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Young House Love » Blogging » Twenty Favs of Twenty-Thirteen

| By John Petersik | December 31, 2013 | 189 Comments

Twenty Favs of Twenty-Thirteen

2013 has been quite the year. It began with a book tour, mid-pointed with us moving into a new house, and ended with us finding out that we have a baby boy on the way. And in between there have been lots of projects, announcements, transformations, and other good stuff. So we thought we’d make our last post of the year a look back at our 20 favorites – from makeovers to personal moments – of the last 12 months. We fell off the “monthly superlative” train somewhere around our move, so we’re well overdue for a little retrospective anyways (cue the slow jazz). So here we go, in no particular order…

RoundUp Grid

#1 – Refacing Our Old Fireplace: Perhaps one of the things we miss most about our old house is fireplace and its total facelift. We marble-tiled the surround (including our first stab at herringbone) and constructed, trimmed out, and painted a whole new surround. More on that here, here, here, and here.

FirePaint Detail Left Side

#2 – Clara’s Cheery Big Girl Room: I think we’d all vote that our favorite space in our new house is Clara’s room, where we’ve had fun with a soft pink ceiling, some chunky crown molding, colorful raindrops & a rose-colored door, no more crib, and a wall o’ fun.

RoundUp Big Girl Room

#3 – Our Much-Nicer-For-Now Graphic Bathroom: The stenciled subfloor in the sink nook off of our bedroom is SUCH an upgrade from the old worn carpeting that used to be there – and it was such a cheap solution. We’ve also ripped up that old carpeting, painted the walls/trim, hung a nice big window-ish mirror, and updated the vanity by adding shelves and new hardware along with refinishing it.

Bathroom After

#4 – The Pergola, Er, Cargola: The pergola we built on our carport (hence, the “cargola”) fulfilled our lifelong dream of having a pergola. Okay, maybe lifelong is a stretch, but having constructed it from scratch (even building those brackets) gives us quite the confidence boost for someday adding one above our double garage at this house. You can read about the entire process here and here.

Pergola After Side Angle

#5 – An Imperfectly Perfect Painted Pillow: It’s not what she initially envisioned, but we ended up loving the bleed-tastic outcome of this colorful painted pillow that Sherry stenciled using a metal screen and some sponged-on craft paint.

Grate Art4

#6 – Striped Stair Makeover: It was plenty satisfying to finally rip up the old carpet on our stairs, but we’re so glad we didn’t stop there. Instead, we painted lots of blue trim and bannister posts white, also went white with the stair risers, painted the stairway walls and ceilings a light gray-tan color, and stained the railing a dramatic dark tone that picked up on the new black & white runner that we installed. More on that here, here, and here.

Staris 23 After Straight Up1

#7 – Simple Frames For John’s Favorite Art: Although we haven’t found a new home for them yet (maybe the nursery or the office?), I loved creating these super simple wood frames for my big bike posters when they hung in our old sunroom. And they were only $7 each!

Bikes 11 After Frame Close

#8 – Spreading Cheer at The Children’s Hospital: How could we not include this? The most rewarding project we took on this year – heck, this decade – was doing a holiday makeover for a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. You can read more about that process here, here, and here.

CHOR Room Alt Alt

#9 – Celebrating Our Little Dragon: We didn’t think we could top the fun of Clara’s worm-themed 2nd birthday, but celebrating Clara’s third birthday with dragons was a heckova good time. Speaking of which, someone’s already talking about her 4th birthday, and she came up with the idea of “a gold party” all on her own. So far she wants to wear a gold dress, serve gold food, and give out gold coins to everyone while they get their faces painted gold… should be interesting to see how this evolves over the next five months.

RoundUp Dragon Party

#10 – Making Over Our New Deck & Sunroom: We can’t wait for winter to ease on outta here so we can get back to enjoying the outdoor spaces that we spent so much of this year transforming. From patching, stripping and restaining the deck to completely overhauling the formerly closed-in sunroom (lofted ceiling! tiled floor!) we’re ready to kick of Spring out there already. You can read more about the deck makeover here, here, and here. And check out the sunroom reveal (with links back to each stage of that undertaking here).

