I’ve been doing this blog thing for a long time now (going on seven (SEVEN!!) years!). I love that I’ve been able to help support my family and do so many of the things that I love to do, and do them from home. Truly, I’m so grateful for what I have, and the trade offs have been just right for me, but I also have a million regrets about things I chose to not make time for (never wrote my book, still totally stink at AutoCAD, still on blogspot, etc, etc, etc), but I’m trying to let go of some of those regrets and focus on the good parts. I hope to hang on with the blog after the baby comes, too, but I am also ready for a bit of a change in my schedule and content that better reflects what my life and career look like now, seven years after starting LGN.
There are so many question marks, and my feelings on the answers change daily, hourly. Should I scale back and focus my work on the things that bring me the very most joy? Or hire and expand and take my design and blog/Domino work out of my house and maybe let go of the reins a little? The blog world seems to be changing at light speed lately (we’re dropping like flies!!) and it seems like a good time, both personally and professionally, to gear up for some of my own changes.
One piece of exciting news is my site redesign is suuuuper close to being done! We’re moving everything to jennykomenda.com (long story for another day – been in and out of litigation for years on the obvious url), and everything is looking great. I can’t wait to show you the pretty and way more organized site when it’s ready for it’s close up.
While that’s getting done, and while we’re figuring out what my business will look like and where I’ll run it from, I’ve decided to do some quick updates to the studio space we have over the garage, mostly just to hold me over. Whenever I feel the itch to make some big life changes, I force myself to get organized first, just in case that was the underlying problem all along.
We’re almost done painting the floors a glossy white to brighten up the room and I spray painted the frames of three giant, industrial shelving units (inspiration HERE). We started organizing my fabric stash and I think I’m going to hold another big fabric sale in a couple weeks. Maybe with pillows this time!
Other changes to the space will be pretty minor, mostly just streamlining what I already have. I do have a desk project in my future though. My brother and his wife bought a new house and I gave them the Widdicomb table I had been using as a desk. And as luck would have it, the very same day I found this beat-up beauty at Goodwill for a song.
It’s clearly not in the best shape, or at least the top isn’t, but the lines are amazing. It’s pouring rain here (like flash flood warning levels of water), so as soon as the weather cooperates, I’ll start fixing her up and hope that in return for the favor, she’ll whisper to me what I should do with my career.
It’s just occurring to me that maybe this desk is like my blog? Not in perfect shape, especially compared to others, but the lines are there, and it’s probably worth fixing. :)
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PS Some of you asked what the Arteriors Tilda chandelier in our entry looked like at night. Ask and you shall receive!
I would love to see how you fix up that coffee table. I have one with similar veneer problems, but I love it, and don't want to get rid of it because it's the perfect shape & style, and is very sturdy.
omg that table is amazing! is there a maker on it? i have some milo baughman chairs that need a dining table with lines like that!!
A couple thoughts: First of all I am so excited for you to finally make those industrial shelves!!! When you first posted that inspiration picture it made a lasting impact on me. I cant wait to see what you do with it. Second, as an architect I would urge you to try leave autocad in the dust (of course I have no idea how you use it for your business, but I find other software to be so much more useful). Do you use sketchup? It has amazing capabilities for a quick, simple, easy to use program and its free. If you need drafting software, revit would be worth learning. It seems a little more daunting upfront but it really helps you get to the look and feel of a space quickly while still created drafted views. Just a little advise to a fellow "beautifier" of the built environment:)
Oh Jenny! I love this post. It seems regardless of age/situation, your always wondering what the next direction to take is. Keep the blog and decorating projects going! Your a rare talent!
I know this is a HUGE job, but may I humbly request that you sort all your old posts by various categories? There is just too much awesomeness there to get lost in the archives of a new site. I still find posts of yours from 2008 that are totally fresh and inspiring, while other site's posts from 2008 seem dated and dull. Good luck reveling in all your question marks and congratulations on that baby!
I hope you get some clarity on what would be best for your family and career. I must say, though, that the loss of this blog would be absolutely devastating!! :)
Yours was the first blog I started following, right before I bought my first house and didn't know anything about decorating a space. It's still the first one I read when I see that there's a post in my Bloglovin' feed. I have learned so much from your posts over the years! Whatever direction you decide to take moving forward, I'll remain a devoted admirer.
Please oh please don't leave us all alone in blogland… while there is so much inspiration I still seem to find in your archives, I would be devastated to see you go. Yours is the first blog I check everyday and I always get a little thrill when I see a new post. Congratulations on your baby and I can't wait to see the new site!
Can't wait to see the change! You are amazing and everything you do inspires me.
You are my favorite blog to read . . . while blogs may be dropping like flies, devoted readers are not . . . I hope whatever direction you feel like taking it still includes the candid and oh so helpful and inspiring look into your world and process.
I really admire that you know yourself well enough to determine whether your itch for major life changes stem from an underlying urge to get organized. You have a great space there to put to good use. And I love the purple door and lavender chair. My favorite colors. Rock on, Jenny!
