We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what our lives will look like in a few weeks, a few months, and even a few years with the impending arrival of the littlest Petersik. And a big part of that process included wondering about how we’d keep up with this blog once there was a tiny (yet huuuuge) responsibility around here to be cared for and coddled. So we put our heads together and concocted a few new strategies for making time for everything: each other, our baby, this blog, and of course our main man Burger.
We’re still as dedicated as ever to keeping this home improvement adventure going since we’ve had the fortune of taking this hobby/passion of ours and turning into a full-time job for Sherry. And at the risk of not saying this before I forget: THANK YOU for encouraging, supporting and humoring us on a daily basis so that could happen (read how Sherry went from hobbyist to full time blogger here).
But with a newborn on the way, we’re not delusional. We know how much time and effort that will take. Caring for Baby P alone could be a full time job for Sherry so we knew that maintaining our two-post-a-day habit and coordinating weekly giveaways, all while taking on consistent DIY projects would be a stretch. So we came to a major decision (not without a ton of careful consideration and number crunching of course). The verdict? We’re charging forward with Young House Love full force- and in order to keep things going we’ll be bringing on a second full-time employee (to help with both baby and blog duties). Any guesses as to who it could be?
I know, some of you are probably crossing your fingers that it’s Burger – he is quite a hard worker…
But it’s actually… me! That’s right, once Baby P comes along I’ll be saying a sad goodbye to my time as an 8-to-6 advertising geek and hello to full time fatherhood & bloggerdom. And for that, I feel incredibly blessed. So again: THANK YOU. It’s not like I don’t already work about 20+ hours a week on top of my full time job when it comes to keeping this blog going, but with all the time that we’ll gain with me being at home during the day we’re certain that we can better juggle the blog, the baby, and the rest of our lives. In fact we have big plans for YHL when I come on full time, so stay tuned for even more action around here in the coming months…
And what does my new role as a full time father/blogger really mean? Of course the obvious: I’ll be around to tag team both the care for our beanette and the blog with Sherry, seven days a week. So we can nurture each of them as one big (hopefully very happy) family. But it also means that we’ve got another major room makeover on our to-do list. That’s right, Casa Petersik is getting a bona fide two-person home office!
For now, all of my night and weekend work on our blog has been done at the dining room table, while Sherry remains parked at her nook in the den. But if I’m going to be around all day, we know we’ll need a more permanent space so we can reclaim the dining table and keep the room-to-room shouting to a minimum. Plus there really is something to be said for a designated work space to help delineate work and play zones, which we know will be very important when it comes to maintaining that fragile and oh-so-important work/life balance.
So if you haven’t already figured it out by process of elimination, the new office will be taking over our current guest bedroom. And with the nursery having given our other guest bedroom the boot already, we have to keep this office 100% guest friendly as well (yup, that means it must sleep at least two people as it always has). But it also has to accommodate two working bloggers, their wee one, and their playful nine pound pooch. Not to mention store all sorts of paperwork without looking too corporate for our guests when they come to stay. Oh yes, we’ll be walking quite a delicate line in there (all while trying to squeeze every last ounce of function out of the tiny 10′ x 10.5′ space).
Oh and did we mention that we’d also like to see it multitask as a playroom of sorts for Baby P since she’ll obviously be hanging out in there as we do our blogging thang? We didn’t? Well add that to the list. So stay tuned for the play by play as we attempt to fully reconfigure this soon-to-be triple duty room into a space for work, play, and overnight guests. It’s sure to be a doozie, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
And we’d love to hear any tips that you guys have when it comes to designing a home office, working from home without losing your mind, or just generally creating a room that has two or three separate functions. Share and share alike.
Penny says
Whoohoo! Double the goodness! I’m so happy for you guys and the newest to be Pbean. I’m a local girl (Richmond) and have been following your blog for maybe a year. I LOOOVVVVEEE it. You guys both rock my decorating world.
