Cut out pictures from ads and magazines and then check tag sales, second hand stores etc for things that you could make over.Think of multiple or unusual uses for ordinary items. You can also get some fun organizing stuff at dollar stores and discount stores. Be creative and make your room original

Ikea has amazing deals on unpainted units as well as mod metal units. I'm sure with Black Friday just around the corner they'll have a huge sale upcoming.

I would look for sale items that are similar to pottery barn BUT do not buy from that store, its over priced and not economically friendly!

Spend serious $ only on that which will get a lot of wear/use - like a comfy desk chair where you study, your bed, or chair where you read. The rest you can find at flea markets, the Goodwill or Salvation Army stores, or discount stores. Today I bought a beautiful red lacquered lamp at Big Lots for $15.00. One very similar was at J.C.Penneys for $89.00. There are many art websites where you can copy onto photograph computer paper works that float your boat...nature...architecture..sports...music ...the performing arts...to create your own personal theme or to reflect your personality. Go to a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe's and wander through the woodworking or hardware /plumbing departments. With a little imagination you can find alternative uses for so many of the gadgets and gizzies there. Flip through decorating magazines at a bookstore for ideas or through wallpaper books to get inspired for putting a room together with a certain "look." I love the Pottery Barn too. My dream is to win the lottery, hire a monster truck and have one of everything from their latest catalog shipped to my home! Good luck to both of us!

See if you can find a Pottery Barn outlet store near you.

First decide what pieces are the most important.
There are certain pieces that make a room.
Everything else just enhances it. Determine those important pieces that "ground" your look and spend more time and the greater part of your budget on those.
Then add to it systematically, making sure you are creating that "feel" you are after.