As October arrives and the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the vibrant tapestry of projects and memorable moments that defined the past month. Taking a moment to appreciate our recent achievements, from significant home makeovers to fun DIY crafts and celebrating a monumental blogging anniversary, invigorates our creative spirit and fuels our momentum for the exciting endeavors ahead. This monthly recap isn’t just a look back; it’s a source of inspiration, a chronicle of growth, and a handy guide for anyone seeking fresh ideas for their own living spaces. We’re also thrilled to share a special, never-before-seen announcement about the first stop on our upcoming book tour! So, get ready to dive into September’s highlights, presented in our unique, engaging yearbook-superlative style, designed not only to inspire your next home project but also to simplify browsing our extensive archives. You can effortlessly journey through our creative history, starting from January 2011, right here, exploring years of content in just a fraction of the time. Let’s celebrate a fantastic September!
Most Surprising Transformation: Unexpected Seating Stars
Our journey in home decor is often filled with delightful surprises, and September certainly delivered one with our kitchen seating. We had a deep affection for the sleek blue metal stools that previously graced our kitchen, believing them to be the perfect fit. However, life, and apparently Craigslist, had other plans! It was genuinely surprising, even to us, when these charming Craigslist finds unexpectedly waltzed into our lives and captured our hearts. Their unique character and the sheer joy they brought instantly made them our new favorite things. Thankfully, our beloved blue stools aren’t being retired; we have an exciting new purpose for them planned in our sunroom, proving that evolving tastes can lead to creative repurposing and new design opportunities for every corner of your home. This experience taught us that sometimes the best design solutions are the ones you least expect, often found in the most unexpected places.
Biggest / Most Gradual Transformation: The Evolution of Our Bedroom Sanctuary
Home transformations aren’t always immediate; sometimes, the most profound changes unfold gradually, mirroring our own evolving styles and needs. Our bedroom stands as a testament to this truth, having journeyed a considerable distance since the day we first moved in. It was a process that demanded patience, thoughtful decisions, and a bit of trial and error, which is precisely why we meticulously documented its entire evolution in a comprehensive, picture-filled post just for you. This detailed account illustrates that creating a truly personal and comfortable space takes time – it’s rarely a week-long, month-long, or even year-long sprint. The invaluable lesson here is a comforting one: do not despair if your home doesn’t feel “finished” right away. Embrace the journey, celebrate the small victories, and trust that with each thoughtful addition and adjustment, your space will slowly but surely transform into the sanctuary you envision. This organic process allows for deeper connection with your home, ensuring every element tells a story and serves a purpose.
Biggest Missed Opportunity to Make A Quad City DJs Reference: All Aboard the Train Board!
Creativity in DIY home projects often intersects with personal passions, and for our daughter Clara, that passion manifested in the exciting world of trains. This past month, we embarked on a delightful project: building a custom train board designed specifically for her imaginative play. It was a labor of love, crafting a dedicated space where her miniature locomotives could chug along intricate tracks. The only minor regret, a humorous internal debate, was Sherry’s inexplicable oversight in not titling the blog post “C’mon Ride The Train,” a clear nod to the iconic Quad City DJs hit. Given her usual music-fueled wit, it truly felt like a missed opportunity! Nevertheless, the success of the project itself, providing Clara with endless hours of creative fun and a beautifully organized play area, far outweighed any title-related gaffes. This project stands as a reminder of the joy of creating personalized spaces for children, fostering their interests, and sometimes, simply having a bit of fun along the way.
Video Killed The Comment Section: Decoding Our Video Production Secrets
In an effort to diversify our content and connect with our audience in new ways, we’ve increasingly ventured into video creation. Recognizing a growing interest from our readers, we published a rather lengthy post detailing the intricate process behind making our videos – from conceptualization to editing. This deep dive into our production secrets, however, seemed to have an unexpected effect: a noticeably quieter comment section. Perhaps I overestimated the widespread enthusiasm for the technical intricacies of video production, assuming our readers shared my own high school obsession with camcorders and behind-the-scenes magic. While the initial engagement might have been lower than anticipated, we believe in offering comprehensive insights into all facets of our work. For those who are curious about the mechanics of content creation, this post remains a valuable resource, demystifying the art and science of bringing our projects to life on screen. It’s a testament to our commitment to transparency and sharing even the less glamorous, but equally important, aspects of our creative process.
