So Canadian eh? How 2 Home


This week we have the DIY dynamic duo of How 2 Home!

Please welcome...

Sarah and Franky from How 2 Home



They are ....

Sarah and Franky pen the blog, How 2 Home, a DIY go-to source for those looking for some fabulous DIY tutorials and design inspiration. Their blog is a unique one, as it is written by both Sarah and Franky, you get to see the world through each of their eyes, whether is be a walk through their favourite shop, a night on the town, a recipe,  DIY project or simply a round-up of their favourite reads of the week. There is never a dull moment around their home!

 Here is a round up of some of my favourite posts:



Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?

Franky: I am in the real estate profession. My work deals with the appraisal of real estate.  I used to do contracting so I know the construction side of property as well. 

Sarah: I am currently working with Ephra Event Design as a Junior Event planner/designer. I graduated from the Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) program at Seneca College and fell in love with the idea and creativity behind designing store windows. After graduating from VMA, I was accepted into Seneca's Event Management and Exhibitions Design program.
When I started the events program that’s when I realized this is 'it'. I found what I love to do. Planning, managing and designing a space (wedding or corporate event) to make someone's day extra special! Heck Ya! 

What made you decide to start a blog?

Our blog began as a simple "How-to" site. With the work we are involved in, we often find ourselves asking the Golden Question, How do I do this?

Whether it be event styling, construction, décor, or decking, there are always unique situations that call for creative problem solving. We wanted to start a record of tutorials for our ‘little’ everyday challenges that people can find useful or inspirational.

You both contribute to your blog, who decides what each will write? Do you each play a different role on the blog? At home?

Sarah: Ummm…We both like to come up with ideas. Usually we bounce them off each other to see what the other thinks.  Sometimes you just get that 'light-bulb' moment out of nowhere. We both share an equal role writing on the blog. I write some of the posts, Franky writes some and we usually sit down to discuss and edit them together.

A) Franky = Boss at Work

B) Sarah = Boss at Home à Boss at Home = Franky’s Boss

What have you enjoyed about blogging?

Blogging keeps us grounded. A lot of the work we deal with doesn’t keep to your usual 9-5 schedule.  Having a blog is demanding. You have to constantly update, but its a fun way to reflect on our day. People are so darn creative in the blosphere and networking with them is really quite interesting.

How would you describe your design style?

Sarah: Vintage Mix with a modern twist
Franky: I like what the designer likes. (Good answer Franky!!!)

What is one thing you feel that one can do to inject style into their home without breaking the bank?

To us, style is not always about the bucks. It sure helps, but colors, arrangement, lighting, all very important and definitely within the budget to work with.  

Many décor pieces can be hand made. That’s the best way to do it. The guys know what I’m talking about.  My favorite phrase “I can make that”.

Where do you find inspiration for your projects and your blog?

We get our inspirations from anything really. Just last week when we were having Dim Sum, I (Sarah) thought of a really cute DIY project with dollies. Totally random, I know J It could be on the drive to work with Franky, or during the walk with our dog Sammie.  

We see, We like, We make 

Some of the blogs that have played a big role in inspiring the direction of our blog: Young House Love, Rambling Renovator, hodge:podge (gosh - thanks!), Recreated Blog, Aubrey and Lindsey's blog

What is one design faux pas that you wish could be banished?

Franky: I’m not a fan of chevron. (aak - I am covering my ears) Sarah, however... loves chevron. 
Sarah: Chevron is awesome; I don’t know what Franky is talking about! (yes....)


What do you like to do in your free time?

Franky: Free time? What’s that?

Sarah: On our free time, we like to drive around Toronto and other areas just to check out real estate. Most of our spare moments are spent hanging out with our pup Sammie. She is very, very energetic and requires LONG walks. And if we can find a weekend that isn't totally booked up, antique shopping for wedding props is my Fave!

Franky: See…. What free time?

Tell us one thing that would surprise us!

Franky: Nothing’s better than a good Romantic Comedy.

Sarah: I LOVE Oreos with peanut butter J

What goals or aspirations do you have for your blog?

There's a lot we want to do with the blog. We have some new design and layout plans in the works and we can’t wait to share with everyone!

And update more, more and more! Ideally, we want to keep updating the site with new material to keep the blog fresh all the time.

Like we said before, we started the blog as a how-to resource.  Hopefully one day we can accumulate enough material to be the go-to spot for finding budget friendly home renovations/décor.

If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what would it be? 

Sarah: ELLEN DEGENERES. She is too awesome and I'm such a big fan. I love her personality and energy.  If and when I do get a chance to meet her I'll definitely be one of those crazy screaming happy fan! I love her!!

Franky: I would want to meet the genie from Aladdin, so I could ask him for 3 wishes. J

What are your views on the role of Canadian design on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart?

Canadians have amazing style.  I think we’re definitely starting to get a little more recognition. We have beautiful homes set on even more beautiful landscape. Our design is like us, of course. You know, the welcoming, friendly, cozy feel J.


I am so flattered that my blog was one of a few inspirational blogs that got you going even though lately it is a bit quiet on the DIY front.
And Sarah, we need to work on Franky regarding chevron....
Good luck with the endeavour and happy DIYing.

XO Barbara

7 comments

  1. What a fun, fun couple Barabara - thanks for introducing me to them!

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  2. I love How 2 Home and it was so much fun to learn more about Sarah and Franky! Although I'm on team Chevron, I can't help it!

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  3. Love their projects! I think I might try the dog profile DIY. Awesome feature as always :) Happy Holidays!

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  4. Aren't they cute ! Great ideas .
    Chris ... Ontario Blogger! Just Beachy!

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  5. Aren't they the cutest couple? and wonderful blog..Happy Holidays Barbara to you and your family!
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  6. Huh, never heard of them, thanks for the intro. I would love to have my hubs help me out with blogging!!!! Sorry we missed you over at Victoria's over the weekend. Hope you are feeling better.

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