How far are you prepared to go in changing what your desktop looks like? Some people only change the wallpaper once in a while, others go as far as customizing color palette or icons, too. Daring individuals pluck up courage enough to try a whole new shell - like GeoShell, for a start.
     GeoShell is a complete substitution for the Windows shell with its own taskbars, skins, etc. It changes not just icons or wallpaper but the whole look of your system along with all application windows and the main taskbar. Instead of one inseparable taskbar, you can now use several smaller movable bars. There is a variety of skins (dozens! Subject to additional download) and plug-ins.
     The program is pretty tricky to install: after going through the seemingly routine installation, go to the program directory, jump to the docs directory and follow the instructions to make GeoShell your default shell. Otherwise, just run it above the Explorer shell and play around with it to try and see if it's of use to you.