Or every second subject column is a slightly darker shade, (this was Photoshopped, they are currently all the same shade). I have tried in vain to find this, but maybe l have missed it.

What you are looking for is called "Zebra". With the search function of this site you should find some topics how to create that effect.

 

Or every second subject column is a slightly darker shade, (this was Photoshopped, they are currently all the same shade). I have tried in vain to find this, but maybe l have missed it.

This is what I use on my default theme...just copy and paste this code into your theme's custom css file:

/**
 * Zebra Stripes.
 */
.ipsDataList.ipsDataList_zebra .ipsDataItem:not( .ipsDataItem_selected ):not( .ipsModerated ):not( .ipsDataItem_new ):not( .ipsDataItem_success ):not( .ipsDataItem_warning ):not( .ipsDataItem_error ):not( .ipsDataItem_info ):not( .ipsDataItem_status ):nth-child(even) {
	background: #fafafa; /* change this to any HEX color code you want. */
}

Change #fafafa to what ever color you want!