Actually you don't need to root for majority of the customizations. I just dl'd launcherpro, then connected to my computer and added custom docks and icons I found all over this site and deviantart. The boot up launcherpro, and do a long hold on the present icons and click change icon--->then pick custom. LMK if you need instructions for the bottoms dock. Im still learning how to change the top doc (notification).
Here's how mine look earlier today. Its a little bit different know as I find new icons and wall papers:
KVN