Once upon a time decorating one's home was as simple as picking up the phone and calling a professional decorator. There are still those for whom this is the norm. For the rest of us, decorating our homes is something that we see as unaffordable. Think about it: how many people do you know who live in under decorated homes (or completely undecorated homes) because they simply cannot afford to purchase decorating items? It is quite possible to decorate an entire home without ignoring your budget! These are all things that you can do in your spare time and with very little money.
Visit your local craft fairs. When you go to craft fairs you can find great work by local artists who are eager to sell the work they've created. The prices will range wildly at craft fairs, but you can usually find at least one or two items for your home you can afford to buy. Over time you will find that you recognize most of the artists you are seeing at each of the craft fairs you visit. There is a chance that the artists you get to know will remember who you are, what you like and might even given you a bargain for some of your purchases.
Take some time to explore the internet. Artists like sculptors, photographers and others are always selling their work through the internet. Etsy is just one portal through which people sell their handmade items for reasonable prices. Many artists upload their work for free to community sites like Flickr where you can look through their portfolios for free. Some will sell items directly through their own websites. There are great and affordable deals all over the world wide web-you don't have to stay with the traditional sites like Ebay or Amazon.
Buy new rugs to replace your existing ones. Even homes with wall to wall carpet can be given a new look with rugs-just use rugs that take up most of the floor space. Finding a room sized rug is easy-most department stores carry them. If you have hardwood or tile floors, use accent rugs to change the feel of the room. Using accent rugs to decorate is cost effective and easy. Accent rugs can even be hand made for relatively low cost if you know how to knit or crochet.
Remember to pace yourself when you are decorating. Decorations don't have to be expensive to be beautiful. Don't get too excited over buying expensive stuff. Keep your existing decorating scheme in your mind while you look for new pieces. You probably already have stuff in your home that you love and want to use! Think outside the box! Even a wicker basket filled with pine cones from the back yard can be decorative! Don't rush-think about what you really want to do and what it will cost and then say "okay but I am only going to spend half that."