Needing help customizing WP to my html layout

I have tried everything from copy/pasting my code into index.php to have a similiar feel like my main site, https://mattluria.com, to creating my own template and its giving me fits beyond belief. I am a complete novice at php and most of the most beginner books and help files are greek to me.

I’m just trying to get my top sectio and my left hand column into the blog and the right sidebar not covering my buttons.

If I had 100’s of free hours to customize my template I would but senior thesis is taking my time to no end. I will gladly accept tips and pointers.

ML