There's been a lot of debate about the graphite interface and workspace. A number of major photo-editing-graphics software packages have moved to a darker color. I think it may relate to studies indicating it's easier on the user in evaluating images. Much like PaintShop Pro's full-screen mode is actually full screen, only the image with no distracting borders. In my humble opinion, the PSP idea is best, making it easier to evaluate an image in full-screen mode.

Bob