Personally, I don't think Windows 8, OSX, or Ubuntu look nice out the box. They're all pretty average, but I think Ubuntu defaults with the overall look and fee

Personally, I don't think Windows 8, OSX, or Ubuntu look nice out the box. They're all pretty average, but I think Ubuntu defaults with the overall look and feel is the most pleasant. The Unity sidebar and blurred glass search background is much better looking than the boring startmenu/metro or tacky faux 3d launcher and grey gradients all over the place. Granted, it's been a while since I have seen the default.