RoundUp Sunroom2

#11 – Dropping Our First Single: I just watched this again and half-laughed, half-buried-my-face. We are SUCH BIG NERDS. But hey, it’s all in the name of some good fun & foolishness (pun intended).

#12 – Upgrading Our Vacation Jars: This easy update to our little vacation time capsules – which up until now had been housed in mason jars – breathed some much needed life into one of our favorite projects of yore. It was nice and simple – and now we’ve got an even bigger collection of these personal “travel snow globes” of sorts.

Memory Jars Out

#13 – Hardwood Floor-ifying The Upstairs: This almost didn’t make the list because the process was far from my favorite time of the year. But ripping up the carpets in our upstairs to install new hardwood floors (and painting all of the doors and trim) was certainly well worth it. You can read more on that process here, here, here, and here.

RoundUp Hardwoods

#14 – Taking On A Showhouse: Accepting the challenge of helping to design an entire house for the 2014 Richmond Homearama (to benefit Habitat For Humanity) has been both exciting and more than a little intimidating. Over the last month we’ve transitioned from the planning stage to full on let’s-get-this-thing-built-and-finished mode. It’s been a bit hectic lately, so we totally owe you an update (beyond just what’s been showing up on Instagram). The house is now framed, sheetrock is going up next week, and one of our favorite elements – the exposed wood porch detail (made from reclaimed wood) – is coming together right before our eyes.

RoundUp ShowHouse

#15 – Our $51 Guest Bath Update: Embracing the vintage-y feeling of our old guest bathroom, meant sprucing it up with simple (and extra budget friendly) ideas and accessories. First we painted the walls, tended to the window, and then added art and accessories. I’m not sure we’re ready to start putting yellow tile in anywhere voluntarily, but it was undeniably charming in the end. We actually kind of miss it!

Bathroom After Full

#16 – Clara’s Jellyfish Costume: In our second year not doing a store-bought costume, Clara threw Sherry a curveball with a request for a jellyfish fairy/princess/queen (depending on the day). But with an umbrella, some pretty dangly things and a string of LED lights, we had one happy jellyfish on our hands.

Jellyfish Blowing

#17 – Cheap & Easy Hallway Upgrade: Another project from the last house that we’ve earmarked for this house is hallway board & batten (although I’m sure it will evolve for this space – maybe in a chunkier and more detailed way). This hallway update cost us less than $60 and was something the new buyers loved during their first tour, so we’re so glad we got ‘er done. You can read more about the process here and here.

BatNew Side Detail

#18 – Interviewing Jonathan Adler: Put a line through this on Sherry’s bucket list: she talked with one of her design idols, Jonathan Adler. And we got all of her extra-gushiness on tape to prove it. If you missed it before, here’s her giddy interview below:

#19 – Finalizing Our Curb Appeal: In addition to the aforementioned pergola, we also stepped up our front exterior by boxing out the porch columns to make them match the chunky columns that were already on our carport (more on that process here and here), painting the siding for contrast, and even adding some window boxes.

RoundUp Curb Appeal

#20 – Announcing The Barnacle: And of course, we can’t make a list of favorite things in 2013 without including a nod to what will surely be the highlight of 2014: the new baby boy (er, “bun” if ask Sherry, “barnacle” if you ask Clara) that we’re expecting in April. Which reminds us, it’s just about time to start working on that nursery!

Questions Announcement Picture1

And of course, a big reason that these moments are our favorites is because we get to share them with you guys. So a big thanks for being part of our 2013. We can’t wait to continue this wild ride with you guys in the big ‘1-4. Sherry’s currently going through 10,000 photos and writing a big tutorial about Clara’s homemade Christmas gift, so we’ll be back with those details on the 2nd! Haaaappy New Year to you and yours!

Now it’s your turn. What’s topping your list of favorite life moments / house projects / rapping attempts of the past year? Is there anything in particular that you’re excited for in 2014?

Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job. 

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Filed Under: Blogging, Monthly Roundups

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Comments

  1. Robin @ our semi organic life says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:18 am

    What a great summary recap! You’ve been busy! Can’t wait to hear more about the show house!

