Even Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran Is a Fan of This Cost-Cutting Reno Hack

In today’s economy, even millionaires like Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran can appreciate a cost-saving reno hack. In a recent post from Caleb Simpson, a content creator known for his TikTok home tours, we got a peek at Corcoran’s $850,000 double-wide trailer in California where the kitchen walls are decked out in blue and white tile that the Shark says were left over from her New York City remodel. (Specifically, they were scraps from her guest bathroom.) We’re no strangers to this creative solution: We’ve seen plenty of budget-conscious renovators upcycle tile from one project to the next. Ahead, three more ways savvy homeowners have made the most of their extras. 

Hang on to Your Rejects 

While selecting a backsplash for their kitchen, singer-songwriter Drew Cohen and his wife, Karina Nicholson, racked up a sizable number of Clé tile samples to consider. Once they eventually settled on pink zellige, they were left with a dilemma regarding the remaining options. Then it hit them: Combine them all to create a color-blocked mini backsplash for the powder room.

Make the Most of Mistakes

At $30 apiece, Claire Thomas would have maxed out the budget for her Big Bear, California, cabin had she decided to cover the kitchen in this geometric tile. The idea for the artful backdrop actually came from a serendipitous miscalculation. She overestimated what was needed for the fireplace platform, so she relegated the leftovers to the area behind the cooktop, while a simple white subway option fills out the rest of the room.

Take Your Leftovers Outside

The outdoor shower in Justina Blakeney’s backyard is the highlight of her L.A. home. “I literally shower out here every single day,” she says. She built it on a budget by using leftover tile from an old kitchen project and transforming brick molds into wall-mounted shampoo shelves. When in doubt, it pays off to shop your own home.