Site Skinning

Most of the skinning is actually done throug the stylesheets. If you are happy with the way WP has it’s layout you won’t have to touch the index file. If you use the same values for elements on all pages you’re page will have an integrated look.
If you like to work with a header and footer the new alpha versions work with it. It’s easy to modify with the help of what you find in the docs on this site, so you can have the same header and footer everywhere. That way not only the same style will be applied, WP will also be similar in stucture or page layout.
The kitty needs to be kissed tutorial seems to be for managing your skins.