Creepiest Project: Nature’s Ethereal Touch in Decor
Long before the ghosts and goblins of Halloween descended upon us, we embraced a uniquely macabre, yet undeniably beautiful, approach to home decor: decorating with “dead things.” But fear not, this wasn’t as eerie as it sounds! The centerpiece of this project was a truly stunning, perfectly preserved butterfly that Sherry and Clara discovered gracefully resting in our yard. Instead of letting its beauty fade unnoticed, we carefully gave this exquisite creature a place of honor on our bookshelf. It served as a delicate, natural art piece, a small slice of nature’s ephemeral beauty brought indoors. This project highlights an unconventional yet artistic way to incorporate natural elements into your home, creating unique focal points that spark conversation and contemplation. *Update: We’re happy to report that the butterfly remains just as captivating as the day we found it, its vibrant colors still intact. We’ve been meaning to add a protective glass dome, not just for preservation, but to further elevate its display as a treasured curio.*
Toughest Decision: The Dining Chair Dilemma and a Fresh Start
In the world of home design, some decisions are harder than others, especially when they involve letting go of items you’ve tried tirelessly to make work. Our dining room chairs, acquired through a hopeful Craigslist venture, presented just such a challenge. Despite our best efforts to refurbish and integrate them into our space, we finally made the tough call to concede defeat and accept that they simply weren’t the right fit. This led to the significant, yet ultimately rewarding, decision of investing in some deeply discounted new chairs to take their rightful place. While there was a slight tinge of disappointment in not being able to salvage the old set, the arrival of the new chairs brought an immediate and refreshing update to our dining area. We absolutely adore their fresh look and the renewed sense of style they bring. It’s a classic “live and learn” scenario in home decor: sometimes, knowing when to move on from a project, even one you’ve invested in, is the smartest move for achieving your desired aesthetic and comfort. Finding the right balance between budget-friendly finds and strategic investments is key to a harmonious home.
Biggest Oops: An Accidental Upgrade to Our Photography Gear
Every DIY enthusiast knows that accidents are an almost inevitable part of the creative process. This past month, our “biggest oops” involved a rather unfortunate incident with our camera, which took an unexpected tumble from a board I was sawing. The bad news, naturally, was the sudden demise of our trusted photographic companion. However, in true DIY spirit, every setback often presents an opportunity for something better. This accident provided the perfect excuse to invest in a brand new camera. The good news? Our new gear is not only more robust but also comes equipped with fantastic HD video capabilities, elevating the quality of our visual content. This serendipitous upgrade proved to be a valuable lesson in resilience and finding the silver lining, demonstrating how even a mishap can lead to significant improvements in our tools and the quality of our blog’s visual storytelling. And speaking of HD video, this new capability immediately came in handy for our next project!
Oddest Couple: Our Co-Created House Tour Video
Collaborative efforts often yield the most interesting and authentic results, and our latest house tour video perfectly embodies this spirit. With our shiny new camera in hand, Sherry and I teamed up as an “oddest couple” duo to create this engaging walkthrough of our home. I took on the crucial role of cameraman, providing steady shots – a task Sherry readily admits isn’t her forte, given her tendency to be a bit “shakes-a-lot” when it comes to handheld video. Meanwhile, Sherry lent her voice and narrative flair, guiding viewers through each space from behind the lens. This division of labor, combining our individual strengths, allows us to produce dynamic and insightful tours that feel both personal and professional. It’s a testament to the efficient, if sometimes quirky, operation we’ve built here, ensuring that every detail of our home improvement journey is captured with clarity and charm. Our readers consistently appreciate this collaborative approach, as it offers a dual perspective on our creative endeavors.
Biggest Relief: Unveiling Our Highly Anticipated Book Promo
For months, we meticulously worked behind the scenes on a monumental project, keeping its details under wraps, building anticipation not just for our readers, but for ourselves. The biggest relief of September was finally being able to unveil the vibrant promo video for our upcoming book. This exciting sneak peek, which we painstakingly filmed all the way back in March, required us to keep our lips sealed for what felt like an eternity. The sheer joy of sharing this major milestone with our community was immense. Even better, this revelation allowed us to finally disclose some of the top-secret book projects that had consumed our creative energies since January. The release of the promo video wasn’t just an announcement; it was the culmination of countless hours of hard work, a testament to our dedication, and a thrilling step towards sharing our passion for home design and DIY with an even wider audience. We’re incredibly excited for you to see what’s in store!