Stefanie says
I am curious as to why you aren’t using the basement as your office since it already has the desk space?…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Stefanie,
Alas, our basement isn’t heated or cooled, and since it’s a separate entry space (we need to walk outside and down some stairs to get to it) so it’s not the most convenient thing in the world- especially if we have a sleeping baby that we need to check on. Plus the concrete floors aren’t exactly Baby P friendly, but we’re so glad we have that space for added storage (especially since babies = tons of stuff!). We just added that desk area so when we’re down there we can sort through boxes without squatting on the floor- it really does come in handy.
xo,
s
foobella says
Congratulations, S & J.
You are livin’ the dream and inspiring the masses.
xoxo
Becky S. says
What an exciting time for you guys…can’t wait to see what’s in store. This question has to do with the bedding in your guest room. I believe it’s from Target, but any idea when you got it there? It looks exactly like what my daughter wants for her own dorm room at . . . UVa! Any help or suggestions on where we could find a black/white comforter or duvet would be appreciated so much.
Good luck with the baby, and by the way, I predict an arrival on your actual due date since you both seem so organized and punctual!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Becky,
The guest bedroom bedding (aka: the brown and white quilt) is actually from Bed Bath & Beyond, so if you hit up ebay or even the sale section at BB&B maybe you can find something similar (or identical). You can also check out Dwell for graphic bedding just like it (search their name on ebay and amazon.com). Happy hunting…
xo,
s
Jen says
You are going to love staying home together with the baby… My husband and I both stay home with our three kids and we love every minute of it!!
Renee Smith says
Awesome, guys! We might have a similar set up at our house next year with the arrival of our second, me going to a substitute teacher position, and my husband continuing work as a firefighter/paramedic (a couple 24 hour shifts a week). I cannot wait to be an at home mom, and I can just imagine how excited you are to have that added time together as a family!!
Stefanie says
Wow – Not heat or AC; I wouldn’t work in the basement then either! At least not when the weather was anything buy perfect – in which case I would work on the patio or in your sunroom – which aside from baby P’s room, just may be my favorite!
Jennifer says
Congrats on growing your business so well that you can both stay home!!!
Korinne says
AWESOME!!! I am so excited for you guys!!! Having witnessed my poor brother-in-law having to trek back to work after the birth of his 2 sons was such a sad moment. He was crushed he wouldn’t see the little things because he was at his 9-5.
ALSO…I would like to mention my hubby and I met @ work and did exactly like you two did in NYC. The funny thing is…when we did “seperate” for alone time every now and then we both couldn’t wait to get back to one another. It all depends on the relationship…we just recently got married in October. Still working together, same shift, same days off, same ride into work together. We wouldn’t change it for the world! So…good luck…and can’t wait to see the new room!
We’re currently in the midst of trying to figure out a 2 person office as well. We currently have a “L shaped” desk and it DOES NOT WORK when we’re both @ our respective computers! I’m eyeing up the IKEA VIKE Annefors & VIKA AMON 78 incher!! Going to put it on hold now though to see what my favorite bloggers decide! :)
Patiently waiting….tap tap tap ;)
Natalie says
aww yay! I’m so glad John will be able to be a work-at-home dad so you guys can spend more time with each and so he can spend more time with the baby. I wish all 3 {4, including Burger!} a lifetime of happiness :)
Mara says
I will watch this new project with interest as we also have a 3 bedroom house AND a 3 month old baby…the guest room went the way of the dinsoaur as we converted it into the nursery. So that leaves the ‘office’ which also should be office/guestroom but I haven’t had any time or imagination to dedicate to it since baby arrived. Can’t wait to see what you guys decide to do so I can get some ideas!
Speaking of space saving–I think it was West Elm (or PB?) or Ballard Designs that had an awesome ‘vertical’ style white desk. I was thinking of nixing our monstrously huge PB Aris desk in favor of this for the future.
Pre-Congrats on the baby…it definitely is crazy to go from just caring for yourselves and a dog to being at the beck and call(or scream) of a little one, but it’s so fun too. However…I think we’ll only have one. :)
Dani S. says
Congrats, youngsters!
