i totally agree about ikea, wyatt...i sort of hate going into people's houses when i can totally tell that they bought everything from area rugs to silverware at ikea! so boring!
also great advice ^...i love the look of an entirely white space with subtle color.
because i have no idea of your taste or what you like decorationally, i suggest picking up a few magazines!
dwell
http://www.dwellmag.com/
readymade
http://www.readymademag.com/
readymade is awesome because it's pretty much completely DIY and offers solutions to things like small spaces with really inexpensive but stylish alternatives. they have step by step instructions and often use their readership for inspiration and ideas.
i just found this website
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
good luck! moving into a new place is pretty much my favorite thing ever, especially when you're in control of the decor!