Most Burger Approved: The Ingenious Ottoman Upgrade for Our Furry Friend
Our commitment to creating a comfortable and functional home extends to every member of our family, including our beloved dog, Burger. This past month brought a truly “Burger Approved” project: a clever ottoman upgrade for our bedroom. We ingeniously repurposed some old X-based side tables, transforming them into stylish and practical ottomans positioned at the foot of our bed. These aren’t just for aesthetics; they serve a crucial, heartwarming purpose as Burger’s very own custom “doggy steps,” allowing him to easily climb into bed for cozy snuggles. This project perfectly encapsulates our philosophy of blending functionality with personal style, proving that even pet-friendly solutions can be beautifully integrated into your home decor. It’s a testament to creative problem-solving and ensuring every member of the household, furry or otherwise, feels comfortable and included in our carefully curated living spaces.
Most Likely To Require Eating Lots of Tomato Soup: Warhol-Inspired Wall Art
Who knew that a trip to Target could spark such a unique and delicious DIY project? This month, we embarked on a creative endeavor inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans, utilizing the special edition cans found at Target. The premise was simple yet brilliant: transform these everyday grocery items into a vibrant, pop art-inspired wall display. With a little bit of cork board to soften the metal edges, some colorful pencils to add flair, and a dash of imagination, we created a striking piece of art that brought a playful, modern touch to our space. This project is a fantastic example of how accessible and budget-friendly materials can be transformed into high-impact decor with a clever concept. Of course, the best part was the delicious byproduct: we did, indeed, successfully consume all of the soup, making this a truly rewarding project from start to finish! Woot!
Most Uplifting Project: A Heartfelt Bathroom Makeover for Granny
Among all our home improvement projects, those undertaken for loved ones often hold the deepest meaning and yield the most profound satisfaction. This past month brought us to West Virginia for a special visit to my Granny’s house, where we embarked on a work-filled weekend to completely update her downstairs powder room. This wasn’t just a renovation; it was a labor of love, a chance to give back and create a more comfortable, beautiful space for someone incredibly dear to us. While the work was undoubtedly tiring, involving everything from painting to plumbing, the emotional reward far surpassed any physical exhaustion. Leaving her house, we felt nothing but elated, knowing we had brought a fresh, clean, and functional update to a cherished family home. This project underscored the powerful, uplifting impact of using our DIY skills to enhance the lives of those we care about, creating lasting memories along the way.
Biggest 24 Hour Improvement: Granny’s Bathroom, Day 2 Progress
The pace of transformation can be astonishing when effort is concentrated and guided by a clear vision. Nowhere was this more evident than during our “bathroom bootcamp” at Granny’s house. By the end of day #2, the downstairs powder room, which had seen years of wear, was already looking worlds better. It was a remarkable testament to the power of a few key updates: a fresh coat of paint instantly brightened and modernized the space, a new floor laid the foundation for a cleaner aesthetic, and tidying up numerous rough spots brought a much-needed sense of polish and care. The dramatic improvement achieved in just 24 hours was incredibly motivating, proving that even a small space can undergo a significant metamorphosis with focused attention and smart design choices. This rapid progress not only revitalized the bathroom but also filled us with a profound sense of accomplishment, eager to see the final reveal.
Breakout Star: Granny Herself! A Heartwarming Reveal
While we poured our hearts into transforming her bathroom, the true “breakout star” of this project was undoubtedly Granny herself. Her genuine delight and heartwarming reaction when we revealed her newly updated bathroom to her on video captivated our audience and earned her a multitude of new fans. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that through that video, you all were able to witness firsthand the very reasons why we cherish her so deeply. Her infectious joy, humble gratitude, and endearing personality shone through, making the entire project feel even more special and rewarding. This experience was a powerful reminder that beyond the aesthetics and the DIY techniques, the true essence of home improvement often lies in the connections we build, the happiness we create, and the heartfelt moments we share with those we love.
Most Academic Shopper: Sherry’s Closet GPA for Smart Wardrobe Management
Beyond home renovation, savvy management extends to personal style and finances, a philosophy brilliantly championed by Sherry this past month. She penned an insightful post detailing her strategic approach to finding deals on clothes and meticulously keeping her wardrobe in check. This wasn’t just about shopping; it was about smart consumption, mindful organization, and maximizing value. Our readers particularly resonated with her innovative concept of “giving your clothing a grade,” essentially assigning a “Closet GPA” to each item to assess its utility, wear, and overall contribution to her style. This practical and engaging method encourages a more thoughtful approach to fashion, helping to build a versatile wardrobe without breaking the bank. Sherry’s academic shopper approach proved to be a win for both style and financial prudence, offering valuable lessons that extend beyond the closet to general mindful purchasing habits. Closet GPA, for the win!
