Performance first, but I still like my rods to look good.  And with different wraps I can easily distinguish between rods.  If all black. . . . ??

I picked up some used Fenwick Aetos spinning rods used a few years ago.  Had no idea what they actually looked like, they were just a good deal so I bought them.  Probably my favorite looking of all my rods, the blue swirl they have is great.  Second place is probably my Mojo Bass Glass, I dig the green.  

 

I'm not really picky on the color, though.  Just nothing bright.  I've got a buddy who has some white rods, I couldn't stand having those in my vision all the time.

I like a split grip and in order of preference, cork, EVA foam or Winn Grip handle. Black or grey blank to match most reels. 

I got into building rods for two reasons. I wanted a rod with the best performance I could afford and I wanted it to look exactly like what it is, custom.  Every rod I've built, either for myself, or friends/family, has decorative guide wraps and most have intricate butt wraps. I still use some of my St.Croix and one of my Quantum Tournament Series rods, but I love breaking those custom rods out when I'm out with someone.