I’d recommend installing a murphy bed so you can maximize space (ie. only have that two-person bed taking up space when there are actually guests coming to visit). A friend of mine adores her http://www.wallbedsbywilding.com in her studio, which also has to multifunction.
I also love furniture that multifunctions. The Crate and Barrel Reese Compact Office is a dresser does double duty as a desk (there’s a pull out keyboard) – http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=14236&f=34453.
I can’t wait to see what you do with your new guest room turned office/playroom! Good luck!
Danielle says
That is such exciting news! What a blessing for your whole family. I recommend a book called “Making Work at Home Work.” It’s geared toward women, but it had lots of really helpful, put-it-in-place-today tips.
Best of luck!
Stefanie says
I have been wanting to gush to you about how much I love your site and I think this post from you guys is the appropriate venue. I never much follow blogs – just yours. Aside from email, there is no other site I visit more than twice a day and can spend hours on – though I can get swept away by BHG or DIY, I usually go there initially for any sweepstakes – handy for the couple on a budget (with high hopes for a win!).
I spread the word about YHL to anyone who will listen. Love it, love it, love it – I am even doing my own mood boards for our minimal furniture and decor-lacking home. I call it my Wish Board. I even list where everything can be purchased once we have the budget for it.
You both are inspiration in many ways – I hope you keep this up and going for a long, long time!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much for the kind words Stefanie. We’re so glad you found our blog! Happy Wish Board making…
xo,
s
Julie B says
Don’t read all your comments and this comment is my very first! … But I would suggest one of the hotel-ish or concierge room type beds that pull out of an armoire looking thingy (my word flow and correct word labeling is ridiculously on point today too) against a long wall. More space for the 80% of your lives that don’t include guests…? Whaddaya think?:)
love your windows in your bedrooms … the long, narrow ones horizontally above your bed. My lovely grandma and grandad’s house had them and it makes me smile with fond memories every time I see yours:)
mari says
Wow. I love your plans for blogging full-time (that’d be top on my wishlist, seriously) and caring for your baby! I bet you’re getting lots and lots of feedback from parents who blog – I think you should do a little series on what all the advice boils down to. I have my little wiley ways of getting work done (Mostly it involves a toddler who still takes very good naps) but strength in numbers here could be a blessing! One bit of wisdom, as your tot hits the crawling phase: play with him/her first, then go over to your laptop. It seems to keep mine satisfied for a bit longer when I really need to crank something out.
Meanwhile, I’m still blogging from my dining room table. And our guest room is long gone as nursery. Ah, parenthood!
And as future parents – you should really stop by my blog! http://www.smallforbig.com
All the best!
Diva Style says
How exciting! I’m certain you guys will continue to be SUPER successful!! Kudos!
Julie says
I have an off-subject question.. I was just wondering where Sherry got those cute red earrings that she’s wearing in the picture with the blue shirt? They look great together!
Also.. Congrats!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Julie,
They’re actually from Target! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Keeley says
I’m a little late on this one (I often miss your posts because you’ve always got something fun popping up), but I want to let you know that I’m really happy for you all. My dream is to do what I love and still have time for family. Looks like you’ve found that balance :)
Nicole says
Didn’t find a spot to ask on the office update page, but want to know where you found the white flower wall art that is just above the new desk?!?!? Looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nicole,
Those are Wallflowers from Umbra and they’ve been up in that spot for a while now as part of the guest bedroom, so we decided just to leave ’em in place. You can read more about them on this post: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/push-it-push-it-real-goo/
-John
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nicole,
Here’s that link for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/push-it-push-it-real-goo/
xo,
s
Terri says
Hi! Which Ikea shelves did you guys use in the dining room??
P.S. You guys are a true inspiration. I am an interior designer for a commercial design firm and LOVE your website! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Terri
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Terri,
Those are the lack shelves (the longest length in white). Here’s the link for ya: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00011013
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Grace says
I found a YouTube video of a furniture company with amazing space-saving solutions. Maybe they have a solution for your office/guest room. Here’s a link to their YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAa6bOWB8qY