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Here are some great resources to get you started on customizing the Django admin and some more in depth pieces as well as packages that can help you along the way. Remember that the admin interface was meant to be extended. Best of luck!
Django AdminPlus lets you add admin views that are not tied to models. This package is lightweight and tacks onto the existing admin site.
Nexus is a pluggable admin application for Django that helps give you simple design and architecture. This is actively maintained by Disqus.
Here’s an article on how to get started customizing the style of the admin and is helpful for getting your feet wet on how to make changes.
Here is a more in depth article about customizing the admin interface and the philosophy behind what it represents and the assumptions that were made when initially creating it.