The cheapest way to redo a sofa, if you cannot reupholster, is to get a king sized sheet and some ribbon or lace. Place the sheet over the sofa, tuck in behind and at the sides and then tie the front and back corners up with lace or ribbon. Buy gallons of paint and paint the walls. For added decoration, take an old sponge and dip it a new color and lightly sponge over the other layer of paint. Gives a lot of texture to a wall.
Linoleum is surprisingly easier to lay.
You need some linoleum glue and an edging knife. Most department stores now carry 6 x 9 foot rolls of linoleum and you can turn a section in front of a door into an entry way. Measure the area, pencil it on the back of the linoleum, cut and glue to the floor where you want it installed. Buy inexpensive picture frames and put in your favorite snapshots. Most Dollar Stores carry nice frames for very little price.