Two things

Hi
Well to get this topic up and running, here's my 2 pence worth - As to your first question - not 100% on that, so possibly someone else will help,
But to question 2: Fences - A desktop organizer with floating portable placement directories, I find it a great tool for keeping a clear desktop, there's a free version By Stardock, it's worth trying, great results

Fences Download - By Stardock - Clean up your desktop clutter

Best regards

Peter

You can put your icons inside the Quick launch toolbar, hide the name and stuff, and center it on your task bar..

For question 2 I'd recommend...

Rocketdock, Rainmeter, Fences, Samurize, or a Visual Style from Deviant Art!

Good luck and let me know if you need any help editing gadgets, themes, etc!
Thanks,
Kukag

Here is the tut on how to center the icons: https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...ter-icons.html
Regarding your second question: If you want no icons on the desktop, use the toolbars. That is easy and flexible. But "awsome" may mean something else to you.