Kubuntu default look

[Flavio Tordini]

Hi all,
I'm a Kubuntu user since the very first release. I'd like to propose 
enhancements to the default Kubuntu look. Sane defaults are vital for people 
not able or not willing to customize their desktop. I'm aware that this topic 
is highly subjective and that there is no perfect solution, anyway here are 
my proposals:

1. Use nuoveXT (http://nuovext.pwsp.net/) as the default iconset. nuoveXT 
looks very professional and is available for both for KDE and Gnome. Kubuntu 
should come with both versions installed.

2. Use DejaVu Sans Condensed instead of DejaVu Sans. The Condensed version is 
smoother. The "sans" alias should be resolved to the chosen font and not to 
Bitstream Vera.

3. Provide GTK+ libs configured with the ClearLooks theme, nuoveXT icons, and 
Dejavu Sans Condensed. ClearLooks is cleaner and more stable than GtkQt, 
users care more about great looking apps than identical widgets everywhere 
(think OSX Aqua and Brushed Metal). A typical user will surely need at least 
one GTK+ application, and it has to look good out of the box.

4. Use bigger icons, 16x16 icons are a relic from the past. The toobar icon 
size should be 32x32. Some applications still have way too much toolbuttons 
(e.g. KOffice), they should be simplified. Small icons should be 22x22. Icons 
in the KMenu should be set to 32x32: 
http://purl.org/net/flavio/download/kubuntu-proposal/kmenu.png

5. The color set is too dark/bluish. The "Redmond XP" color theme is a good 
starting point, especially the light gray background. The "Contrast" setting 
should be set to "Low". The "Alternate background in lists" should be set to 
white. The violet Konqueror filelist background should be dropped in favor of 
a plain white one.

6. The Lipstik style should be configured as shown in this screenshot 
http://purl.org/net/flavio/download/kubuntu-proposal/lipstik.png, 
especially the menu gradients should be removed.

And here's the final result:
http://purl.org/net/flavio/download/kubuntu-proposal/filemanager.png

kind regards,
Flavio Tordini