You've hit the oxymoronic nail on the head, Jessica.

Android offers more customisation but this is to do one of 2 things:

1. Make it look like a Pixel (just buy a Pixel)

2. Deep change the launcher and the homescreen

The second one is largely a waste of time because its a homescreen, the hallway between the rooms (ie apps) on your phone. Sure you can hang a mirror and put up some pictures but who spends any time in a hallway?