I choose to keep it simple. I only use 2 programs regarding my desktop.
Cool Bananas Software's "Cool Desktop" - Makes desktop icons disappear.
Wallpaper Changer v1.90 - Cycles randomly through pictures saved in a file...currently have a file of over 110 pics that it cycles through.
I have shortcuts to all the programs I use in the quick launch bar docked at the top of the screen so the stuff I use is only a click away. All you see when you look at my desktop is the quick launch bar docked at the top, the task bar docked at the bottom and the wallpaper pic that's always changing. Never seen a setup like this before, but it's simple and it works. Plus, it was all free!