    Reply
  2. Chez says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:19 am

    A bit of a heavy response, but I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. I am going through some very difficult life circumstances right now as well as some medical problems, and your blog provides a moment of distraction, levity, and smiles every day. What you are doing is making a difference- so thank you. I am hopeful for a better 2014.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:33 am

      Oh Chez, you’re so sweet! Sending you so much love for 2014!

      xo
      s

    • Reenie says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:39 am

      Hang in there Chez…..

      xo

    • Elva says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:13 am

      Hugs!!!

    • Rachel says

      December 31, 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Thinking of you Chez!

    • jeannette says

      December 31, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      this. <3

    • Julianne says

      December 31, 2013 at 4:07 pm

      Chez,

      Sending hugs your way… I’m praying for your health and happiness. Much love for 2014. xo

  3. Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:26 am

    So fun looking back at all the projects (or at least 20 of them). All so great, yet so different!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:41 am

      I would love to get your opinion on adding board & batton to our house. We are adding a small mudroon in the future, and I thought board & batton with hooks would be perfect for the space. The problem is we have wood trim throughout our house. Do you think it would look funny to have one room with white trim and board & batton? Thanks for your opinion!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:46 am

      No way, I think that would be sweet! I love a mix (wood floors with white trim, white trim in some rooms with wood trim in others, etc) so I think it can totally work!

      xo
      s

  4. Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Been a busy year for you guys – it’s so fun to see TWO houses in this recap :) That runner takes the cake for me, love it!

    Reply
  5. Reenie says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:38 am

    That video is so darned cute!!

    Happy New Year!!

    Reply
  6. Erin Kann says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Love the favorites of 2013! So I have to ask, which sushi restaurant will it be for tonight? Hope you guys have a happy new year!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Ooh, we’re going to a new one in Midlothian! Will have to Instagram or Young House Life about it ;)

      xo
      s

    • betty says

      December 31, 2013 at 3:44 pm

      I always recommend chopstix (in Westchester commons) and soya (on hull st).. i’m sure you already have a place picked out, but those are my trusty keepers!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks Betty! Love getting the scoop.

      xo
      s

  7. Liz O says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Popping out my baby girl is definitely #1 on my list! Thanks to you guys for a great year of blogging! It helps me get through my workdays :)

    Reply
  8. Vanessa says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Thank YOU guys for this blog! I love seeing all the changes and my husband has now gone from groaning to “okay, bring it on” when I mention “that one home blog with the adorable little girl that reminds me of our little blondey”!

    Our biggest project we did was redoing the flooring and all trim in our entryway from ugly maple laminate and golden oak builder-grade trim (not to mention three different colored doors) to dark hand-scraped-look laminate and WHITE doors and beefy trim everywhere! Definitely inspired by you guys!

    Now to have the husband read and reread your cabinet painting posts. We have a golden oak kitchen and mauve laminate countertops to tackle this summer… :)

    Reply
  9. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Clara’s jellyfish costume is still my favorite. It was filed with creativity.

    Reply
  10. Lisa E says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I remain amazed at your energy and ambition. Can you please bottle that and send some my way? :D Seriously, you guys rock. All the best with a soon to be, new family addition. Have a blessed, safe and Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Aw, thanks Lisa!

      xo
      s

  11. Marianne in Mo. says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Awesome recap! Love the video! Have a Happy New Year, looking forward to your year, and mine!

    Reply
  12. Vanessa says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:49 am

    What a wonderful 2013 you had! Wishing you an even better 2014! Happy new year, John, Sherry, Clara, Burger and baby barnacle!

    Reply
  13. Emily says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I’m looking forward to seeing your show house in 2014! Are you guys going to be available anytime during the homearama for meet and greets? I’d love to say “hi” and get my copy of your book signed. Thanks for keeping us all entertained during the workday and have a blessed New Year!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Wahoo! We’d love to do that! We plan to be at the house a few of the days that it’s open at least (although we should have a two week old baby, so a lot is up in the air). Will definitely keep you guys posted if there are good days to come by with us there so we can show you around ;)

      xo
      s

  14. Darcy says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:51 am

    2013 has been a difficult year, so I am very much looking forward to 2014! I am hopeful that it will be a better year!

