If you want a cheap, fast, easy way to create a designer look in your home, consider decorative painting techniques. Special paint effects are much cheaper than wallpapering a room.
To create textured, multi-colored walls, first decide what colors you're going to use. If you're at a complete loss, pick up colors from upholstery or drapery fabric in the room. You don't have to limit yourself to just two colors. Paint the base color with a matte, oil-based paint, then accent with a tinted glaze using one of the following techniques:
Sponging:
1. Once the basecoat is dry, moisten sponge in water and wring out. Dip surface of sponge into paint, then blot on paper.
2. Rag the wall lightly with the sponge, changing it's position to vary pattern.
Ragging:
1. Loosely bunch up a damp absorbent rag and dip surface into paint, then blot on paper.
2. Lightly press to the wall, rebunching and rotating the rag to vary the pattern. When rag becomes dry, reload and repeat.