Biggest Rivalry: First House vs. Current House – A Design Showdown
Reflection often involves looking back to see how far you’ve come, and this month, we took that concept to a new level with a fun and fascinating comparison. We presented a spirited side-by-side comparison of the rooms in our very first house and their contemporary counterparts in our current home. This “Biggest Rivalry” wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a journey through our evolving design preferences, learned lessons, and the practical necessities that shaped each space. We even courageously (and humorously) declared winners for each room category, evaluating everything from functionality to decor. The final tally of wins and losses proved to be much closer than many might have anticipated, highlighting how much our style has matured and adapted over the years. This comparative exercise offered unique insights into the continuous evolution of our home design philosophy, providing readers with a nostalgic yet forward-looking perspective on our decorating adventures.
Littlest Updates: The Cumulative Impact of Small, Smart Changes
While grand renovations often steal the spotlight, it’s the “littlest updates” that frequently contribute the most to daily comfort and efficiency. This past month, we dedicated ourselves to implementing four small yet significant changes around the house, proving that even minor adjustments can have a major impact. These included practical improvements like installing another dual-flush toilet in the guest bathroom – a smart move for water conservation – and ingeniously creating a hidden, designated spot for our shredder, keeping clutter out of sight (as pictured below). Each of these seemingly minor tweaks contributed to a more organized, functional, and environmentally conscious home. This project highlights the power of incremental progress and thoughtful problem-solving in everyday living, reminding us that sometimes the most effective home improvements are those subtle enhancements that streamline our routines and elevate our quality of life without demanding extensive time or resources.
Longest Graphic: A Visual Journey Through Five Years of Blogging
To commemorate a truly special milestone – our 5th blogging anniversary – we embarked on creating what we affectionately dubbed our “longest graphic.” Typically, the images featured in our posts are kept to a modest height, usually less than 400 or 500 pixels. However, to celebrate five incredible years of Young House Love, we made an extreme exception. We designed and created an elaborate graphic timeline, meticulously depicting our entire history from 2004 onwards, tracing our journey, milestones, and memorable projects. This ambitious visual not only served as a powerful way to kick off our 5th blogiversary celebrations but also offered our readers a comprehensive, engaging overview of our evolution. Clocking in at over 4100 pixels long, this graphic was a monumental undertaking, but one that beautifully encapsulated our growth and shared experiences over half a decade, becoming a cherished piece of our blog’s history.
Most Ordinary: A Day in the Life of a Blogger
For our blogiversary, we decided to pull back the curtain and offer a glimpse into the authentic, everyday rhythm of our lives with our “Most Ordinary” post, a classic “day in the life” feature. This wasn’t about showcasing extraordinary DIY feats or glamorous makeovers; it was about sharing the genuine fabric of a typical weekday. We aimed to demystify the life of a blogger, showing that amidst the creative projects and online engagement, there’s a relatable routine of family, chores, and quiet moments. While what might be “normal” for us may differ from everyone else’s daily grind, it provided a transparent and honest look at our regular routine around these parts. This post resonated with many readers who appreciated the realness and the connection to the mundane, proving that authenticity and relatability are just as valued as inspirational design content.
Biggest Conspiracy Theory: The Case of Olivia the Pig’s Missing Ear
One of the more humorous and unexpected turns during our blogiversary celebrations involved a minor detail that sparked an amusing “Biggest Conspiracy Theory” among our readers. In our special post about YHL facts and figures, we casually mentioned a “tragic event” that unfortunately robbed poor Olivia the pig of one of her ears. This cryptic remark ignited a wave of curiosity, with readers speculating wildly about the dramatic circumstances behind Olivia’s injury. The truth, however, was far less dramatic and infinitely more endearing: our sweet Clara simply bent the ear back and forth with childlike curiosity until, alas, it snapped off. Oh, the humanity! This charming anecdote became a beloved moment, highlighting the playful interaction we share with our community and reminding us that sometimes, the simplest explanations are the most delightful, especially when they involve our adorable family moments.