    As for a summary of the year, the one huge thing for our family is that my hubs brewery business FINALLY opened in November, and so far it is going really well! Its A LOT of hard work, but its the dream, KWIM?!? :-)
    The kids get bigger every day, and make me laugh all the time! Here is hoping for a good 2014!

    You guys have had an incredible year — I can’t wait to meet Baby Barnacle!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:54 am

      That’s so exciting about the brewery business! All the best of luck in 2014, Darcy!

      xo
      s

  15. Wendy @ New Moms Talk says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:51 am

    2013

    Best Decision: Moving from Utah to Washington.

    Most “Whew!” News Received: That we could use some legally-tied-up money to help purchase a house.

    Most “yep!” Moment: Finding the “little white house” that I’d always dreamed of on the water. (Well, technically it’s less than a mile from the ocean.)

    Best Naming Moment: Listening to our hearts and naming our little place “Tumwater Shores.” More on that special name here- http://www.newmomstalk.com/2013/12/16/tumwater-shores/

    Biggest Emotional Moment aka Biggest I-Need-to-Blog-About-It Moment: Meeting the woman who was driving the car that hit my husband when he was riding his bicycle (and technically at fault). All of the little bits just went went away and we became fast friends. She’s the best woman, the kindest mother, and an amazing (and stylishly-young) grandma!

    Most Life-Changing Conversation: My husband telling me two days ago that he’s ready for another child.

    That leads to 2014

    Biggest Hope: Giving another sibling to Susanna Hope

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:53 am

      Aw, I love that Wendy!

      xo
      s

  16. Stacy Risenmay says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:52 am

    What a fun recap! And what a fabulous year you guys have had. I am so excited to see all you do in 2014 :)

    Reply
  17. Kristy in Toronto says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Congrats on a fun year!
    Any update on the due date? We’re due with our first on April 10th (100 days from today) and it’s a BOY!

    Look forward to hearing how your 2014 starts!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:57 am

      That’s so exciting about your April boy on the way! I’m just being monitored and c-sectioned whenever they think labor is imminent (due to complications it’s dangerous for me to go into labor on my own, so I can’t go to full term, but of course we want the baby to develop as long as possible and not take him too early). All of that being said, I probably won’t know my c-section date until a week or two beforehand, but the middle of April (the 15th) is the best guess right now :)

      xo
      s

    • Alivicwil says

      January 1, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      I’m expecting a boy (my first) on Apr 16… I know a few others who are expecting in March/April, but they’re all having girls – I’m still coming to terms with not having a little girl to read my childhood storybooks to, so am glad that you’re having a boy, too. I know it’s going to be an exciting adventure, and that I’ll love playing cars and Lego and will get used to fart jokes etc, but I think it’ll be a bit easier being able to share your boy-journey with you! :)

      2013 was huge. I married my husband in January, we honeymooned in Vanuatu (he booked it all – surprise!), I had a hugely successful year at work, finished my scholarship, took a dozen teenagers (and my husband, AND my parents) on a 12-day trip to Japan, bought a new (old) home, and we made a baby!!

      Almost feels like 2014 has fewer things happening in it… Even though I know our April event will have more impact on our lives than anything that happened last year!

      Much love and happy new year. xx

  18. Nadine from Paris says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Looks like I have some serious catching up to do… A very Happy (and by the look of it) busy year 2014 to you all!

    Reply
  19. Dana@chocolateandsunshine says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:54 am

    It was so much fun to go through your top 20 list as I remember smiling at many of them as they occurred. I loved that stair runner and the jellyfish costume. All of your home renovations are gorgeous. Excited for your baby boy in 2014.

