If you're only interested in Windows programing, consider skinning your apps with a product such as SkinCrafter. When I bought it it was horrendously expensive but it's come down in price quite e lot. A couple of words of caution though...

1) Make sure you try the demo copy and make them fix any problems BEFORE you spend any money. After sales support is near non-existent from what I can recall.

2) Be aware that it doesn't (or at least didn't) skin owner-draw controls. I remember loads of users pleading with them to skin the non-client areas of owner-draw controls but it was a complete waste of time trying to get them to implement new features.

SkinCrafter does have some very nice skins though. Just be sure that the product is right for you BEFORE you part with any money.

Another possibility is WindowBlinds from StarDock though I must admit, I've no experience with it.