[Max Taxable]

If you look at the largest, most populated and busiest boards, they all have really simple, clean styles that aren't lurid, gaudy or garish, and are light in kb load. Therefore they load very fast.

The real question you need to ask is - am I looking for a style I like, or one that most people will like. Am I feeding my own ego or am I keeping the membership in consideration.

Additionally - embrace mobile or die. Most of the browsers that will be visiting your site are going to be mobile browsers today.