    Happy New Year,
    Dana

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Aw, thanks so much Dana!

      xo
      s

  20. Rachel says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Awesome. Can’t believe all those projects were this year! Craziness. Also, now that we’re nearly finished painting every surface in our house, I think we’re almost ready to start thinking about adding board and batten to our hallway. I’ve got your tutorial all pinned and ready. And since the husband has a new miter saw, I think we’re ready! Yay 2014!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:15 am

      Good luck with it Rachel!

      xo
      s

  21. Molls & J says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Loveee the video, haha.

    Favorite project of 2013 would be the house we just moved into. It was pretty disgusting when we moved in [it was abandoned for six months before us] and to put it lightly, the last tenant really liked cooking with grease…

    The kitchen was a disaster. Flooring replaced, wallpaper stripped, walls scrubbed, painted, re-sealed, replaced one of the sink drains/pipes under the sink, tore down the hood vent over the stove, ripped the dishwasher out, and getting a new fridge. Not in that order… we lived out of a Styrofoam cooler for 2 months before the fridge came. Good thing we work at a restaurant, they fed us ;)

    Took a page from your “15 Minute Shade” I think it was called and made some curtains for the kitchen with a dowel rod and some 3M hooks for the rod/hanging. It’s still not my favorite place in the house, but it’s ours. And I love it :)

    Thanks for all your great posts! Enjoy ringing in 2014!

    *Molly & Jordan

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:21 am

      Love it! You’ve been busy Molls!

      xo
      s

  22. Nikki says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Happy new years eve! I have been reading this blog for two years now and to read about your growths is encouraging. Cant wait to see the new bean!

    Reply
  23. Evelina says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:58 am

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 2013 was most certainly a great one for you guys. The YHL rap is still my favourite thing ever. We reference it at our house pretty much daily. Yo yo yoooo yo! Thanks for a great year of posts and laughs. Looking forward to all that 2014 has in store — and in Sherry’s belly! Hurray!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:16 am

      Haha, thanks Evelina! I’m still yo yo yoooooo yo-ing over here…

      xo
      s

  24. Tania @ Run To Radiance says

    December 31, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I am super excited for you all about the new baby, but let’s be honest…the real highlight of 2013 was definitely the music video. Hushhhhh #madskills #missedcalling :P

    Reply
  25. Jennifer says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:00 am

    I can’t wait to see your plans for the nursery! I know this is random but how do you know if you win the giveaway. Do you send an email?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:17 am

      Yes, we send an email but sometimes it goes to spam, so checking the Rafflecopter box (it displays the winner after the contest ends) is the best way to be sure.

      xo
      s

  26. Melissa Liv says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:00 am

    So sweet Petersik gang. Cheers to a fun-filled New Year!

    Reply
  27. Diane says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Just saw the April Fools video!! What a laugh..and I needed it!!! You guys are so clever.

    Reply
  28. Lindsay says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:03 am

    I got married about two weeks ago, so that’s still topping my list of favorite things I did in 2013. How 2014 is supposed to top that, I have no idea.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:17 am

      Aw, congrats Linsday!

      xo
      s

  29. Monika says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Guess what? I got a fever! And the only prescription.. is more MUSIC VIDEOS!!! That was beyond hysterical. You guys deserve a Grammy! LOL For realz. The editing… the lyrics and dance moves? Amazeballs!
    I recently bought my first house! It was a steal of a deal but boy did it have some SERIOUS cosmetic issues to deal with. Your blog and book have helped me find the vision and confidence to tackle the master bedroom and one bathroom (so far). I changed everything. Flooring, paint, baseboards, outlets and switches, removed closet doors and added shelves. I love your style and relate-ability. Thanks guys for doing what you do, and doing it so well! :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Thanks so much Monika! You’re so sweet. And all the best of luck with your first house!

      xo
      s

  30. cappy says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:09 am

    What a year! BTW-how is the carpeted stairs working out? You inspired me to do the same thing with our old carpeted stairs but worry that the rug would not stay put. I got a qoute for over $500 to do ours by a professional. It seemed like so much money and the rug was nothing special. My favorite house project was finally finishing my 4 yo girls big girl room. She wanted everything pink and well pink so I played with patterns like you did and your post about patterns really helped. Her room by far is my favorite in the house. It is a small room but it is loaded with fun personality and all the pink patterns somehow make it not so pink. Thank you again! Happy 2014! Oh and we did our son’s nursery with a cyclist-themed due to us naming him after our favorite cyclist’s son. I even stenciled on one wall somethng that looked like bike cranks and found cute prints with animals riding bikes. I think you should totally do the nursery with John’s favorite cycle print! It would be so adoreable!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:27 am

