title: When should I write my own Look and Feel for Java Swing instead of customizing one?
body: <p>I have used a few different Look and Feels for Java Swing, but I don't really like anyone to 100% so I often end up with customizing it a lot. Sometimes I am thinking about if it is a better idea to write my own LaF (by extending an existing one), but I don't really know.</p>
  
  <p>For the moment, I mostly use <a href="http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/javase/java6u10/#nimbus" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Nimbus</a>, but I change all colors (to darker ones) and rewrite the appearance of some components, like <a href="http://www.jasperpotts.com/blog/2008/08/skinning-a-slider-with-nimbus/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">sliders</a> and scrollbars. I also mostly customize all tables and I am thinking about to change the look of a few other components.</p>
  
  <p>When is it recommended to create a new Look-and-Feel instead of customizing one? What are the pros and cons?</p>
  
  <p>I.e. customize Nimbus or create a new one by extending Nimbus?</p>
  
  <p>Related article: <a href="http://java.sun.com/products/jfc/tsc/articles/sce/index.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Creating a Custom Look and Feel</a> (old)</p>