Sarah Richardson, host of HGTV's Sarah's House and Sarah 101, was this year's celebrity guest at the Winnipeg Kitchen, Bath and Renovation Show (KBR). Canadian decorating and design enthusiasts are crazy for Sarah; and, rightfully so! With her amazing sense of style, excellent design tips, down to earth personality and great sense of humour - what's not to love? Having admired Sarah's work for many years, I was thrilled to attend her presentation on design tips for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Naturally, Sarah was every bit as wonderful as I imagined her to be. For just over an hour, Sarah shared her go-to design tricks for creating a beautiful and functional kitchen or bathroom. A slide-show of stunning photos from Sarah's extensive portfolio illustrated each design tip and left me dreaming of all the possibilities. What was my favourite tip from Sarah? Save first, then splurge. This is a concept that Sarah has embraced time and time again; and, it is a concept that has always resonated with me. I love getting creative about what sort of trade-offs can be made in a room's design to achieve the best possible look overall. First, I think about all the ways I can save without compromising the end result of a design project. Then I know where I can afford to splurge so that the room feels finished and fabulous. Sarah's "save" tip #1: Use architectural salvage pieces to customize big box store kitchen cabinets. Salvage yard stores, which can be found in most communities, are a great place to pick up old doors, trim, fixtures and other reno supplies for your home. By incorporating just a few salvage pieces, like West Elm did in this gorgeous room shot, you are sure to be on your way to creating a kitchen that is personalized and perfectly you! I just love the warmth of the salvaged wood ceiling beams and stair rail in this minimalist style kitchen. Sarah's "save" tip #2: Use installation to your advantage by choosing standard, inexpensive tiles for large surfaces. Add impact with a gorgeous accent tile for a small area, like a wall in the shower or behind the vanity. Or, if your bathroom is really tiny, consider making a bold statement with a patterned mosaic tile floor like the one in this room shot from  Pottery Barn. The playful vibe of this patterned floor adds fresh flair to an otherwise classic black and white bathroom. Amy * Amy Walters is a Winnipeg-based design enthusiast and blogger. For more design inspiration from Amy, check out her blog aDESIGNdock .