      Thanks Cappy! I want to use them in there for sure! As for the stair runner, we have loved it and it has definitely stayed in place with the rug pads under it and those staples we fired into the underside of the lip and the seam of each step. So far, so good!

      xo
      s

    • cappy says

      December 31, 2013 at 5:40 pm

      opps, my husband wanted me to clarify that the stencil looks more like a chain ring than the crank…I am not so good with tech stuff.

    • cappy says

      December 31, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      Thank you for the rug info too! :0)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 9:28 pm

      Of course!

      xo
      s

  31. Lisa @ Double Door Ranch says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:12 am

    This post makes me so happy! I love seeing the old house again, mixed in with the new, and of course your enormous side projects.

    I finally started blogging in 2013 and I’m excited to continue that into 2014. I’m even in the process of launching an Etsy shop, Double Door Ranch Designs! It’s not live yet, but I’m really excited to try something new!

    Happy New Year, Petersiks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:28 am

      That’s so exciting Lisa! Good luck with your Etsy shop!

      xo
      s

  32. Amy@TheBlissfulBee says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Y’all have had so many awesome moments in 2013 I don’t know how y’all narrowed it down to only 20! I love coming here and reading what you guys always have up your sleeves. Thanks again for sharing your talent (and humor) with your very thankful readers!

    xo, amy

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:15 am

      Thanks so much Amy!

      xo
      s

  33. Mellisa says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Happy new year! Here’s to a prosperous 2014! I’m looking forward to more of your amazing projects/posts this next year and am so grateful for the inspiration your blog brings me.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Thanks so much Mellisa!

      xo
      s

  34. Britiney says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I can’t believe you were in your old house this year. When you started showing pictures of projects there I was all, “Wait! Wasn’t that more than a year ago!?” You’ve accomplished SO much in your new house it seems like you’ve been there forever! Happy New Year!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:30 am

      Isn’t that crazy?! We can’t believe we were on tour earlier this year. How was that not three years ago?!

      xo
      s

  35. Stefani says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:19 am

    Every time I see a pic of your master bath sink it freaks me out. Yall had that photoshopped pic up for so long and the finished floor looks exactly like the mock up. It looks so good it doesn’t look real! Hahaha!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:28 am

      So funny!

      xo
      s

    • Robin says

      December 31, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      I agree – it almost looks fake it’s done so well!

  36. Erica says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Bahahahahaha! I just watched that video again. That was so good you guys. SO GOOD. Makes me laugh when you act so cool after not knowing the tape was rolling. LOL! I love it! You guys should make more videos like that.

    Reply
  37. Krissy says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:23 am

    My favorite house update was getting a washer and dryer! It was the most exciting house-related thing every, I can do laundry in my own home! It actually made me stop hating laundry. And our favorite life-related update was getting engaged! Three cheers for 2013. Hope 3014 is wonderful for the five of you!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:31 am

      That sounds awesome! Oh man, I can’t wait to update our washer and dryer. And congrats on the engagement!

      xo
      s

  38. Jenelle says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:36 am

    Happy New Years to you both! My fiance got my your book for Christmas this year and I have some great ideas for our home now! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 11:37 am

      That’s so sweet! So glad you like it!

      xo
      s

  39. Tracey says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:42 am

    John, don’t you ever feel embarassed about that video!!! That was one of the funniest things I have ever seen and although I love the entire thing, my absolute favorite part is you on the blooper reel doing “J Boom” with the ceramic animals and the…. Deranged grin? Absolutely hysterical! That video HAS to exist to make this world a brighter place! Love you guys so much! Here’s to a fantastic 2014! Cheers! (Non-alcoholic, Sher. ;-)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Oh yeah. I hide my head in my hands when I watch it.

