There is nothing wrong with wanting to spruce up your computing environment. Sure there are those who live and breathe more than comfortably in a console environment but if you function in a GUI then appearances can matter and if it does there are more than enough options for you to do so in Ubuntu. In fact any Linux desktop can be beautified in this or a similar fashion. I have found two important programs for you to install from the Ubuntu Software Center that will allow you to drastically change the appearance of your Ubuntu desktop and app windows.

Art Manager

This is a critical tool to beautify the appearance of Ubuntu. Search for it and install it. It allows you to obtain thousands of backgrounds and themes made for Gnome. It basically interfaces with http://art.gnome.org/ and fetches some really cool, ready made themes and wallpapers for your desktop on your request.

Desktop Drapes

Auto rotate and manage your desktop wallpaper with this handy tool. Set the timer intervals for switching the background. Point it to a set directory filled with your favorite background and away you go! The Ubuntu Software Center is a powerful tool for beautifying your interface! Search around for more tools…

Feeling daring

If you want to go the extra mile then you should tweak SYSTEM >> PREFERENCES >> APPEARANCE and look for the VISUAL EFFECTS tab. If your graphics card can handle it the default effects are amazing! If you really feel daring have a look at Compiz Fusion, Emerald and related goodies in the Ubuntu Software Center.