Cheapskate Hall of Fame

"Instead of paying a lot of money for a tile backsplash, I measured the backsplash area, went to a restaurant-supply store, and got a piece of stainless steel custom-cut for the space. I glued it on myself, and it fits perfectly and works great. For my countertops, I looked at granite but instead ended up buying butcher block from IKEA and had my contractor cut it to fit. I then stained it to match my floors. With an open kitchen plan, it really gives a finished look to the space."