Making WPF not look like Windows XP

WPF has a reputation for ugly, dated UIs. Most WPF apps still look like they're from 2008. Here's how I make mine look modern.

Custom control templates — all of them

Every default control — buttons, sliders, scrollbars — gets a complete template override. Yes, it's verbose. Yes, it's worth it.

No system colors

Define your own palette in ResourceDictionary. Two background shades and one accent. Don't touch SystemColors.

Smooth animations on everything

WPF's Storyboard system is powerful when used right. Animate every hover and transition. This alone makes an app feel 10x more polished.

Load a modern font

Inter or JetBrains Mono. The default Segoe UI is fine but a custom font signals this isn't a stock WPF app.

Result: apps people genuinely don't believe are WPF.