Yours is my favorite blog hands down. I share it with everyone. I have learned so so much, and I would love to see your name expand and become a brand. But, I also know that raising babies is incredible important work too. You can rebuild and redecorate endlessly, but you only get one chance to raise your kids. Sincerely, I hope you find your answers and comfort level. ( You could post once a month and it would feel like a letter in the mail!)
I appreciate the decor inspiration and glimpses into your life so so much. My wish is for the blog to continue even if some posts are written by your assistant and/or sister. Can't wait to see the new site.
Love the table and that light is so peaceful! I have really enjoyed your blog over the past 7 years. It is actually the first blog I ever read! Didn't know what one was but my sister sent me the link:) I just wanted to wish you luck in whatever you decide to do. I know it will be great. And thank you for sharing your ideas, tips, DIYs, and giving me the inspiration to try some of things at my own home. All the best! And super excited for your growing family;)
oh my gosh a baby??! where have I been?? congrats!! whatever you decide to do, just know that i will miss you terribly if you leave! Your stuff is the good stuff. i love love love it. seriously :) can't wait to see the new design too!
I saw that table at Goodwill!!! I was SO tempted to get it, but my husband would have probably left me if I came home with yet another piece of furniture that we don't have space for. Can't wait to see how you transform it. I am also excited to see the table you gave your brother, I grew up with your sister in law and am going to see their new house tomorrow :)
You are the best designer/blogger there is, hands down. I and many others would be truly devastated to lose you and your blog. I hope your new fabulous table whispers sweet nothings to you about how much we all love you and your talent.
Just want to say… I love your blog! You provide me inspiration on a daily basis, and coach me through things I would have never thought were possible for me to do. It's wonderful! Seriously, you should see how often I refer to your blog when contemplating home design work… you're my #1! Change this blog and your business however you need to to make your life its best, but know that you've got some loyal & inspired fans out here. :)
I love your blog and wherever you go, I will follow :) But I'm a mommy too and totally understand if new baby takes precedence over blogging. Super excited for you!
Please don't stop blogging!!! I don't care what other bloggers do; let them drop, but your blog is my favorite by far!!! I would miss you terribly!!!
I love your blog!!! Don't know how you have time for everything but I hope you keep the blog alive, even if you only post once a year I will be a faithful follower.
In the meantime (and you may already have this planned) I would LOVE to see a house tour with before/afters of everything you have done. I know a lot of the rooms are posted on the blog but it would be nice to see how things are currently.
Congrats on the baby and best wishes for you and your family!
I love your blog and it is truly exciting every time you post something! Your skills and creativity are truly special! Please don't go away, you have such talent!
That table is crazy amazing!
I hope you don't get rid of the name all together. I have always loved "Franny and Zooey", even more than "Catcher in the Rye".
Do whatever you need to do – but I would be so sad if you didn't blog anymore! You're one of handful that I check daily! and CONGRATS about babygirl #4!!
Whatever you do next you can always hire meeeeeeee ;)
Your blog brings me do much inspiration and happiness. Thanks for sacrificing so many things over the years to share your creative genius.
I stumbled onto your blog about a year ago, and to echo what others have said, it's definitely my favorite! I hope that even if you decide to take your talents out of the blogosphere and into another arena, you will find a way to let us come with you. Your creativity is inspiring, and your warmth is palpable even to a stranger who lives across the country. Good luck to you!
Oh my! So many changes at once…but then life is all about changes–until we die. So, go for it! There is never a "right" answer and circumstances change as should our choices and decisions. Good luck! A new baby, a new blog, a new business plan… lots to do. We're eagerly watching!
Follow your heart :) But I have to say, your style is unmatched, and yours is the only blog that I faithfully follow anymore for inspiration. Dying to see what you do with that table as always. That is the kind of thing that I almost pick up daily at Goodwill but the condition makes me question it!
Jenny, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having this blog. And congratulations to your baby on the way!
Words cannot express how much you have made a difference in my life as far as decorating & putting things together. Things that I only dreamed about but didn't know how to do, or where to find online how to do. You make design/style very accessible and gorgeous along with your wonderful demeanor. You are an Angel!!! Through your beautiful, (and I mean Beautiful!) blog I have learned that style is not dictated by wealth. Design is taste, refinement, knowledge, doing it yourself and more. And you have taught me how to do many lovely things, for that I am very, very grateful. I truly hope you will keep your blog and archives alive so that people like myself who love your blog can go back, look up things and continue to create for years to come!
Big virtual hugs & blessings to you and your lovely family!
Debbie
Nothing wrong with Blogger! some of my favorite blogs are on Blogger-yours and Cup of Jo and others :)
So many thoughts. That table is amazing. A new site is so exciting! And I'm so happy to see a glimpse of the chandelier at night. But most importantly, you should know how much your blog means to me and so many others. Your warmth and creativity come shining through all of your inspiring projects. I don't mean that to come across as pressure to create content. I mean that whatever you choose to do you have a lot of caring fans willing to come along for the ride. xx, K
Your blog is my favorite–of all of the many many out there! I think it's in perfect shape–especially compared to the others! Thank you
I know you have to do what is in the best interest for you and your family, but you truly are an inspiration and I would be so sad to see you leave your blog. Your ideas are unique and you stand out from so many of the other blogs out there. Best of luck and hoping your decision is to STAY!!
