I too went down the infinitely wasteful path that is rainmeter. If you want a simple desktop, rainmeter is almost never the way to go. I myself can't stand blackbox, but that is the first and best option for ricing your windows. If you want something simple looking that doesn't compromise key features of windows (ahem rut), you could always install a theme such as [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] for a desktop similar to mine: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] . You'll need to have universal theme installer, startOrb Changer, a start orb, and some patience.

Here's what it looks like with windows open: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

I still haven't worked out all of the ugly white yet, but I'm getting there.