had no idea I could feel so emotional about losing a blog! I think it is because you guys are so much more than a blog. You made us all feel like you are our good friends, and we get to follow your adventures in DIY and decorating. I will miss this blog and your family a lot, but I wish you well in whatever you decide for your future. I used to follow a number of design blogs, but once I had my daughter and had less time, I only followed YHL. Now with my second baby, I have less time, but I remained faithful to your blog. You guys are really an inspiration for everyone, and your readers have come to care so much for you. I know you will continue to do great things and I hope you share some of it with us in the future. We will miss you. ;(
Katie says
You guys have great heads on your shoulders and will no doubt find a new path that will fulfill you. I’ve always enjoyed your blog and wish you nothing but the best as you close this chapter and begin a new one. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. You’re brave to do so and I’ve enjoyed being along for the ride!
Katie says
Totes heartbroken. You guys were the sherpas that guided me into DIY. We’ve been together for 3 years! Good luck on your new chapter in life. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the second book next year (cuz you know I’m gonna buy it). This is going to sound crazy but I’ve been dying to see what your full kitchen reno and your upstairs bonus room reno were going to look like.
Seriously, you 5 are the best and I hope you know how huge an impact & inspiration you are to thousands (conservatively) of people.
Asha says
Can’t wait for cameos in Katie Bowers’s blog ;) I feel as if we are besties although you never knew me.
Thanks for always being real, kind and inspiring as married couple, DIY-ers, parents and people in general.
All the very best!!
xo
ashlei says
Sad day.
Annelies says
And thanks for having updated Teddy’s project page ! He is adorable !
You have been really kind in not leaving us without nothing and I want to say as well that this post and the previous were perfectly written, they said all the right words, noting more or less was needed.
Continue to be amazing guys ! And hopefully we can see your family and house again one day.
Michelle says
I agree with everyone. Of course I’m happy for you, but I’m sad to see you go. I really, really hope you can at least show some updates on the progress in the house once in a while. Even if its just a few ‘after’ pics without all the detail of how you got there! Thank you for everything, and best of luck to you!
ryanres1 says
Gosh… I’m more devastated than I should probably admit! Thank you for this blog and sharing your family with us. It’s been my favorite since I found it. Please, please, please keep the blog archives available forever! You guys are my go-to resource for how to do stuff because your explanations are great and I can see how your projects have held up over time so I know it’s the right way to do it! Thank you for this and have a great time on your next adventure.
Andrea says
Guys, I found your blog the day before you took a break. Was so sad that I had missed all the fun. So I decided I would take that time and read your blog from the beginning. Yes all 1400+ pages. And I did. Just finished 2 days ago. I cannot speak from the point of view your long time readers do, BUT: how about post what you want to post, when you want to post it? This is YOUR blog and you can write what you want! Or even just post pictures! I would hit the publish button when you are done with a post, not this 10am on a Thursday stuff. Don’t let people (or even yourselves) dictate a certain schedule, just post when you finish one, maybe (I sound like I am telling you what to do, but I am just making a suggestion :) from the heart). Small posts, start to finish DIY posts, family life, you name it. It will appeal to someone. You may lose long time readers, but gain some fresh new ones just happy to be here (like ME!) Good luck guys. I really wish you the very best.
Leigh says
You will be very missed! I have loved your ideas and the inspiration you’ve provided. I’ve been reading and following along since way back before you became YHL. I am incredibly sad to see you go. I wish you guys the absolute best in your new adventures. I have loved being a part of the journey.
Alex says
Best of luck John and Sherry and crew :)
Eryn says
I am so devastated :( you are so inspirational! However, much luck to all of you–I’m certain you’ll find success in all you do. Thank you for leaving the blog up–I’ve already been reading to prepare for a move.
Emily says
Thank you so much for all of the inspiration, and you will be missed! I really appreciate that you’re keeping the blog archives open! I closed on my house last week, and I’m totally counting on all of your wisdom as I redo the place from top to bottom. Enjoy the new adventures!
Jeri says
My heart jumped for joy when I finally saw a new post, but now I’m sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes. Yours was the first blog I ever got into and there are no others with the same voice and relevancy for me. I know you gotta do what you gotta do, but you will be missed.
Amy S says
Congratulations on creating and sustaining a wildly successful blog and on your many accomplishments, not the least of which is your commitment to each other and your children. I will miss your blog, but I am truly happy for you to regain some sense of normalcy and ease in your lives. Thanks for everything, and very best wishes with whatever lies ahead!
Kiley says
Sad doesn’t even describe how i’m feeling:( My favorite part of your blog has been watching Clara grow along with my 4 year old son, and was looking forward to doing the same with Teddy and my 8 month old baby boy. I will miss your family, but i wish you love and happiness in whatever you do. Thanks for working so hard and for sharing your lives with all of us! See you at the next book signing… hopefully:) I love you guys!!!!