Although obviously we never met, I would be devastated to not have your blog to look forward to each day/every other day/weekly! It has inspired me sooooo much and you are so crazy talented. While I can't even imagine how much work running a blog, business and being Mommy/wife are, please don't leave blog land! Good luck with all your projects- and congrats on your baby!:)
I just wanted to say that your blog, no matter where it is, or what it looks like, is still the best out there in terms of consistently usable and interesting content that inspires us to be better home designers and creative people, bar none! You and your ideas are like a drug, missy! We'd all be so sad to be unable to lurk around and learn from you on a regular basis. But even more so, I hope that whatever that table whispers to you is what brings you the most joy & happiness!
Jenny, Jenny, who can we turn to?
Pleeeease don't go the way of others and leave the blog behind. You inspire and teach so much!
Adding to my comment above to say…
1. There is no decorating book I would (ad have!) most look(ed) forward to than one from you. Full stop.
2. I have worried about you as long as I have loved all your work…how can you do it all and stay healthy & happy?
3. Your actual decorating jobs for clients must be amazing experiences. You do such excellent work.
4. It would not be surprising if you could build an empire of a brand and manage it like a rock-star. If rock-stars were excellent managers.
All this is to say that…your talents are so great and varied, that you could be hugely successful if you only focused on one thing (blog, mommyhood, author, tv show, party hoster, anything)…you will have so much support whatever and however many things you choose to make up your life with.
I would be very sad to see the blog posts be infrequent, but if you give the world your big fat decorating book it will be at the top of my stack, and no doubt will be as invaluable as your blog archives, which I frequently Google to find old tutorials…I agree with the commentor who hopes for the archives to be organized!
Your content, creativity, writing and knowledge make up an unmatched package…please keep letting us in on that in some form in the future!
<3
Looking forward to seeing your new site! I'm already in love with that coffee table – can't wait to see the after :)
Jenny, this is the first time I've written a comment, so I guess I am speaking for some of us who follow your blog silently but *constantly*…it is my hands down favorite blog, one that I started reading as I was in a very long labor with my son. Your words, creativity, and "let's do this!" attitude have inspired and, strange to admit, kept me company over the years. I would be so bummed if you chose to shut this down, but as a fellow mom, I get it. Do what you have to do but please know that your work touches many more lives than you know!
I am also a regular reader…but I think I've only commented once. Just want to let you know that I enjoy your blog just like it is. I had no idea it was "not perfect".
Congratulations on the baby.
Something must be in the Blogging water because I too have been have "deep thoughts" ….where is this all going? and Has it played itself out? and like you I am just continuing to do what I do hoping the answer comes to me…I know you will know what to do…but I have one word of advice…you will ALWAYS be talented and want to share it, but you will NOT ALWAYS be the mother of little ones…that WILL slip away before your eyes and THAT is where all the answers are…in my humble opinion…xo
I am going to join in and say that I love your blog and all the things you post. If you ever need an assistant, just give me a shout!
http://www.stateofsunshineblog.com
The first time I read your blog was the last time you welcomed a new member to the family (and said goodbye to an ottoman, I believe!) Our lives are so very different, but your voice resonates with me nonetheless; I start my day here. Your style, productivity, skill and class are truly inspiring. Thank you. My one piece of unsolicited advice-don't talk about a book like it's a missed opportunity. You've still got places to go!
I really love your blog! It's part of my daily routine to check if there are any new and interesting posts up :) It would be very sad if you stopped blogging, but I think you should do whatever feels right to YOU!
Take care,
Lisa
P.S.: Congrats on your baby girl :3
This blog is one that has such a great mix of DIY and design and that's rare these days. I know nothing lasts forever but you are an inspiration. Here's hoping you can keep us with you on whatever journey you take.
Jenny,
Your blog is one of three that I regularly follow and on which I eagerly look forward to new posts. You are such an inspiration to me, and I hope you continue to blog regularly! I don't know you personally, but it is fantastic that your hard work has benefited your life in so many ways, and I hope you find the perfect balance for you and your family and your life. Even if it means less blogging. :)
Jenny,
First time poster-long time lurker. Just wanted to tell you that your blog is much appreciated; and a continuous source of information….whenever I have a question about how to do something; I check here and chances are…you've already done it and posted about it!
Would love for you to hang around and continue to share your ideas and talent!! Congrats on the new baby also :)
Please please don't scale back! I just lost Young House Love for who knows how long and both of your blogs are my very faves. Everything you touch is beautiful and checking your blog for a new post is one of my favorite parts of the day. :)
I hope life leads you in a happy direction where there is still time to inspire us. Even if it's from time to time. You are amazingly talented and inspire me greatly. I also hope that scrapbook style book comes to pass someday and love the gold shelves, I have been thinking of those since you posted them.