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Easiest way to customise is to take any existing template which is close to what you want and modify it. You can change colors, images etc and make it appear as though it is a custom design for your website.
Well, thats a good way to start off without spending money. While the site is up and running you can experiment with other designs on your local server and introduce it after you are satisfied with it.
Remember even a portal like MSN started off with an old design which now may appear insipid compared to the new designs. Almost all sites evolve from basic designs to more advanced levels which even have more sophisticated softwares.