Most Scene-Stealing: Clara & Burger’s Blogiversary Q&A
Every year, our blogiversary brings new traditions, and this year, the spotlight was unexpectedly stolen by the most adorable duo: Clara and Burger. They received their very own special Blogiversary Q&A video, an interactive session where they charmingly (and often hilariously) answered questions submitted by our readers. What made this truly special was how captivated our audience became by their answers – arguably even more so than by the video featuring Sherry and me answering personal questions! This heartwarming segment beautifully showcased the beloved personalities of our family, proving that the genuine innocence and unpredictable charm of children and pets can be incredibly engaging. Clara and Burger’s star turn underscored the personal connection we’ve fostered with our community, reminding us that shared moments of joy, even with our furry and pint-sized family members, are truly “scene-stealing.”
Most Nostalgic: A Trip Down Memory Lane Through Our Archives
Celebrating five years of blogging naturally called for a deep dive into our extensive archives, a journey that proved to be both heartwarming and humorous. This “Most Nostalgic” project involved meticulously sifting through years of content, plucking out some all-time favorites – the projects we cherished, the spaces we loved, and the memories that stood out. But true reflection also involves acknowledging the less-than-perfect moments. In a moment of playful self-awareness, we also bravely unearthed some “least favorites,” including an image that humorously won the title of “Worst Photo” from our past. This nostalgic expedition wasn’t just about reveling in past successes; it was about appreciating the entire journey, recognizing our growth in design, photography, and storytelling. It offered both us and our readers a rich perspective on how much has evolved since those early blogging days, cementing the sense of shared history with our loyal community.
Most Ambitious: Setting Goals for Our Next Year of Blogging
As part of our annual blogiversary tradition, we bravely embarked on our “Most Ambitious” task: openly stating our goals for the upcoming year of blogging. This is a practice we undertake every anniversary, sometimes achieving grand successes, other times facing the humbling reality of limited progress. This year, our aspirations are clear and exciting: we aim to fully embrace the “crazy” side of creativity, daring to experiment with new ideas and pushing the boundaries of traditional home decor. We also plan to mix up our posting style, intertwining shorter, punchier posts with our more comprehensive, beefy long-form content. Furthermore, a core goal is to incorporate you, our incredible readers, even more into our daily content and decision-making processes, fostering a deeper sense of community. This transparent declaration of intent not only holds us accountable but also invites our readers to join us on this evolving journey, making them an integral part of our continuous growth and innovation. Let’s see how we do!
Most Graphic: Unveiling Reader Survey Results with a Pop of Beyoncé
In our quest to constantly evolve and better serve our audience, we conducted a comprehensive reader survey, and this past month, we proudly presented the “Most Graphic” results. This blogiversary post was dedicated to showcasing the findings, which I had a tremendous amount of fun transforming into engaging and visually appealing infographics. It was a creative challenge to present data in an informative yet entertaining way, making complex statistics easily digestible. The general consensus, which we wholeheartedly agree with, was that adding a touch of Beyoncé to any chart instantly makes it better! This project underscored our commitment to listening to our community, using their feedback to shape our future content, and doing so with a playful, unique style that reflects our brand. The visual presentation of data, especially when infused with a bit of pop culture flair, turned what could have been a dry report into a memorable and highly engaging piece of content for our anniversary celebration.
Most Likely To Make Pigs Fly: The Grand Reveal of Our First Book Tour Stop!
The excitement is building to a fever pitch as we approach a monumental moment for us: the official launch of our book tour! This month brought the thrilling announcement of the “Most Likely To Make Pigs Fly” event – the very first stop on our tour, kicking off in less than three weeks! And fittingly, this initial destination is none other than the charming city of the flying pig itself: Cincinnati, Ohio. The anticipation is immense, not just for this first event, but for the entire journey. We are incredibly pumped to finally reveal the full, comprehensive list of all 17 cities where we’ll be stopping tomorrow morning! This tour represents years of dedication and passion, and the chance to connect with our readers in person across the country is an absolute dream come true. Get ready to mark your calendars, because this is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure!
September was undoubtedly a month filled with creativity, transformation, and a touch of unexpected charm here at Young House Love. From tackling significant renovations and crafting bespoke items for our family, to making tough design decisions and celebrating five incredible years of blogging, each project added another rich layer to our ongoing story. But we’re always eager to hear about your own adventures! How did September shape up in your world of home and living? Did you finally complete any major projects you’d been dreaming about? Perhaps you extended your DIY skills to help a friend or family member with a much-needed makeover? Or did you celebrate any special anniversaries, milestones, or simply indulge in some fun, quirky creative endeavors, like expertly photoshopping your head onto unlikely objects? Share your stories and triumphs with us – we love celebrating the vibrant creativity of our community!