The solution? She and her husband (who happens to be an industrial designer) decided to “hack the system.” By hacking supplies from big box stores, making friends with the pros, and finding affordable alternatives to their favorite materials, they were able to get their dream kitchen and bathroom—while staying within their budget. The next time you’re planning a home remodel, keep these thrifty remodeling hacks in mind. In the bathroom, they used IKEA countertop, but they hacked the trendy waterfall countertop look by also installing the material down the sides of the bathroom vanity. The end result: a custom waterfall countertop, but for an IKEA price tag. Even if you’re not an industrial designer, you can still reach out to a local welder, woodworker, or specialist in your area to get a cost estimate for a project you have in mind. And especially if you’re willing to DIY some portion of the project or do the install yourself, it can save you thousands of dollars. Want to see more of Stacy’s stunning home? Follow along on Instagram and check out what she’s writing on her blog.