      -John

  40. Sarah @ The Simple Home says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Man, you’ve done soo much in 2013!

    I just found out about the blog in early June (which stinks because I wish I found it sooner!) and all of the things you guys have done is sort of cray cray! You two have even inspired me to start my own blog even in the midst of the full time job of, you know, school :) I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings in store and to see the new little guy and how he grows! Sorry this is dragging on, but John and Sherry, I can totally and honestly say that you are the most inspirational people out there. You put so much effort into the blog and never fail to impress me on the design decisions you make and the contributions to your community you give. But we can’t leave without giving props to Clara and the hilarious quotes of hers! Ha!

    Fellow readers, can I hear an amen?

    With love from a fellow Virginian (a little further north, though)/the gold medalist for the longest fan comment ever, geez I should really sign off now,

    Sarah

    P.S. Greetings from Thailand and Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Aw, thanks so much Sarah. You’re so sweet!

      xo
      s

  41. Lisa says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Such a wonderful packed year for you guys! I would pet your staircase runner all the time, it’s so pretty, but truly even the half done spaces in your home look awesome.

    The highlight of my year was having our baby boy…hardest and best year of our lives.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Congrats on your baby boy, Lisa!

      xo
      s

  42. Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:51 am

    What a great year for you guys. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you! I feel like I’ve accomplished so much vicariously through you! I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for YHL! Happy new year!

    As for me 2013 was overall a good year. Some very challenging moments and some great ones. The goal for 2014: To live in the now. Life doesn’t always go the way you plan it will but if you spend all your time waiting for it to go that way you end up missing out on a lot of it.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      Such a good goal!

      xo
      s

  43. Lauren says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Love your blog, I’ve been a long time reader. As a single female homeowner reading YHL gives me the courage to restore my 90 year old homes original charm. Happy 2014!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Love that Lauren! All the best in the new year!

      xo
      s

  44. Teresa says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:57 am

    #11 was def in the top!!

    Reply
  45. Barbara says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Love the recap…so much accomplished this year!

    I am hoping that 2014 will be the year we finally get to update our kitchen/dining room. Now if I can just get my husband on board with my ideas! LOL! Question for you: in our dining room we have oak chair rail and baseboards,and the kitchen cabinets are all oak. I am looking to darken the tone of all that 80’s oak, but since the base board connects to hallways, I am not sure how to do it. Is it weird to have darker baseboard in the dining room and the halls to stay the yellowy oak? I am not sure I can convince my husband to refinish ALL the baseboard downstairs! Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      I’ve seen woodwork change room to room (ex: painted in hallway, and wood in a bedroom, etc) so I think it could work if you make the change where the rooms change. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  46. Lisa says

    December 31, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    A BIG thank-you to Sherry (and John too) for helping give the engagement ring idea to my future son-in-law. You were very gracious to email back at forth. The ring, engagement and everything turned out magically. Wedding in Dec 2014 in NOLA.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      So glad, Lisa!

      xo
      s

  47. Angie says

    December 31, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Love the recap! I keep being amazed by your projects and how much you get accomplished! Wishing you all the best for 2014!
    As for my personal recap, the best of 2013 were probably our wedding in September and then discovering on Christmas that I’m expecting :D

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      So exciting!

      xo
      s

  48. Amanda says

    December 31, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    2013 saw the end of our army life and the beginning of our long desired self employment life! We started a house flipping business and have successfully flipped 3 and working on 4 and 5 now! Oh and a few small details like moving twice, having a baby and buying our 4th home as well. 2013 has been good and your budget friendly updates compliment our renos every time! Here’s to a successful 2014!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:51 pm

      Congrats Amanda! That’s amazing!

      xo
      s

  49. Jean (notsupermum) says

    December 31, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    What a busy year! I still love the yellow bathroom update, it looked so lovely when it was finished but all the time beforehand I was thinking “Yellow tiles? No thanks” and by the end of the update I was hankering after my own yellow bathroom. You make it all look so easy. Happy New Year to you all xx

    Reply
  50. Heidi P. says

    December 31, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Merry late Christmas Petersiks! And happy New Year! Love to yo mothe! I mean… love you guys!! Thanks for being awesome!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 31, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      Haha!

      xo
      s

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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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