Christy says
Being a ridiculously private person, I can’t imagine how difficult it was to share your personal lives for so long, but I, like so many others, are certainly glad you did. We all help the world in different ways, some of us in big ways and some of us in little ways. I hope that you walk away from this experience with the realization that you have helped so many people in so many ways, from decorating advice to parenting support and solace. But for me, your blog was a moment each day that I took for myself — a small yet powerful, mindful,relaxing, guilt-free moment that many of us often deserve and yet rarely take. I’ll miss those moments of grabbing my cup of coffee in genuine excitement to read and laugh with the newest post. So while you have impacted my life in a small way, it has me thinking, aren’t the smallest gestures people make in your life sometimes the most powerful?
I can’t help but feel that you are leaving the blogging world a bit of bitterness and defeat. If that’s the case, I hope those feelings fade quickly and are replaced with the realization of what has truly occurred. How brave you have been! And through your bravery, countless people have been touched in positive ways.
Thank you for sharing with us for so long. My 10am cup of coffee won’t be quite as delicious tomorrow but I’m thankful for all the ones I did get to share with your blog. So without further ado, I raise my mug in honor of small gestures, the bravery in sharing, and brand new adventures! You did good. -Christy
Louisa says
Thank you for an amazing journey! All the best in the next great chapter. Life balance is worth the sacrifices we have to make along the way, and your children will thank you!
Jenny says
I support you in all your choices and decisions. I know how difficult a change of career can be. I really hope that you will continue to post even if it is only once in a while. I have always seen home design that I liked but I never knew how to achieve that myself. You guys have helped to teach that to me. All your design choices are spot on. Your blog has def made a huge impact on my life.
Best Wishes and Good Luck.
Angela in RVA says
Awwww, man, it’s a bummer, for sure, and I’ll miss seeing how you renovate and decorate your home. But, I am happy that you both are choosing to do what will make you and your family happy. As always, you are setting a great example for us and I can’t help but wish you many, many blessings!
Keena says
As with other people, I feel like I am losing a friend. Best of luck in life and future adventures! If I see you around Richmond maybe I will finally get the courage to say hi and let you know what an influence you have been! You will be missed, and October can’t come soon enough for book #2.
LoriPax says
Although I am sad to see you go — this is one of only a handful of blogs I read religiously, and you will be sorely missed — I wish you all the very best as you move on to your next adventure. I am immensely grateful for having had the chance to follow along for so long and for all the inspiration and practical information you provided as we’ve worked on our own house (at a faaaaaar more relaxed pace).
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Allison says
I am sad for me, but incredibly happy for you. New adventures seem to be a theme lately. Enjoy your family, and the new road ahead.
And yes, I also feel like I’m losing a friend, but that’s ok. I’ll get by. :)
Shanny Jean Maney says
I am so happy for you (and so sad for us)! I have loved reading every post since I first found you back in 2008. Your goofy posts, your earnest posts, your clever posts, your earnest posts–I’ve enjoyed them all. Thank you for sharing your lives with us for so long. You have been so gracious to share all of this, and while I’ll absolutely miss the daily updates on your lives and your home (I think I will die not knowing what you are going to end up doing with your kitchen. Seriously. I think it will kill me. Seriously. I am serious), I am so proud of you for knowing when the time is right to move on.
I just realized I was overwriting this because I will miss you all so much! Hugs to you, and best wishes in wherever life takes you next!
Kristen Brink says
I really hope I’ll be seeing you on Instagram! :)
Heather W says
So sad!! I feel like we are so invested in your new house and want to see how it will turn out etc. I would it if there was way to see how you update it still… Let us know if you are in a magazine etc. I think it would be nice to know what the future does hold for you all… Did John find a new job or you etc. Just to know what you all are up to. Hopefully we can still take a gander on instagram etc. I hope you do post again with those type of deets for us. Best of luck and best wishes….
Victoria says
I’m sad to see you go, as many others have commented as well. I’ve read your blog for the past 4 years and I love how you take something that’s old and outdated and make it beautiful. You have inspired me to look outside the box on many houses my husband and I have looked at buying. Please try and keep your blog up, if only as an archive of posts, because I often look back at your posts for my own ideas and (oddly enough) vacation suggestions! Good luck on your next adventure!
Alyssa says
I just read your post while sitting on the front porch of our very first house watching the moving guys pack up everything we own as our little family heads across country – I’ve followed your blog for the past five years, been inspired by y’all to try a few things around this home, and even dragged my husband to your Houston book signing. It’s another goodbye today I just wasn’t hoping for, but know with stark awareness, that’s part of the spice that makes life so flavorful! Best wishes & hopes for more amazingness to you, John & Sherry!!!!