Article: Find a freecycle network within your area or ask friends and relatives for old unwanted items. Look for furniture made from real wood that can be refinished. Unless it is in good condition, avoid second-hand plywood, particle board, or laminate furniture. While these surfaces can be cleaned and repainted, refinishing techniques such as sanding or sawing can release airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde. Check your local newspaper or Craigslist for garage sales in or near your neighborhood. You are more likely to find things for free if you go later in the day, preferably after 12:00 p.m. Use recycled wallpaper to decoupage old lamps, vases, or furniture for free. You can also use wallpaper to line shelves or the bottoms of drawers. For example, move a bookshelf from the living room to your bedroom. Look for design inspiration in your own house. Use a painting, decorative pillow, piece of clothing, or floor rug as the basis for a new design theme or color palette in your room. Ask permission from housemates before moving anything.
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Find free things. Go to garage sales. Ask for old swatch books at the wallpaper store. Move furniture and art from other places in the house for a fun change.