Question: I usually use kubuntu, but I had to install a custom kernel on my laptop and it's a lot easier with arch. The problem is that kde looks terrible in arch, especially the GTK applications. I know there are all sorts of tutorials of installing gnome icons, and various peicewise fixes, but is there a way to find out exactly how kubuntu sets up KDE so I can just duplicate that?

Answer: 
On Arch you should consider installing **[KDEmod](http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/KDEmod)** ( from [The Chakra Project](http://chakra-project.org/) ) instead of KDE. 

> 
> Install a minimal KDE4 system:
> 
> 
> 
> ```
> # pacman -S kdemod-minimal
> 
> ```
> 
> Alternatively, fetch a richer set of
>  applications:
> 
> 
> 
> ```
> # pacman -S kdemod
> 
> ```
> 
> or opt for a fuller set:
> 
> 
> 
> ```
> # pacman -S kdemod-complete
> 
> ```
> 
> 

According to the **[kdemod wiki](http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/KDEmod)**, you will need to install this package :

```
pacman -S kdemod-extragear-gtk-qt-engine

```

to get a more uniform look for QT and GTK apps.

Also checkout this [article](http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Uniform_Look_for_QT_and_GTK_Applications).
Sadly KDEMod Repositories is no longer active.

Use [this](http://chakra-project.org/) now.