Lady-bug, I felt much the same as you about my c/s. In hindsight, I didn't need it, but if it wasn't for that and my concern over VBAC hospital guidelines, I wouldn't have looked into HB. All the way from a scheduled c/s to a freebirth - bit of a difference!

For my birth space, I didn't do much for my first HB, just lots of mental preparation. Set the space up, but no decoration, just the practical things, dimmed lighting, warm pool, bean bags, etc. I did Blessingway flags for my second HB and had everyone write something on them. More emotional prep this time. I did set the room up (same one), but this time only with the birth pool.