MacOS – OS X El Capitan – How to specify individual sets of Hot Corners for different Virtual Desktops

The answer is simple (and very Apple-like!).

Simply close all extra desktops until you only have one desktop. (To do this, go to Mission Control, hold down alt and click the crosses which appear on unwanted desktops).

Then change the desktop background for the one remaining desktop.

Now any new desktops you create will inherit the background of that first desktop.

You wouldn't need two VMs running, merely one running while you use the host OS X would accomplish what you want. It would be easier to give a suggestion based on a more detailed explanation of what you wish to do or accomplish.

If you want something to not disappear when changing spaces try using the "assign to all" option.

From comments below, option for multiple docks

dockit dockshelf