You are not mistaken. We are moving to a single look/style for the site. Managing multiple styles has proved to be problematic and in general is an outdated concept dating back to a time when having multiple looks trumped content. We are creating a single, generic look that definitely has style, but doesn't draw attention to itself and instead focuses attention on the content of the site.
Let me share our process for the new look;
First we did research and decided on a look that does, in some ways, mimic the current default, which is a dark chrome, with a light content area and dark text. This pulls your eye to the content (stay with me, because I know where you are going) and not to the chrome. We then used a graphic designer to mellow all the colors and make them as unobtrusive and as limited in contrast as possible. We actually went a bit too far with that initially as some of the colors were so subtle that it was hard to read on certain computers (because everyone's monitor is different). We had to come back in and punch some of the colors up just a bit so they were easier to read, but have maintained a VERY neutral contrast without the stark white you see in the current style. In fact, I don't think we actually use pure white anywhere on the site other than in the "RPF" of our logo at the top of the page.
The logo and header banner will auto rotate to show off different looks, but the chrome and background will not change.
lol:lol
